Hydro-ionothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of five new divalent metal iminophosphonates

The use of a moderately hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BdMIM][BF(4)]), as a cosolvent with water, has been investigated in the synthesis of metal phosphonates. This hydro-ionothermal synthesis has been carried out through a systematic combinatorial investigation of several divalent metal chlorides and two related ligands, iminobis(methylphosphonic acid) and N-methyliminiobis(methylphosphonic acid). These reactions resulted in five new divalent metal phosphonates. We present here the synthetic techniques utilized as well as the X-ray structures and characteristic properties of each of these compounds. Co(HO(3)PCH(2)NH(2)CH(2)PO(3)H)(2), (1), consists of sheets that are hydrogen bonded together by pairs of P-O···H groups. Co(H(2)O)(2)(HO(3)PCH(2)NH(2)CH(2)PO(3)H)(2), (2), consists of chains that are connected through an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. Co(HO(3)PCH(2)NH(CH(3))CH(2)PO(3)H)(2), (3), is made up of sheets that are hydrogen bonded together by pairing P-O···H interactions. Zn(3)(O(3)PCH(2)NH(2)CH(2)PO(3))(2), (4), is isostructural to a previously reported cobalt compound which is a non-porous 3-dimensional network. CuClPO(3)CH(2)NH(2)CH(3), (5), formed as a result of an in situ N-C bond cleavage. Ladders built of Cu-O-P-O 8-membered rings are crosslinked by bridging chloride atoms to form sheets. 1, 3, 4 and 5 have been synthesized using the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BdMIM][BF(4)]) with water as a cosolvent, while 2 has been synthesized from identical conditions in the absence of the [BdMIM][BF(4)]. We also report the microwave assisted hydro-ionothermal synthesis of the known polymorph of 2, Co(H(2)O)(2)(HO(3)PCH(2)NH(2)CH(2)PO(3)H)(2), (6), synthesized in two hours providing high quality crystals in good yield. The compounds have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and IR spectroscopy, and their magnetic properties have been investigated.     

A hydrothermal investigation of the 1/2V2O5-H2C2O4/H3PO4/NH4OH system: synthesis and structures of (NH4)VOPO(4).1.5H2O, (NH4)0.5VOPO(4).1.5H2O, (NH4)2[VO(H2O)3]2[VO(H2O)][VO(PO4)2](2).3H2O, and (NH4)2[VO(HPO4)]2(C2O4).5H2O

The 1/2V2O5-H2C2O4/H3PO4/NH4OH system was investigated using hydrothermal techniques. Four new phases, (NH4)VOPO(4).1.5H2O (1), (NH4)0.5VOPO(4).1.5H2O (2), (NH4)2[VO(H2O)3]2[VO(H2O)][VO(PO4)2]2.3H2O (3), and (NH4)2[VO(HPO4)]2(C2O4).H2O (4), have been prepared and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 have layered structures closely related to VOPO(4).2H2O and A0.5VOPO4.yH2O (A = mono- or divalent metals), whereas 3 has a 3D open-framework structure. Compound 4 has a layered structure and contains both oxalate and phosphate anions coordinated to vanadium cations. Crystal data: (NH4)VOPO(4).1.5H2O, tetragonal (I), space group I4/mmm (No. 139), a = 6.3160(5) A, c = 13.540(2) A, Z = 4; (NH4)0.5VOPO(4).1.5H2O, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/m (No. 11), a = 6.9669(6) A, b = 17.663(2) A, c = 8.9304(8) A, beta = 105.347(1) degrees, Z = 8; (NH4)2[VO(H2O)3]2[VO(H2O)][VO(PO4)2]2.3H2O, triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), a = 10.2523(9) A, b = 12.263(1) A, c = 12.362(1) A, alpha = 69.041(2) degrees, beta = 65.653(2) degrees, gamma = 87.789(2) degrees, Z = 2; (NH4)2[VO(HPO4)]2(C2O4).5H2O, monoclinic (C), space group C2/m (No. 12), a = 17.735(2) A, b = 6.4180(6) A, c = 22.839(2) A, beta = 102.017(2) degrees, Z = 6.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of new pillared layered ethylenediphosphonates of molybdenum(VI), A2[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (A = NH4, Tl, Cs, Rb) and K(H3O)[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)

