Coordination Adaptable Networks: Introducing Vitrimer Properties Using Dynamic Coordination Bonds

Coordination adaptable networks (CooANs) may be obtained by combination of ligand‐functionalized polymers and metal ions or clusters when the crosslink migration by ligand exchange with available free ligands in the polymer matrix is facile. These materials may be called “coordination vitrimers” if proven to follow an associative ligand exchange mechanism. This review presents various types of CooANs, classified according to the nature of the metal‐binding functions, e. g. imine, imidazoles, pyridines as L‐type ligands; catecholates, thiolates, carboxylates as X‐type ligands. Particular attention is placed on the crosslink migration mechanism. Known Coordination Adaptable Networks (CooANs) have been classified by type of exchanging ligands; special attention has been devoted to the mechanism of ligand exchange responsible for crosslink migration, possibly allowing them to be considered as “coordination vitrimers”.