Vapochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection are provided. The vapochromism may be observed by visible color changes, changes in luminescence, and/or spectroscopic changes, for example in the infrared (IR) or Raman signatures. One or more of the above chromatic changes may be relied upon to identify a specific analyte, such as a volatile organic compound or a gas. The chromatic changes may be reversible to allow for successive analysis of different analytes. The coordination polymer has the general formula MW[M′X(Z)Y]N wherein M and M′ are the same or different metals capable of forming a coordinate complex with the Z moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, pseudohalides, thiolates, alkoxides and amides; W is between 1-6; X and Y are between 1-9; and N is between 1-5. One embodiment provides [Metal(CN)2]-based coordination polymers with vapochromic properties, such as Cu[Au(CN)2]2 and Zn[Au(CN)2]2 polymers.