The stability of different supramolecular assemblies was examined by performing disassembly experiments with pyridine and with trifluoroacetic acid. Pyridine-induced disassembly was found to be most pronounced for complexes containing N-donor ligands of low basicity. At the same time, these assemblies displayed high acid resistance. The contrasting stability in the presence of acid or pyridine can be used for the pH-controlled switching between different metallosupramolecular structures. In addition, supramolecular structures can be reversibly disassembled with the use of a metastable-state photoacid, rendering the systems light responsive. Upon irradiation, proton transfer from the photoacid to the ligand is observed, resulting in disassembly of the metallasupramolecular structure. In the dark, the process is fully reversed. Light-induced switching was demonstrated for different metal–ligand assemblies containing PdII , PtII, or RuII complexes and bridging polypyridyl ligands. The methodology allows liberating guest molecules with light triggers.

pH-controlled switching between different metallosupramolecular structures

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