Chapter 10 - Assembly Chemistry of Coordination Polymers

Abstract

A coordination polymer contains metal ions linked by coordinated organic ligands into an infinite array. Coordination bonds must define this infinite array. Therefore, a structure linked by coordination bonds in one direction and supramolecular interactions in two other directions is a one-dimensional coordination polymer; a structure linked by coordination bonds in two directions and supramolecular interactions in another direction is a two-dimensional coordination polymer; and a structure linked by coordination bonds in three directions is, of course, a three-dimensional coordination polymer. It is well known that metal ions and organic bridging ligands are diversified in coordination behavior and geometry; the combinations via coordination bonds are naturally diversified. A huge number of structurally different or similar coordination polymers with different functionalities, such as porous frameworks for gas sorption and separation, catalysis, molecular and ion-exchange, molecular magnets, luminescence, and so on, have been established. Coordination bonds are usually stronger and have better directionality than hydrogen bonds and other weak supramolecular interactions. Therefore, the coordination preference of metal ions and the structures of organic bridging ligands play a critical role in the formation of coordination polymeric nets.