Step-by-step: uncommon SCSC transformation accompanied by stepwise change in the binding of a particular ligand within a mononuclear complex upon stepwise desolvation

Herein, uncommon SCSC transitions within a mononuclear complex when desolvation provokes subtle changes in the molecular structure without alteration in nuclearity are reported. Namely, the stepwise kappa(1) -> kappa(2) recoordination of a carboxylate ligand with an increase in CN from 7 to 8 was shown to occur through an unstable phase with a 7 + 1 coordination detected via an original technique.