Regioselective synthesis and characterization of monovanadium‐substituted β‐octamolybdate [VMo7O26]5−

The monovanadium‐substituted polyoxometalate anion [VMo₇O₂₆]^5?, exhibiting a β‐octamolybdate archetype structure, was selectively prepared as pentapotassium [hexaikosaoxido(heptamolybdenumvanadium)]ate hexahydrate, K₅[VMo₇O₂₆]·6H₂O ( VMo₇ ), by oxidation of a reduced vanadomolybdate solution with hydrogen peroxide in a fast one‐pot approach. X‐ray structure analysis revealed that the V atom occupies a single position in the cluster that differs from the other positions by the presence of one doubly‐bonded O atom instead of two terminal oxide ligands in all other positions. The composition and structure of VMo₇ was also confirmed by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. The selectivity of the synthesis was inspected by a ⁵¹V NMR investigation which showed that this species bound about 95% of V^V in the crystallization solution. Upon dissolution of VMo₇ in aqueous solution, the [VMo₇O₂₆]^5? anion is substantially decomposed, mostly into [VMo₅O₁₉]^3?, α‐[VMo₇O₂₆]^4? and [V₂Mo₄O₁₉]^4?, depending on the pH.     

Theoretical studies on redox properties,protonation sites,and electronic spectrum of a new type of polyoxometalate [Ti12Nb6O44]10− by DFT

The electronic structure of a new type of polyoxometalate [Ti₁₂Nb₆O₄₄]^10? has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The calculations represent that the LUMO in fully oxidized [Ti₁₂Nb₆O₄₄]^10? delocalizes among the titanium (Ti) and niobium (Nb). Therefore, both Ti and Nb have the probability to accept extra electron when [Ti₁₂Nb₆O₄₄]^10? as catalyst is reduced, which has been reinforced by the spin density for the monoreduced specie [Ti₁₂Nb₆O₄₄]^11?. Three kinds of possible protonated isomers [HTi₁₂Nb₆O₄₄]^9? are discussed. The results reveal that the preferred protonation sites correspond to bridging oxygens Nb? O? Ti. In addition, the calculation of electronic spectrum shows that there is an obvious intramolecular charge transfer from oxygen to metal. The solvent effects were also considered in the calculations by using a conductor‐like screening model (COSMO) of solvation with the solvent‐excluding surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

Hexagonal Bipyramidal [Ta2B6]−/0 Clusters: B6 Rings as Structural Motifs

It has been a long‐sought goal in cluster science to discover stable atomic clusters as building blocks for cluster‐assembled nanomaterials, as exemplified by the fullerenes and their subsequent bulk syntheses. ¹ , ² Clusters have also been considered as models to understand bulk properties, providing a bridge between molecular and solid‐state chemistry. ³ Because of its electron deficiency, boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While bulk boron is known to be dominated by the three‐dimensional (3D) B₁₂ icosahedral motifs, ⁴ new forms of elemental boron are continuing to be discovered. ⁵ In contrast to the 3D cages commonly found in bulk boron, in the gas phase two‐dimensional (2D) boron clusters are prevalent. ⁶ – ⁸ The unusual planar boron clusters have been suggested as potential new bulking blocks or ligands in chemistry. ^6a Herein we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the [Ta₂B₆]⁻ and [Ta₂B₆] clusters. We found that the most stable structures of both the neutral and anion are D_6h bipyramidal, similar to the recently discovered MB₆M structural motif in the Ti₇Rh₄Ir₂B₈ solid compound. ⁹      

The Mixed Gold–Palladium Polyoxo‐Noble‐Metalate [NaAuIII4PdII8O8(AsO4)8]11−

The first fully inorganic, discrete gold–palladium–oxo complex [NaAu^III₄Pd^II₈O₈(AsO₄)₈]^11? has been synthesized in aqueous medium. The combination of single‐crystal XRD, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and DFT calculations allowed establishing the structure and composition of the novel polyanion, and UV/Vis studies suggest that it is stable in neutral aqueous media.     

[Te8]2[Ta4O4Cl16]: A Two‐dimensional Tellurium Polycation obtained via Ionic Liquid‐Based Synthesis

By reaction of elemental tellurium, tellurium(IV) chloride, tantalum(V) chloride and tantalum(V) oxychloride in the ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl ([BMIM]Cl:1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride),[Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] is obtained in the form of lucent black crystals. The title compound consists of infinite [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains (Te–Te: 264.9(1)–284.3(1) pm) and isolated [Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆]^4– anions. The [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains are interconnected to form a two‐dimensional tellurium network (Te–Te: 335.9 pm). Due to this interaction the [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains in [Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] show an arrangement that differs significantly from known polycationic [Te₈]_n²⁺ chains. The two‐dimensional tellurium network is finally separated by tetrameric, corner‐sharing oxidochloridotantalate anions [(TaO_2/2Cl_4/1)₄]^4– that are firstly observed. The composition of [Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] is confirmed by EDX analysis; its optical band gap is estimated to 1.1–1.2 eV via UV/Vis spectroscopy.     

