Phys.org September 9, 2019
Researchers in Germany have developed and manufactured a novel molecule called 3-methoxy-9-fluorenylidene which is based on a fluorine scaffold with a methoxy group attached in the shape of a rotational tail. They figured out that the molecule’s magnetic properties are determined by the orientation of the methoxy group, which changes its conformation depending on the kind of light that hits it. It can be used to switched on and off magnetism; it is not brittle like conventional magnets, but flexible and can be processed like plastics. Using this group of atoms, we can study the spin dependence of reactions. It could also play a role in the development of novel switchable magnetic materials and chemical sensors, but it is stable only at extremely low temperatures. The researchers are researching into magnetically switchable materials that can be used under ambient conditions…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE