The sunlight-driven photosalient effect of a 1D coordination polymer and the release of an elusive cyclobutane derivative

A one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D CP) [Zn(glu)(4-nvp)] (1) [H(2)glu = glutaric acid and 4-nvp = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine] with a paddle-wheel unit [Zn-2(O2CC)(4)] exhibits the photosalient effect under UV as well as sunlight irradiation, resembling the popping of popcorn, along with the release of an elusive cyclobutane ligand.