catena-Poly[[bis(acetylacetonato-kappa2O,O')cobalt(II)]-mu-1,3-di-4-pyridylpropane-kappa2N:N']: a one-dimensional coordination polymer capable of forming clathrates with prochiral aldehydes.

The title compound, [Co(C5H7O2)2(C13H14N2)]n, forms a coordination polymer in which the Co(II) centre is located on an inversion centre and the 1,3-di-4-pyridylpropane ligand is located on a twofold axis. The polymeric chains are parallel and are held together by weak intermolecular C-H...O interactions. The complex is intended as a possible host for prochiral aldehydes and ketones, and one clathrate was isolated with p-tolylaldehyde.