Rubidium‐ und Caesium‐Verbindungen mit dem Isopolyanion [Ta6O19]8– – Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, thermische und schwingungsspektroskopische Untersuchungen der Oxotantalate A8[Ta6O19] · n H2O (A = Rb,Cs; n = 0, 4, 14)

Rubidium und Caesium Compounds with the Isopolyanion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8– – Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Thermogravimetric and Vibrational Spectrocopic Analysis of the Oxotantalates A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) The compounds A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) contain the isopoly anion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8–, which consists of six [TaO₆] octahedra connected via corners to form a large octahedron. They transform into each other by reversible hydratation/dehydratation processes, as shown from thermoanalytic measurements (TG/DSC), and show also structural similarities. Cs₈[Ta₆O₁₉] (tetragonal, I4/m, a = 985.9(1) pm, c = 1403.3(1) pm, Z = 2), the isotypic phases A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 14 H₂O (A = Rb/Cs; monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 1031.30(6)/1055.4(1) pm, b = 1590.72(9)/1614.9(6) pm, c = 1150.43(6)/1171.4(1) pm, β = 100.060(1)/99.97(2)°, Z = 2) and Rb₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 4 H₂O (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 1216.9(4) pm, b = 1459.2(5) pm, c = 1414.7(4) pm, β = 90.734(6)°, Z = 4) have been characterised on the basis of single crystal x‐ray data. Furthermore the RAMAN spectra allow a detailled comparison of the hexatantalate ions in the four compounds.     

1‐Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate [OB11H12]− from the Controlled Oxidation of the closo‐Borates [B11H11]2− and [B12H12]2−

The closo‐dodecaborate [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? is degraded at room temperature by oxygen in an acidic aqueous solution in the course of several weeks to give B(OH)₃. The degradation is induced by Ag²⁺ ions, generated from Ag⁺ by the action of H₂S₂O₈. Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate(1?) is an intermediate anion, that can be separated from the reaction mixture as [NBzlEt₃][OB₁₁H₁₂] after five days in a yield of 18 %. The action of FeCl₃ on the closo‐undecaborate [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? in an aqueous solution gives either [B₂₂H₂₂]^2? (by fusion) or nido‐B₁₁H₁₃(OH)^? (by protonation and hydration), depending on the concentration of FeCl₃. In acetonitrile, however, [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? is transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by Fe³⁺ and oxygen. The radical anions [B₁₂H₁₂] ^{˙ ?} and [B₁₁H₁₁] ^{˙ ?} are assumed to be the primary products of the oxidation with the one‐electron oxidants Ag²⁺ and Fe³⁺, respectively. These radical anions are subsequently transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by oxygen. The crystal structure analysis shows that the structure of [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? is derived from the hypothetical closo‐oxaborane OB₁₂H₁₂ by removal of the B3 vertex, leaving a non‐planar pentagonal aperture with a three‐coordinate O vertex, as predicted by NMR spectra and theory.     

Pr30Ti24I8O25Se58: Eine hochsymmetrische Struktur mit isolierten [Ti6(O)Se8]‐Clustereinheiten

Pr₃₀Ti₂₄I₈O₂₅Se₅₈: A Highly Symmetric Structure with Isolated [Ti₆(O)Se₈]‐Cluster Units Black crystals of Pr₃₀Ti₂₄I₈O₂₅Se₅₈ have been prepared by the reaction of Pr₂Se₃, Pr₂O₂Se, TiSe_2–x, and I₂ at 900 °C. Its crystal structure can be described as a variation of the NaCl structure type (space group Fm 3 m, a = 2319.91(15) pm, Z = 4). The compound contains the first example of a [Ti₆(O)Se₈] cluster. These clusters form a cubic close packing, where the octahedral and tetrahedral holes are occupied by “superoctahedral” and “supertetrahedral” building units, respectively.     

