Structure–property relationships: Polymorphism, solvates, and clay behavior in the one-dimensional coordination polymer chains [Ag(L)(NO3)](H2O)n, L = ethanediyl bis(isonicotinate), n = 0, and 2

The system AgNO3 and L (L = ethanediyl bis(isonicotinate)) yielded so far five different compounds from a THF/H2O mixture (or acetonitrile) when reacted in a ratio 1:1. Three solvent-free compounds possess the same chemical composition, [Ag(L)NO3], but different structures and thus different properties. Additionally, two solvates [Ag(L)NO3] · nH2O with one or two water molecules have been identified. One of the solvates can be reversibly transformed into one of the solvent free compounds. This clay-like property depends strongly on the structure observed in the solid state, namely on the coordinating function of the nitrate ions with respect to silver cations.

Graphical abstractPolymorphs and supramolecular isomers of [Ag(L)NO3] are shown to possess different structures and properties as far as their reversible clay-like behavior of water intercalation is concerned, all depending on the bridging function of nitrate anions toward silver ions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide