Coordination polymer-forming liquid Cu(2-isopropylimidazolate)

The structure of the melt state of one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymer crystal Cu(isopropylimidazolate) (melting temperature T-m = 143 degrees C) was characterized by DSC, variable temperature PXRD, solid-state NMR (SSNMR), viscoelastic measurements, XAS, and DFT-AIMD calculations. These analyses suggested coordination polymer-forming liquid formation with preserved coordination bonds above T-m. Variable chain configurations and moderate cohesive interaction in adjacent chains are the keys to the rarely observed polymer-forming liquid. The melt structure is reminiscent of the common 1D organic polymer melts such as entanglement or random coil structures.

Automated summary

The melt state structure of a one-dimensional coordination polymer crystal has been characterized using various techniques. It was found that a coordination polymer-forming liquid is formed above its melting temperature, with the coordination bonds preserved. The presence of variable chain configurations and moderate cohesive interactions in adjacent chains is crucial for this rarely observed phenomenon. The structure of the melt is similar to common one-dimensional organic polymer melts.