Here, we report a new photosensitive metal–organic framework (MOF) that was constructed via the modification of UiO-66-NH₂ with diarylethene molecules (DAE, 4-(5-Methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-(2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)-4-furan-2,5-dione). The material that was obtained was a highly crystalline porous compound. The photoresponse of the modified MOF was observed via UV–Vis and IR spectroscopy. Most of the DAE molecules inside of the UiO-66-pores had an open conformation after synthesis. However, the equilibrium was able to be shifted further toward an open conformation using visible light irradiation with a wavelength of 520 nm. Conversely, UV-light with a wavelength of 450 nm initiated the transformation of the photoresponsive moieties inside of the pores to a closed modification. We have shown that this transformation could be used to stimulate hydrogen adsorption–desorption processes. Specifically, visible light irradiation increased the H₂ capacity of modified MOF, while UV-light decreased it. A similar hybrid material with DAE moieties in the UiO-66 scaffold was applied for hydrogen storage for the first time. Additionally, the obtained results are promising for smart H₂ storage that is able to be managed via light stimuli.

Ninhydrin oxime and mercaptoalkanoic acids in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid form 2,2′-spiranes incorporating indane-1,3-dione and 3-hydroxy-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one or 3-hydroxytetrahydro-1,3-thiazin-4-one moieties. On heating in acetic anhydride, the same reactants undergo replacement of oxime hydroxy group by sulfur thus affording thiooxime-containing alkanoic acids.