Reaction of [Cu(PPh3)(2)(MeCN)(2)]PF6 and trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethylene (bpe) results in the trans-cis isomerization of the bpe and subsequent formation of a mixed-isomer linear coordination polymer over the course of several days or weeks depending on solvent. The one unique copper atom in the structure is coordinated to two bridging cis-bpe ligands, one bridging trans-bpe ligand, and one terminal triphenylphoshine ligand to create [Cu(trans-bpe)(0.5)-(cis-bpe)(PPh3)](+)(infinity) zigzag chains. The reaction requires both visible light and Cu(I), and the crystallization of this particular coordination polymer is insensitive to the ratio of trans:cis isomers in solution, occurring both from trans-rich and cis-rich solutions.