Solvent coordination in changing dimensionality of lead benzoate coordination polymers

The reaction of lead (II) nitrate with sodium benzoate at low temperature gives one dimensional coordination polymer with composition [Pb(Ben)(2)(MeOH)(2)](n) (where Ben = benzoate, MeOH = methanol). This one dimensional polymer on heating in aqueous solution results in the formation of a two dimensional polymer having composition [Pb(Ben)(2)(H2O)](n). Similar reaction of lead (II) nitrate with 2-methylbenzoic acid in the presence of sodium hydroxide in methanol at low temperature gives a coordination polymer having composition [Pb(o-TOL)(2)(MeOH)(2)](n) (where o-TOL = 2-methylbenzoate); which on re-dissolution in aqueous methanol or keeping in water, at room temperature leads to another coordination polymer having a composition of [Pb(o-TOL)(2)(H2O)](n). (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.