Read/write cycles, multiple

The notion of using molecules as storage centers for electronic memory is seductive. Use of molecules in memory clearly allows for extraordinary miniaturization, thereby permitting a high density of information storage. Because of their capacity to store multiple electrons (bits) and to exhibit diverse stereochemistries, metal complexes are of particular interest. One feature needed for a practical molecular memory is the ability of the redox functionahty to sustain multiple read-write cycles, that is, to withstand multiple oxidations and reductions without decomposition. Such a consideration is a concern for metal complexes that are typically more stable in one redox form compared to the others. 

Y is then reconverted back to X (erase). Such a write-lock-read-unlock-erase cycle could constitute the basis for an optical memory system with multiple storage and nondestructive readout capacity. 

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