Solvent as structure directing agent for the synthesis of novel coordination frameworks using a tripodal flexible ligand

Three novel three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymers have been synthesized by the self-assembly of a flexible tricarboxylate ligand and Cd(II) metal ion in dimethylformamide (DMF), diethylformamide (DEF) and isopropanol (PrOH), where changes of solvent with different size and shape lead to the formation of solvent templated neutral and anionic frameworks with different pore sizes and shapes as shown by X-ray crystallography.