Flexible magnetic coordination networks sensitive to guest molecules

Structurally flexible coordination networks that react to different external stimuli with structure deformation, and consequently changes in magnetic properties, are potential candidates for molecular switches and sensors. The design of guest-sensitive molecular magnetic materials based on the specific building blocks: [Ni(cyclam)]2+ (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) cation and polycyanometallate anions is discussed. The examples of different dimensionality networks and the changes in their structure and magnetic properties in response to sorption of small molecules are presented.