New ethylenediphosphonates of molybdenum, A[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (A = NH4 (1), Tl (2), Cs (3), Rb (4)), and K(H3O)[Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)] (5), have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic, and thermal studies. These compounds consist of pillared anionic layers [Mo2O5(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2-, with A+, K+, and H3O+ ions in the interlayer region as well as in the cavities within the anionic layers. Single-crystal X-ray structures of compounds 1 and 5 have been determined. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with Z = 8 and have the following unit cell parameters. For 1, a = 25.60(1), b = 10.016(4), and c = 9.635(3) angstroms and for 5, a = 25.63(1), b = 10.007(2), and c = 9.512(1) angstroms.     

Inorganic supramolecular host architectures: [(M@18c6)2][TlI4].2H2O, M=0.5 Tl, (NH4,NH3), (H3O,H2O)

The compounds [(M@18c6)2][TlI4].2H2O, M=Tl, (NH4,NH3), (H3O,H2O) (cubic, Fd; a=1481.00 pm, for M=0.5 Tl, a=1304.65 pm for M=(NH4,NH3), a=1313.67 pm for M=(H3O,H2O)) can be obtained from solution in the presence of traces of transition metal halides (like copper and mercury halides). Apparently the transition metal cations work as a template in the form of tetrahedral [MX4] units during the synthesis of the supramolecular host architecture. That the compounds are versatile host lattices for tetrahedrally coordinated transition metal units becomes obvious by the large group of known host-guest complex compounds, [(MIIX4)(MI@18c6)4][TlX4]2.nH2O (MII=Cu, Co, Zn, Mn; MI=NH4+, Rb, Tl; X=Cl, Br).     

The hydrothermal syntheses and characterization of one- and two-dimensional structures constructed from metal-organic derivatives of polyoxometalates: [(Cu(bpy)2)(Cu(bpy)(H2O))(Mo5O15)(O3P(CH2)4PO3)].H2O and [(u2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(O3PCH2CH2PO3)].5.5H2O [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine,tpypyz = tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine

The hydrothermal reaction of CuSO(4).5H2O, Na2MoO(4).2H2O and 2,2'-bipyridine with the bridging diphosphonate ligand H2O3P(CH2)4PO3H2 yields the one-dimensional chain [(Cu(bpy)2)(Cu(bpy)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(O3P(CH2)4PO3)].H2O; the introduction of a second bridging component in the reaction of Cu(MeCO2)2.H2O, MoO3, H2O3PCH2CH2PO3H2 and tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine yields the network solid [(Cu2(tpypyz)(H2O)2)(Mo5O15)(O3PCH2CH2PO3)].5.5H2O.     

Vibrational analysis of Ag3(PO2NH)3, Na3(PO2NH)3 x H2O, Na3(PO2NH)3 x 4H2O,

FT IR and FT Raman spectra of Ag3(PO2NH), (Compound 1), Na3(PO2NH)3 x H2O (Compound II), Na3(PO2NH)3 x 4H2O (Compound III), [C(NH2)3]3(PO2NH)3 x H2O (Compound IV) and (NH4)4(PO2NH)4 x 4H2O (Compound V) are recorded and analyzed on the basis of the anions, cations and water molecules present in each of them. The PO2NH- anion ring in compound I is distorted due to the influence of Ag+ cation. Wide variation in the hydrogen bond lengths in compound III is indicated by the splitting of the v2 and v3 modes of vibration of water molecules. The NH4 ion in compound V occupies lower site symmetry and exhibits hindered rotation in the lattice. The correlations between the symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of P-N-P bridge and the P-N-P bond angle have also been discussed.     

