Mechano-, thermo-, solvato-, and vapochromism in bis(acetato-κ1O)[4'-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)](2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-κ3N,N',N'')zinc(ii) and its polymer.

The titled complex exhibits multi-functional luminochromism in the solid state, despite its simple chemical structure. The complex shows solid-state vapochromism and mechanochromism. The polymer analogue of the complex undergoes solvatochromism and thermochromism.