Calix‐Like Metal–Organic Complex for High‐Sensitivity X‐Ray‐Induced Photochromism

Metal‐organic complexes (MOCs) as promising candidates for directly visual X‐ray detection at room temperature are rare and discovered unexpectedly, even though every crystalline material needs X‐ray diffraction studies. Here, we report a rational strategy of mimicking host‐guest system for developing high‐sensitive X‐ray‐induced photochromic materials. Two resulting calix‐like metal‐organic complexes (cMOC‐1 and cMOC‐2) were prepared by encapsulating the electron‐capturing “guest” into the cavity of calix‐like electron‐donating “host.” One of them (cMOC‐1) achieves instantaneous X‐ray‐induced photochromism and easy recovery by synergizing the aprotic matrix of MOC and similar host‐guest interaction. Their strikingly different response to X‐ray irradiation resulting from the structural difference demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of our design strategy. This strategy may open new perspectives for developing high‐performance photo‐responsive functional materials.