Template synthesis of [(Mo(V)2O4)(O3PCH2PO3)]n clusters (n = 3, 4, 10): solid state and solution studies

The influence of three exogenous ligands (acetate, formate and carbonate) on the condensation process of the [Mo2O4]2+ dioxocation with the [O3PCH2PO3](4-) group has been investigated. Four cyclic or bicyclic compounds have been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies. Two closely related acetato and formato ovoidal duodecanuclear compounds, Na24[Na4(H2O)6[(Mo2O4)10(O3PCH2PO3)10(CH3COO)8(H2O)4]].103H2O (1) and Na28[Na2[(Mo2O4)10(O3PCH2PO3)10(HCOO)10]].110H2O (2), respectively, have been obtained. Their structures can be described as two interconnected nonequivalent wheels, delimiting a large cavity. When the condensation is performed in similar conditions but replacing carboxylato groups by carbonato ligands, the ellipsoidal octanuclear Na11[Na(H2O)2[(Mo2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(CO3)2]].70H2O (3) compound is isolated. 31P NMR spectroscopic studies have shown that complexes 1 and 3 are stable in solution at room temperature. Nevertheless, on heating an aqueous solution of 3, the Na8[(Mo2O4)3(O3PCH2PO3)3(MoO4)].18H2O (4) complex, free of carbonato groups, is obtained. 4 is a hexanuclear Mo(V) wheel encapsulating a tetrahedral [Mo(VI)O4](2-) anion. Its rational synthesis using a controlled Mo(V)/Mo(VI) ratio is also presented.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new three-dimensional lanthanide carboxyphosphonate: Ln(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5)

The first open-framework lanthanide carboxyphosphonate has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The three-dimensional structure of MIL-84(Pr) (MIL = Material Institut Lavoisier) or Pr(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5) has been solved from X-ray diffraction single-crystal data (a = 23.481(1) A, b = 10.159(1) A, c = 23.006(1) A, beta = 105.63(1) degrees, V = 5284.6(6) A(3), space group Cc (No. 9)). Its framework is built up from chains of edged-sharing eight or nine-coordinated monocapped square antiprism polyhedra and carboxyphosphonate anions, creating a three-dimensional structure with small pores filled with water molecules. The thermal behavior of MIL-84(Pr) has been investigated using TGA and X-ray thermodiffractometry and indicates that MIL-84(Pr) is stable up to 523 K with a reversible hydration-dehydration process. The optical study of its yttrium analogue doped at 3.4% with europium (MIL-84(Y,Eu)) reveals a significant red-orange emission under UV radiation.     

Cd3(H2O)3((O3PCH2)2NH-CH2C6H4-COOH)2].11H2O: a layered cadmium phosphonate with reversible dehydration/hydration properties

In a recent systematic study on the influence of the reaction temperature on the structure formation in the system CdCl2/H(HO3PCH2)2NH-CH2C6H4-COOH (H5L) /NaOH, [Cd3(H2O)3((O3PCH2)2NH-CH2C6H4-COOH)2].11H2O was obtained as a microcrystalline compound. We have now been able to elucidate the structure from single-crystal data: triclinic, P; a=5.4503(9), b=12.880(2), and c=16.417(3) A; alpha=67.841(6) degrees, beta=80.633(6) degrees, gamma=87.688(8) degrees, V=1052.9(3) A3; Z=1; R1=0.1143, R2=0.2108 (all data); 0.0705, 0.1823 ((I>2sigmaI)). The structure of [Cd3(H2O)3((O3PCH2)2NH-CH2C6H4-COOH)2].11H2O is built up of cadmium phosphonate layers connected by water-mediated hydrogen bonds between aryl-carboxylic acid groups and water molecules coordinated to Cd2+ ions of adjacent layers (C-OH...H2O...H2O-Cd2+). The title compound was characterized by IR spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray, elemental, and thermogravimetric analyses. Furthermore, temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction data are presented. [Cd3(H2O)3((O3PCH2)2NH-CH2C6H4-COOH)2].11H2O can be reversibly dehydrated, and mechanical stress and grinding in the presence of water leads to the intercalation of additional water molecules.     

