Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation from 1 D staggered-sculls chains to 3 D NbO-type metal-organic framework through [2+2] photodimerization.

A new approach to synthesize 3D structures through a [2+2] photodimerization process has been carried out by transforming two isostructures of 1D staggered-sculls chains [M(1,2-chdc)(bpe)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]⋅H(2)O (M = Zn, Mn) into 3D NbO-type metal-organic frameworks through UV irradiation in single-crystal-to-single-crystal mode. (see figure; bpe = trans-1,2-(bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, chdc =cyclohexanedicarboxylate).