Stimuli-induced reversible transformation between isomers of copper(I) clusters sharing an identical core.

Authors

Yao Wang, Fang-Xue Xiao, Ziyong Chen, Eric Ka-Ho Wong, Jun Yi, Liang-Liang Yan, Vivian Wing-Wah Yam

Published in

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Volume 123. Issue 38. Pages e2619869123. Sep 22, 2026. Epub Sep 15, 2026.

Abstract

The construction of reversible structural isomerization in atomically precise metal clusters remains a daunting challenge. Herein, we report the application of a bifunctionalized phosphine-alkyne ligand, (2-ethynylphenyl)diphenylphosphine (HL), to synthesize an octanuclear copper(I) cluster Cu₈-1 [(Cu₈(L)₆(PF₆)₂], which can undergo a clean and reversible transformation to a Cu₈-2 isomer responsive to solvent or temperature stimuli. The structural isomerization process has been readily monitored by NMR in solution. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies further suggested the possible occurrence of a dynamic ligand rearrangement with reversible Cu-P coordination bond dissociation/reformation with the Cu₈ kernel remained intact. This reversible structural switching is accompanied by a luminescence color change between green (520 nm, Cu₈-1) and red (625 nm, Cu₈-2). This work not only provides a simple approach to achieve stimuli-induced isomerization between Cu₈-1 and Cu₈-2 but also offers an ideal platform for investigating their structure-property relationships.

PMID:
42743283
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Sep 2026.

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