手性膦酸锆的原位合成与表征

不对称催化和对映体拆分是有机化学中最活跃的高技术领域,其中手性固体材料的设计与合成是极具挑战性的前沿课题之一.据Corey等研究的手性技术机理,手性固体一般应该具有空间允许、手性源为官能化的有机化合物和金属离子作为反应的活性中心等三大特征．然而,迄今同时具有上述特征的手性固体材料却很少．     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Structure Characterization of Open-framework Cobalt-tungsten Phosphate[H3NCH2CH2NH3]3[Co3W4P4O28]

A new three-dimensional open-framework cobalt(Ⅱ)-tungsten(Ⅵ) phosphate,[H3NCH2CH2NH3]3·[Co3W4P4O28](1) has been synthesized from the reaction of CoCl2·6H2O,WO3,H3PO4,ethylenediamine and H2O.The title compound was fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy,elemental analysis,magnetic properties,thermogravimetric analysis,XPS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.The compound crystallized in a tetragonal space group I4(1)/a with a=1.7118(4) nm,c=1.0773(2) nm,V =3.1568(11) nm3,Z =4.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Phosphonate： {[Cu（1,10-phen）]2-（H2O3PCH2C6H4C6H4CH2PO3H）2-（HO3PCH2C6H4C6H4CH2PO3H） }n

1 INTRODUCTION Metal organophosphonates have attracted considerable attention for over three decades due to their potential or practical applications, include- ing ion exchanges[1, 2], molecular sensors[3] and optics[4, 5]. Recently, a number of porous m…     

A building block approach to the synthesis of organic-inorganic oxide materials: the hydrothermal synthesis and network structure of [[Ni4(tpypyz)3][Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2] x 23H2O (tpypyz = tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine)

The hydrothermal reaction of MoO3, [Ni(CH3CO2)2] x 4H2O, tpypyz, ethylenediphosphonic acid and water yields the 2D material [[Ni4(tpypyz)3][Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2] x 23H2O (1 x 23H2O), constructed from [Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]4- clusters linked in one-dimension through the ethylene tethers of the diphosphonate component; these molybdodiphosphonate chains are in turn linked into a 2D network through the tetranuclear secondary metal-ligand subunit [Ni4(tpypyz)3]8+.     

Two new hybrid organic/inorganic copper(II)-oxovanadate(V) diphosphonates: [Cu2(phen)2(O3PCH2PO3)(V2O5)(H2O)] x H2O and [Cu2(phen)2(O3P(CH2)3PO3)(V2O5)] x C3H8. Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Two new hybrid organic/inorganic copper oxovanadium diphosphonates [Cu2(phen)2(O3PCH2PO3)(V2O5)(H2O)] x H2O (1) and [(Cu2(phen)2(O3P(CH2)3PO3)(V2O5)] x C3H8 (2) have been obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. The compounds are monoclinic, and they crystallize in the space group P2(1)/n with cell parameters of a = 11.788(2) A, b = 17.887(3) A, c = 14.158(2) A, and beta = 93.99(0) degrees and in the space group C2/c with cell parameters of a = 11.025(1) A, b = 18.664(2) A, c = 15.054(2) A, and beta = 90.06(0) degrees, respectively. Both compounds present two-dimensional frameworks built up from infinite chains of corner-sharing vanadium tetrahedra and diphosphonate groups connected by copper tetramers for (1) and copper dimers for (2). The remarkable feature of (2) is the encapsulation of propane molecules, stabilized by strong hydrogen bonding between the layers. The magnetic properties of the compounds have been investigated showing antiferromagnetic coupling with Tmax = 64 K for (1) and Curie-like paramagnetic behavior for (2).     