The Neat Ternary Solid K5−xCo1−xSn9 with Endohedral [Co@Sn9]5− Cluster Units: A Precursor for Soluble Intermetalloid [Co2@Sn17]5− Clusters

A new type of Zintl phase is presented that contains endohedrally filled clusters and that allows for the formation of intermetalloid clusters in solution by a one‐step synthesis. The intermetallic compound K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ was obtained by the reaction of a preformed Co? Sn alloy with potassium and tin at high temperatures. The diamagnetic saltlike ternary phase contains discrete [Co@Sn₉]^5? clusters that are separated by K⁺ ions. The intermetallic compound K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ readily and incongruently dissolves in ethylenediamine and in the presence of 4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (2.2.2‐crypt), thereby leading to the formation of crystalline [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₅[Co₂Sn₁₇]. The novel polyanion [Co₂Sn₁₇]^5? contains two Co‐filled Sn₉ clusters that share one vertex. Both compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The diamagnetism of K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ and the paramagnetism of [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₅[Co₂Sn₁₇] have been confirmed by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and EPR measurements, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations reveal an endohedral Co^1? atom in an [Sn₉]^4? nido cluster for [Co@Sn₉]^5? and confirm the stability of the paramagnetic [Co₂Sn₁₇]^5? unit.     

Structure and Bonding in [Sb@In8Sb12]3− and [Sb@In8Sb12]5−

We report the characterization of the compound [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₄[In₈Sb₁₃], which proves to contain a 1:1 mixture of [Sb@In₈Sb₁₂]^3? and [Sb@In₈Sb₁₂]^5?. The tri‐anion displays perfect T_h symmetry, the first completely inorganic molecule to do so, and contains eight equivalent In³⁺ centers in a cube. The gas‐phase potential energy surface of the penta‐anion has eight equivalent minima where the extra pair of electrons is localized on one In⁺ center, and these minima are linked by low‐lying transition states where the electron pair is delocalized over two adjacent centers. The best fit to the electron density is obtained from a model where the structure of the 5? cluster lies close to the gas‐phase transition state.     

σ‐Aromaticity‐Induced Stabilization of Heterometallic Supertetrahedral Clusters [Zn6Ge16]4− and [Cd6Ge16]4−

In this work, the largest heterometallic supertetrahedral clusters, [Zn₆Ge₁₆]^4? and [Cd₆Ge₁₆]^4?, were directly self‐assembled through highly‐charged [Ge₄]^4? units and transition metal cations, in which 3‐center–2‐electron σ bonding in Ge₂Zn or Ge₂Cd triangles plays a vital role in the stabilization of the whole structure. The cluster structures have an open framework with a large central cavity of diameter 4.6 Å for Zn and 5.0 Å for Cd, respectively. Time‐dependent HRESI‐MS spectra show that the larger clusters grow from smaller components with a single [Ge₄]^4? and ZnMes₂ units. Calculations performed at the DFT level indicate a very large HOMO–LUMO energy gap in [M₆Ge₁₆]^4? (2.22 eV), suggesting high kinetic stability that may offer opportunities in materials science. These observations offer a new strategy for the assembly of heterometallic clusters with high symmetry.     

Structural links between zeolite-type and clathrate hydrate-type materials: Synthesis and crystal Structure of [N(CH3)4]6[AlxSi8−xO18−x(OH)2+x] · 44H2O (x = 3–4)

A novel tetramethylammonium aluminosilicate hydrate with the approximate composition [NMe₄]₆[Al_xSi_8?xO_18?x(OH)_2+x] · 44H₂O (x = 3–4) has been identified by powder X-ray diffraction as a component in a polyphasic solid mixture which crystallized at room temperature from an aqueous NMe₄OH? Al₂O₃? SiO₂ solution. Large crystals of the novel hydrate phase could be mechanically selected from that mixture. The crystal structure has been determined from 1 196 unique MoKα diffraction data measured at 180 K: Tetragonal crystal system, cell constants a = 16.181(4) and c = 17.450(4) Å, space group P4/mnc with Z = 2 formula units per unit cell, R = 0.072. The host-guest compound is of polyhedral clathrate type with a mixed three-dimensional, (mainly) four-connected network composed of oligomeric aluminosilicate anions [Al_xSi_8?xO_18?x(OH)_2+x]^6? and H₂O molecules linked via hydrogen bonds O? H …? O. The aluminosilicate anions possess a cube-shaped (double four-ring) structure. Orientationally disordered cationic guest species NMe₄⁺ are enclosed in the large [4⁶6⁸] and [4¹5¹⁰6⁷] polyhedral voids of the host framework; the small [4⁶] cages (i.e. the double four-ring anions) and [4³5⁶] cages are empty. The hydrate is a further member in a recently discovered series of clathrates with mixed tetrahedral networks, which provides a structure-chemical link between zeolite- and clathrate hydrate-type host-guest compounds.     

