Abstract
The structural literature may be used as a predictive database for the design of solid state polymerization reactions. Consideration of (a) the packing of molecules in the crystal structure of bis(acetato)-traaquonickel(II) and (b) a proposed similarity in the packing requirements of acetate and propiolate moieties suggested the synthesis of a set of phases M(H2O)4(HC=CCOO)2, (M=Zn, Ni, Co). The crystal structure of one of these phases (M=Zn) was determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction techniques. It contains an infinite chain of relatively short acetylene-acetylene contacts. Upon x- or γ-irradiation, the Zn salt undergoes a solid phase polymerization to the analogous polypropiolate.