Dual coordination in ditopic azabipyridines and azaterpyridines as a key for reversible switching

Dual coordination at two distinct nitrogen binding sites in various ditopic azabipyridines and azaterpyridines was evaluated by preparing 3- and 4-component complexes. The 4-aza-2,2'-bipyridine unit was implemented into a nanoswitch and used for reversible switching between open and closed forms.