Synthesis and structural analysis of an infinite linear coordination network formed by the self-assembly of tetracyanocalix[4]arene ligands and silver cations

Using the O-alkylation of the lower rim of the calix[4]arene to impose the 1,3-alternate conformation and the functionalisation of the upper rim to set-up four nitrile groups pointing in a divergent fashion, an exo-ligand capable of forming linear coordination networks was obtained; upon self-assembly of the latter and silver cation, a linear coordination polymer was obtained and structurally analysed in the solid state by an X-ray study.