Two structurally related flexible bis(imidazole) ligands, N,N′-(1,1-methyl)bis(imidazole) (L 1 ) and N,N′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole) (L 2 ) reacted with Ag I , Cu II , Zn II , and Cd II salts under hydrothermal conditions (except for 2 at room temperature), resulted in the formation of eight novel metal-organic coordination architectures, from one-dimensional (1D) chain to three-dimensional (3D) network structures:, and {[Zn(L 2 ) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 } n (8). All complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. In 1, the Ag I centers are two-coordinate with linear geometry and L 1 ligands bridge the Ag I centers to form 1D single helical chains. 2 and 7 have 1D double chain structures with the central metal ions being six-coordinated by four discrete L 1 and two apical ligands (water molecules for 2 and N 3for 7). 3 and 4 are isostructural two-dimensional (2D) (4,4) networks with square planar Cu II centers. 5 and 6 also are isostructural with CdSO 4 -like 3D framework structures. In 8, the Zn II ions are tetrahedral, and each L 2 ligand links two Zn II ions to form a 1D double chain.

Six d10metal coordination polymers have been prepared and characterized. Complexes possess structural diversities with interesting topologies and high catalytic activities for the degradation of methyl orange.