Temperature controlled reversible change of the coordination modes of the highly symmetrical multitopic ligand to construct coordination assemblies: Experimental and theoretical studies

By fine-tuning the reaction temperature to 5, 15, 30, and 50 degrees C, respectively, four different complexes, [Cd (HC4O4)(2)(H2O)(4)] (1), [Cd-4(C4O4)(4)(H2O)(16)]center dot(H2O)(2) (2), [Cd(C4O4)(H2O)(2)] (3), and [Cd(C4O4)(H2O)(2)] (4), were formed successfully from the identical initial reaction mixture. Moreover, an unprecedented reversible interconversion among the four complexes at the corresponding reaction temperatures mediated by the mother liquor was observed.