A geometrical analysis has been performed on π–π stacking in metal complexes with aromatic nitrogen-containing ligands based on a Cambridge Structural Database search and on X-ray data of examples in the recent literature. It is evident that a face-to-face π–π alignment where most of the ring-plane area overlaps is a rare phenomenon. The usual π interaction is an offset or slipped stacking, i.e. the rings are parallel displaced. The ring normal and the vector between the ring centroids form an angle of about 20° up to centroid–centroid distances of 3.8 Å. Such a parallel-displaced structure also has a contribution from π–σ attraction, the more so with increasing offset. Only a limited number of structures with a near to perfect facial alignment exists. The term π–π stacking is occasionally used even when there is no substantial overlap of the π-ring planes. There is a number of metal–ligand complexes where only the edges of the rings interact in what would be better described a C–H⋯π attraction.

The development in the field of coordination polymers or metal-organic coordination networks, MOCNs (metal-organic frameworks, MOFs) is assessed in terms of property investigations in the areas of catalysis, chirality, conductivity, luminescence, magnetism, spin-transition (spin-crossover), non-linear optics (NLO) and porosity or zeolitic behavior upon which potential applications could be based.

This review (over 380 references) summarizes metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), Materials Institute Lavoisier (MILs), iso-reticular metal–organic frameworks (IR-MOFs), porous coordination networks (PCNs), zeolitic metal–organic frameworks (ZMOFs) and porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with selected examples of their structures, concepts for linkers, syntheses, post-synthesis modifications, metal nanoparticle formations in MOFs, porosity and zeolitic behavior for applications in gas storage for hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and applications in conductivity, luminescence and catalysis.

The defined synthesis of OMS in MOFs is the basis for targeted functionalization through grafting, the coordination of weakly binding species and increased (supramolecular) interactions with guest molecules.

The articles published in the tenth anniversary issue of CrystEngComm are reviewed. The issue highlighted the state-of-the-art of crystal engineering and new trends and developing areas in crystal engineering. In particular, the following article emphasises developments in the areas of intermolecular interactions, notably hydrogen and halogen bonds; metal–organic frameworks or coordination polymers; polymorphism and solvates.