The integrity and functionality of spin-crossover complexes, which exhibit an intrinsic magnetic bistability, is generally lost on metal surfaces, with only rare exceptions. In contrast, robust metal-organic complexes such as metal porphyrins rely on external ligands to induce spin switching. We introduce a new class of spin switches utilising the mechanical movement of an axial pyridine ligand strapped to a Ni porphyrin ring. A particular design of the strap ensures a coupling between the shape of the porphyrin, the coordination number and the spin of the Ni center. The relation between the coordination and the spin state is evidenced in the crystalline state and on a Ag(111) surface using near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Reversible switching of individual complexes on Ag(111) is demonstrated using low-temperature scanning microscopy. Besides the promises in molecular spintronics, this class of systems may turn useful to control the catalytic reactivity of surfaces.
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