Photosalient Cd( ii ) complexes by visible-light-driven single-crystal-to-single-crystal [2+2] stereoselective cycloaddition

Three Cd(II) complexes, featuring mononuclear and chain structures, display distinct photosalient phenomena driven by visible-light-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal [2+2] cycloadditions. By harnessing the intrinsic anisotropic lattice strain of these photoactive materials, macroscopic photoactuators were successfully realized in the form of crystal-PVA composite films.