Fine tuning of the coordination environments and magnetic properties of first row transition metal ions with 5-methylisophthalate and 2,2′-bipyridine/phenanthroline

► The substituent on the organic bridging ligand is used to adjust the structure. ► The magnetic property can also be finely tuned by the substituent. ► 5-Methylisophthalate can distinguish metal ions with slight difference in diameters.