Magnetic Behavior and Liquid‐Crystal Properties in Spin‐Crossover Cobalt(II) Compounds with Long Alkyl Chains

Abstract

Abstract Long‐chain‐alkylated terpyridine cobalt(II) complexes provide an opportunity for the study not only of their unique physical properties but also of the synchronicity between spin‐state transitions and crystal–liquid‐crystal phase transitions because the thermal motion of the long alkyl chains leads to a synergetic effect exerted by external stimuli. This microreview presents recent results of terpyridine cobalt(II) complexes bearing a variety of long alkyl chains with a particular focus on the structural features as well as magnetic and liquid‐crystalline properties. In addition, various influences, such as the size of the counter anion, the polarity of the terminal substituent, and mixed metal‐ion systems, on the magnetic properties of these complexes are also discussed.