A photo-induced excited state structure of a hetero-bimetallic ionic pair complex, Nd(DMA)_4(H_2O)_4Fe(CN)_6 3H_2O, analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffractionf

摘要

The excited state crystal structure of the ionic complex (Nd(DMA)_4(H_2O)_4-Fe(CN)_6 3H_2O (DMA = dimethylacetamide) has been determined at 15 K upon UV V illumination by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Significant structural changes are observed around the Fe site in the excited state. These changes are similar to those observed for a related molecular compound exhibiting photomagnetic properties. The development of new materials with tailored physical properties controlled by external stimuli such as light-irradiation has been given much attention in recent years. Excitation processes can cause redistribution of electrons in a molecule and, as a consequence, structural changes may happen. Diffraction experiments provide a unique experimental access to such excited state structures and make it possible to quantify the light-induced electronic properties.