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid based on an 8-electron-reduced Keggin polymolybdate capped by tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral zinc: synthesis and crystal structure of (CH3NH3)(H2bipy)[Zn4(bipy)3(H2O)2MoV8MoVI4O36)(PO4)].4H2O

Hydrothermal reaction of H(3)PO(3), CH(3)NH(2), zinc(II) acetate, 4,4'-bipyridine (bipy), and (NH(4))(6)Mo(7)O(24).4H(2)O at 180 degrees C led to a novel organic-inorganic layered hybrid, [CH(3)NH(3)][H(2)bipy][Zn(4)(bipy)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Mo(V)(8)Mo(VI)O(36)(PO(4))].4H(2)O (1). Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with cell parameters of a = 17.3032(2), b = 17.8113(3), and c = 23.4597 (4) A, beta = 106.410(1) degrees, V = 6935.6(2) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure of compound 1 features a novel 2D layer built from the 8e-reduced tetracapped Keggin [Zn(4)Mo(12)O(36)(PO(4))](3)(-) anions, which are further interconnected by bridging bipy ligands. The four zinc(II) ions are in tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral coordination geometries, respectively.     

Zn7{(2-C5H4N)CH(OH)PO3}6 (H2O)6]SO4 x 4H2O: a zinc phosphonate cluster with a drum-like cage structure

Direct reaction of hydroxy(2-pyridyl)methylphosphonic acid with zinc sulfate under hydrothermal conditions results in the formation of the novel heptanuclear cluster compound [Zn7{(2-C5H4N)CH(OH)PO3}6 (H2O)6]SO4 x 4H2O (1). The inorganic core of the cluster can be described as a cylindrical drum made up of six Zn atoms bridged by six {CPO3} units that is centered by a seventh Zn atom. Crystal data: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 22.690(2) A, b = 16.675(2) A, c = 18.151(2) A, beta = 93.390(2) degrees.     

IR and raman spectra of two layered aluminium phosphates Co(en)3Al3P4O16.3H2O and

The FT IR and FT Raman spectra of Co(en)3Al3P4O16.3H2O (compound I) and [NH4]3[Co(NH3)6]3[Al2 (PO4)4]2.2H2O (compound II) are recorded and analysed based on the vibrations of Co(en)(3)3+, Co(NH3)(6)3+, NH4, Al-O-P, PO3, PO2 and H2O. The observed splitting of bands indicate that the site symmetry and correlation field effects are appreciable in both the compounds. In compound I, the overtone of CH2 deformation Fermi resonates with its symmetric stretching vibration. The NH4 ion in compound II is not free to rotate in the crystalline lattice. Hydrogen bonding of different groups is also discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of [Mo(7)O(16)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))(3)]:(8-) a mixed-valent polyoxomolybdenum diphosphonate anion with octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated molybdenum

Two new compounds containing the title diphosphono-polyoxometalate anion and diprotonated ethylenediamine (enH(2)) or piperazine (ppzH(2)) countercations have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized ((enH(2))(4)[Mo(7)O(16)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))(3)].7H(2)O, triclinic, P(-)1, Z = 2, a = 10.3455(7) A, b = 13.136(1) A, and c = 20.216(3) A, alpha = 93.247(6) degrees, beta = 96.434(6) degrees, and gamma = 111.900(6) degrees; (ppzH(2))(4)[Mo(7)O(16)(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))(3)].8H(2)O, triclinic, P(-)1, Z = 2, a = 13.255(2) A, b = 13.638(2) A, and c = 16.874(4) A, alpha = 93.20(2) degrees, beta = 101.27(2) degrees, and gamma = 105.87(1) degrees). The anion is a ring of three pairs of edge-sharing octahedra of Mo(V)O(6) (with Mo(V)-Mo(V) bonds) that share corners with each other. The diphosphonate groups connect the pairs at the periphery. The ring is "capped" by a tetrahedron of Mo(VI)O(4). According to magnetic measurements, the compounds are diamagnetic.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy of a new open-framework aluminophosphate (NH(4))(2)Al(4)(PO(4))(4)(HPO(4))xH(2)O

