M. Fukuoka, Y. Takashima, K. Akamatsu, A. Demessence, T. Tsuruoka
CrystEngComm, 2024, 26, 6293-6273
Precise modulation of the structure and emission properties of d10 metal ion-thiolate coordination polymers (CPs) is crucial for developing luminescent CP materials. Herein, we report that the ligand-exchange reaction between [Ag(o-SPhCO2H)]n (o-SPhCOOH: ortho-mercaptobenzonate) deposited on a solid substrate and the free p-HSPhCOOH ligand (p-HSPhCOOH: para-mercaptobenzoic acid) in solution results in crystal transformation from [Ag(o-SPhCO2H)]n to [Ag(p-SPhCO2H)]n on the substrate. Structural analysis revealed a crystal-to-crystal transformation between CPs with different topologies via ligand exchange from o-SPhCOOH to p-SPhCOOH. In addition, ligand exchange transformations were confirmed by the surface morphology of the CP crystals, emission properties, and the ratio of o-SPhCOOH to p-SPhCOOH in the CP crystals during the reaction. These results provide a unique example of a CP capable of direct crystal-to-crystal transformation at the solid–liquid interface.