Reversible transformation between ionic liquids and coordination polymers by application of light and heatElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis procedures, UV-Vis spectra, IR spectra, and NMR spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c6cc02807a

Reversible transformation between an ionic liquid and a coordination polymer by application of light and heat has been achieved. Ultraviolet light irradiation transforms the transparent liquid to a yellow solid; a reverse reaction occurs due to the application of heat. The transformation accompanies drastic switching of intra- and intermolecular coordination bonds of a ruthenium complex. This is a novel material conversion methodology that connects the fields of ionic liquids and coordination polymers. Reversible transformation between ionic liquids and coordination polymers by application of light and heat has been achieved.