A new three-dimensional open-framework aluminophosphate (NH(4))(2)Al(4)(PO(4))(4)(HPO(4)).H(2)O (denoted AlPO-CJ19) with an Al/P ratio of 4/5 has been synthesized, using pyridine as the solvent and 2-aminopyridine as the structure-directing agent, under solvothermal conditions. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by solid-state NMR techniques. The alternation of the Al-centered polyhedra (including AlO(4), AlO(5), and AlO(6)) and the P-centered tetrahedra (including PO(4) and PO(3)OH) results in an interrupted open-framework structure with an eight-membered ring channel along the [100] direction. This is the first aluminophosphate containing three kinds of Al coordinations (AlO(4), AlO(5), and AlO(6)) with all oxygen vertexes connected to framework P atoms. (27)Al MAS NMR, (31)P MAS NMR, and (1)H --> (31)P CPMAS NMR characterizations show that the solid-state NMR techniques are an effective complement to XRD analysis for structure elucidation. Furthermore, all of the possible coordinations of Al and P in the aluminophosphates with an Al/P ratio of 4/5 are summarized. Crystal data: (NH(4))(2)Al(4)(PO(4))(4)(HPO(4))xH(2)O, monoclinic P2(1) (No. 4), a = 5.0568(3) A, b = 21.6211(18) A, c = 8.1724(4) A, beta = 91.361(4) degrees , V = 893.27(10) A(3), Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0456 (I > 2 sigma(I)), and wR(2) = 0.1051 (all data).     

Synthesis and characterization of octa- and hexanuclear polyoxomolybdate wheels: role of the inorganic template and of the counterion

Eight new compounds based on [O3PCH2PO3]4- ligands and {MoV2O4} dimeric units have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Octanuclear wheels encapsulating various guests have been isolated with different counterions. With NH4+, a single wheel was obtained, as expected, with the planar CO32- guest, (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(CO3)2].24H2O (1a), while with the pyramidal SO32- guest, only the syn isomer (NH4)12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].26H2O (2a) was characterized. The corresponding anti isomer was obtained with Na+ as counterions, Na12[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]39H2O (2b), and with mixed Na+ and NH4(+) counterions, Na+(NH4)11[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2].13H2O (2d). With [O3PCH2PO3]4- extra ligands, the octanuclear wheel Li12(NH4)2[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].31H2O (4a) was isolated with Li+ and NH4+ counterions and Li14[(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(HO3PCH2PO3)2].34H2O (4c) as a pure Li+ salt. A new rectangular anion, formed by connecting two MoV dimers and two MoVI octahedra via methylenediphosphonato ligands with NH4+ as counterions, (NH4)10[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2(HO3PCH2PO3)2].15H2)O (3a), and Li9(NH4)2Cl[(MoV2O4)2(MoVIO3)2(O3PCH2PO3)2]. 22H2O (3d) as a mixed NH4+ and Li+ salt have also been synthesized. The structural characterization of the compounds, combined with a study of their behavior in solution, investigated by 31P NMR, has allowed a discussion on the influence of the counterions on the structure of the anions and their stability. Density functional theory calculations carried out on both isomers of the [(MoV2O4)4(O3PCH2PO3)4(SO3)2]12- anion (2), either assumed isolated or embedded in a continuum solvent model, suggest that the anti form is favored by approximately 2 kcal mol(-1). Explicit insertion of two solvated counterions in the molecular cavity reverses this energy difference and reduces it to less than 1 kcal mol(-1), therefore accounting for the observed structural versatility.