Parallel and Inclined (1D → 2D) Interlacing Modes in New Polyrotaxane Frameworks [M2(bix)3(SO4)2] [M = Zn(II), Cd(II); Bix = 1,4-Bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene]

The reactions of M II sulfates (M = Zn, Cd) with the flexible ligand 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (bix) yield the novel interesting coordination networks [M 2 (bix) 3 (SO 4 ) 2 ], containing 1D polymeric motifs of alternating rings and rods, which show extended rotaxane-like mechanical links producing 2D sheets via unprecedented parallel (M = Zn) or inclined (M = Cd) interlacing modes of the chains.