Effect of ligand structural isomerism in formation of calcium coordination networks

Using different structural isomers (2,5-; 2,4-; 2;6-; 3,4-; 3,5-) of pyridinedicarboxylic acid, nine calcium-based coordination networks were synthesized under hydro-/solvothermal conditions and/or were produced via solvent recrystallization of previously synthesized compounds. The coordination networks reported were characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal methods. They show diverse structural topologies, depending on the ligand geometry and coordinated solvent molecules, with inorganic connectivity motifs ranging from isolated octahedra to infinite chains, layer and a three-dimensional dense framework. The as-synthesized and desolvated networks further show structural transformation to hydrated phases through dissolution/reformation pathways. The process is likely driven by the high hydration energy of the calcium metal center.