Crystal-to-crystal transformation of fishnet-like layered compounds: a self-locking structure with position-variable intercalated molecules

Fishnet-like layered compounds comprising trifluoroacetate-bridged paddlewheel dimetal(II, II) complexes and 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) were crystalized with anthracene (ANT) molecules between their layers and crystallization solvents at their hexagonal columnar pores. These complexes undergo a solvent-release crystal-to-crystal transformation involving the migration of a portion of the ANT molecules from between the layers to the hexagonal pores, effectively locking the slidable layers.