An unusual metal-organic framework showing both rotaxane- and cantenane-like motifs

Via hydro(solvo) thermal synthesis, the self-assembly of Cd(NO3)(2), L1 and L2 generated compound 1, Cd-2(L1)(L2)(2) (L1 = 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), L2 pamoic acid) which presents an uncommon interpenetrating metal-organic framework in that it contains both rotaxane-and catenane-like motifs.