H-bonded polymer structures of different dimensionality:: syntheses and crystal structures of [Ca(DME)n(H2O)m]I2•(DME)x (1: n=3, m=3, x=1; 2: n=2, m=4, x=0) and [Ca{CH3(OCH2)3OCH3}(H2O)4]I2

From the non-covalent binding modes used in supramolecular chemistry, metal ion complexation and hydrogen bonding are combined in order to synthesise new inorganic polymers as precursors for thin layer deposition. With the same coordinating ligands, DME and water, but in varying stoichiometries, two different dimensional compounds are obtained. The synthesis and crystal structures of the one- and three-dimensional polymers are described together with a third example for better control of the supramolecular products formed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.