Metal-directed assembly of metal(II) benzoates (MÂ =Â Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, and Cd) with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene: Light- and photo-induced [2Â +Â 2] cycloaddition

►The coordination polymers were synthesized from metal(II) benzoates and bpe ligands. ►The light-induced [2 + 2] addition reaction occurs for CdII ions. ►The C=C double bonds in ZnII and MnII compounds were aligned for photo-induced [2 + 2] cycloaddition.