Substitution at the metal center of coordination polymers in single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation

Abstract

With the explosive growth in the synthesis of coordination polymers, several systems are now available which exhibit transformation without losing single crystallinity. Among different types of single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformations, those that involve the first coordination sphere of the metal centers are only a few in number. Nevertheless, they constitute an important case of SC-SC transformation because they are likely to activate small molecules inside the pores, can lead to separation of geometrical isomers, and so on. In this highlight, we have focused our attention on several examples of SC-SC transformations at the metal center. As the crystallinity is maintained in these cases, great insights into the entire process can be obtained that are potentially important in the development of new and technologically useful nano-scale devices and sensors. Besides, they can help in designing new catalytic systems.