Molecular Switches Based on Iron(II) Coordination Compounds

The aim of this project is the design, development, and investigation of switchable nanoscopic coordination compounds for storage and transformation of energy. The compounds exhibit concerted and sequential electronic molecular switching upon thermal or electro-magnetical excitation. The investigation of the associated conversion and transport of the thermally or optically injected energy is the main focus. A milestone is the synthetical modification of the switchable multinuclear compounds. Such modification is based on electronical or sterical substitutions in the organic framework as well as in the metal centers. The switching of the compounds will be investigated in powder and / or crystalline states.