Extended networks formed by coordination polymers in the solid state

Coordination polymers based upon the self-assembly of metal ions with bridging ligands often show fascinating extended network structures in the solid state. In principle, variation of the molecular components used in the construction of such networks (i.e. metal ion, bridging ligand, co-ligands and counter-anion) affords an almost limitless range of materials that, it is anticipated, will have interesting physical and electronic properties. Thus, linking different metal ions showing different stereochemical preferences with designed bridging-ligands of varying topology and connectivity means that many different network topologies can be accessed. The enormous number of variables associated with coordination network construction means that a ‘combinatorial chemical apporach’ is an appropriate methodology for screening product structures. As it can be difficult to control and predict the nature of the network polymer produced, current research continues to search for an understanding of how building-block design can be used to control extended network structure so that functional materials can be targeted specifically.