A novel Co3Â +-based asymmetrical building block: Heterobimetallic metallacycles versus coordination networks

► Synthesis of a novel Co3 +-based asymmetrical building block 1 ► 1 offers two 2-pyridyl and two 3-pyridyl appended groups for further coordination. ► 1 affords {Co3 +-Zn2 +} metallacycle, {Co3 +-Cd2 +} metallacycle‐based coordination polymer and a {Co3 +-Hg2 +} chain. ► The crystal structures reveal the importance of asymmetrical building block in generating unique structural motifs. ► The role of asymmetrical building block in controlling the topology of the resultant material.