A three-dimensional nanoporous flexible network of ‘square-planar’ copper(ii) centres with an unusual topologyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRPD spectra. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b2/b202588d/

Cu(II) triflate reacts with 4,4′-bipyridyl in different solvents to yield the new 3D network [Cu(4,4′-bipy)2(CF3SO3)2], based on pseudo-square planar nodes and consisting of crossing layers of large rhombic meshes (22 × 22 A) fused together into an overall (two-fold interpenetrated) array, with a topology unprecedented within coordination frames and an interesting nanoporous behaviour.