Redox-Stimulated Motion and Bistability in Metal Complexes and Organometallic Compounds

Abstract

Control over reversible changes to molecular structure forms the basis for artificial molecular machines that could eventually lead to the development of molecule-based nanotechnology. Particular applications in information storage and processing could emerge where the structural rearrangements give rise to bistability and molecular hysteresis effects. Oxidation-state-dependent coordination and bonding preferences in transition metal complexes and organometallic compounds provide a versatile approach to the control of molecular motions by redox input, but so far, few structural motifs have been applied in redox-actuated molecular machines. Further progress toward molecule-based nanoscale devices might be accomplished with molecular components derived from a wider range of structural themes and forms of molecular motion. Examples of redox-stimulated rearrangements in metal complexes and organometallic compounds are described that have been employed in molecular machines or could be considered for the design of new functional molecules.