Solvent-Triggered Fast and Visible Switching between Cage- and Channel-Type Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks

The inherent weak bonding nature of hydrogen-bonded organic
frameworks
(HOFs) performs like a double-edged sword in that it endows HOFs with
superiority in processability and dynamicity but deactivates its on-demand
controllability in the crystalline phase. Herein, based on the synergy
of dynamic H-bonding interactions and the tailored low solubility
in common organic solvents, reversible and fast topological transitions
between cage- and channel-type HOFs were achieved upon immersing in
the solution state. The aggregation-induced-emission character of
the tecton facilitates the visualization of the elusive initial transition
process with high sensitivity. In addition, the visible transition
from cage- and channel-type HOFs to thermally stable crystalline phases
is also achieved under thermal induction.