Ionically Self-Assembled Clustomesogen with Switchable Magnetic/Luminescence Properties Containing [Re6Se8(CN)6]n− (n = 3, 4) Anionic Clusters

Octahedral anionic rhenium clusters are obtained by high-temperature solid-state chemistry synthesis as single crystals or powders within which their charge is counter balanced by alkali cations. The ceramic-like behavior of the solid-state Re6 based inorganic compound limits strongly their use in functional devices. We present herein a facile route to introduce these anionic clusters in a self-organized hybrid organic–inorganic material. By replacing alkali countercations by mesogenic organic ones, polarized optical microscopy (POM), DSC, X-ray, magnetic, fluorescence, and cyclic voltammetry techniques confirm that a lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystal material, able to switch reversibly from a bright red NIR luminescent form to a magnetic green-colored one, is obtained.