1D coordination network formed by a cadmium based pyridyl urea helical monomer

► Here we report a macrocyclic ligand that consists of three pyridines and three ureas. ► Ligand has remarkable flexibility and can form helicate by Cd2+ coordination. ► Helicate monomeric units formed polymer by hydrogen bonding. ► Complexation property in solution was also studied by NMR and UV. ► Diffusion NMR showed an oligomeric complex was formed in solution.