Networking of calixcrowns: from heteronuclear endo/exocyclic coordination polymers to a photoluminescence switch

Solvato-PL switching and shrinking-and-opening process: we present two CuI coordination polymers of calix4]-bis-monothiacrown (L) obtained in the absence (1) and presence (2) of KI. The structures show not only very unusual CuI-based network arrangements but also unique reversible photolunimescence switching behavior induced by removal of coordinated solvent. Furthermore, upon inclusion of K+ ions the crown ring shrinks leading to "opening" of opposite aromatic rings in the host calixarene unit, rare behavior for this class of compound.