Direct observation of crystalline-state guest exchange in coordination networks

This review describes the recent investigations, within the last several years, of single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations of coordination networks on guest-removal/inclusion processes. Single-crystal diffraction analyses reveal intriguing features of coordination networks such as robustness, dynamic framework transformations, biporous formation and specific molecular recognitions, gas absorption, induction of intermolecular interactions between host and guest and so on. The atomic level information provides a deeper insight into the correlation of unique physicochemical properties with crystal structures. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.