Reversible Repositioning of Zinc Atoms within Single Crystals of a Zinc Polycarboxylate with an Open-Framework Structure

Abstract

Upon dehydration at 220 degrees C under vacuum, an open-framework zinc tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylate undergoes reversible single crystal to single crystal conversion by some of the zinc atoms moving to different positions that are 3 A away. The reverse process occurs at room temperature by exposing dehydrated crystals to air.