Light-triggered reversible disassembly of stimuli-responsive coordination metallosupramolecular Pd 2 L 4 cages mediated by azobenzene-containing ligands

Herein, a new light stimuli-responsive supramolecular metal–organic coordination M 2 L 4 azo-cage with lantern-shaped architecture is designed and synthesized by coordinating two square-planar-coordinated Pd 2+ ions with four trans -azobenzene-containing bis-pyridyl ligands (azo-ligand). The azo-cage can be reversibly disassembled/reassembled mediated by the azo-ligand under visible and UV light irradiation.