Complications An Inclusive Building-block Methodology

Lastly, it is conceivable that the size of the anion may have an influence over coordination polymer structure. Such an effect can be difficult to assess, and in particular, de-convolute from other factors, most noticeably from weak interactions with the polymer structure such as CH acceptor interactions. If the size of an anion is influencing a structure, it is likely that it is in close contact with the polymer and therefore the formation of hydrogen bonds, or other supramolecular interactions, could be the main factor in affecting the structure. 

Reaction solvent can also have a more subtle effect upon coordination polymer reactions, and this is discussed in more detail below. However, in terms of the building-block methodology, if a solvent is particularly effective at binding and solvating a cation, it has been noticed that the metal cation can be kept back from participating in coordination polymer formation the choice of solvent can thus influence the polymer product stoichiometry [47]. 

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