Sm2As4O9: Ein ungewöhnliches Samarium(III)‐Oxoarsenat(III) gemäß Sm4[As2O5]2[As4O8]

Sm₂As₄O₉: An Unusual Samarium(III) Oxoarsenate(III) According to Sm₄[As₂O₅]₂[As₄O₈] Pale yellow single crystals of the new samarium(III) oxoarsenate(III) with the composition Sm₄As₈O₁₈ were obtained by a typical solid‐state reaction between Sm₂O₃ and As₂O₃ using CsCl and SmCl₃ as fluxing agents. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with the space group (No. 2, Z = 2; a = 681.12(5), b = 757.59(6), c = 953.97(8) pm, α = 96.623(7), β = 103.751(7), γ = 104.400(7)°). The crystal structure of samarium(III) oxoarsenate(III) with the formula type Sm₄[As₂O₅]₂[As₄O₈] (≡ 2 × Sm₂As₄O₉) contains two crystallographically different Sm³⁺ cations, where (Sm1)³⁺ is coordinated by eight, but (Sm2)³⁺ by nine oxygen atoms. Two different discrete oxoarsenate(III) anions are present in the crystal structure, namely [As₂O₅]^4? and [As₄O₈]^4?. The [As₂O₅]^4? anion is built up of two Ψ¹‐tetrahedra [AsO₃]^3? with a common corner, whereas the [As₄O₈]^4? anion consists of four Ψ¹‐tetrahedra with ring‐shaped vertex‐connected [AsO₃]^3? pyramids. Thus at all four crystallographically different As³⁺ cations stereochemically active non‐binding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) are observed. These “lone pairs” direct towards the center of empty channels running parallel to [010] in the overall structure, where these “empty channels” being formed by the linkage of layers with the ecliptically conformed [As₂O₅]^4? anions and the stair‐like shaped [As₄O₈]^4? rings via common oxygen atoms (O1 – O6, O8 and O9). The oxygen‐atom type O7, however, belongs only to the cyclo‐[As₄O₈]^4? unit as one of the two different corner‐sharing oxygen atoms.     

The novel chain‐like anion ∞1[NaMo8O26(mim)2]3− in (Hmim)3[NaMo8O26(mim)2] (mim is 1‐methylimidazole)

Tris(1‐methylimidazolium) bis(1‐methylimidazole)hexacosaoxidooctamolybdatesodium, (C₄H₇N₂)₃[NaMo₈O₂₆(C₄H₆N₂)₂], prepared from an aqueous solution containing Na₂MoO₄ and 1‐methylimidazole, contains the novel chain‐like anion _∞¹[NaMo₈O₂₆(mim)₂]^{3 −} (mim is 1‐methylimidazole). The [Mo₈O₂₆(mim)₂]⁴⁻ building unit, which lies across a center of inversion, is comprised of eight edge‐sharing MoO₆ and MoO₅(N_mim) octahedra. These molybdate units are interlinked by sodium, itself exhibiting a sixfold coordination with O atoms.     

The Cocrystallization of the Cubic [Ta6Br12(H2O)6][CuBr2X2]·10H2O and Triclinic [Ta6Br12(H2O)6]X2·trans‐[Ta6Br12(OH)4(H2O)2]·18H2O (X = Cl,Br, NO3) Phases with the Coexistence of [Ta6Br12]2+ and [Ta6Br12]4+ in the Latter

Cubic [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][CuBr₂X₂]·10H₂O and triclinic [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]X₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O (X = Cl, Br, NO₃) cocrystallize in aqueous solutions of [Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The crystal structures of [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]Cl₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]Br₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O ( 3 )have been solved in the triclinic space group P&1macr; (No. 2). Crystal data: 1 , a = 9.3264(2) Å, b = 9.8272(2) Å, c = 19.0158(4) Å, α = 80.931(1)?, β = 81.772(2)?, γ = 80.691(1)?; 3 , a = 9.3399(2) Å, b = 9.8796(2) Å, c = 19.0494(4) Å; α = 81.037(1)?, β = 81.808(1)?, γ = 80.736(1)?. 1 and 3 consist of two octahedral differently charged cluster entities, [Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ in the [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cation and [Ta₆Br₁₂]⁴⁺ in trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]. Average bond distances in the [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations: 1 , Ta‐Ta, 2.9243 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ , 2.607 Å; Ta‐O, 2.23 Å; 3 , Ta‐Ta, 2.9162 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ , 2.603 Å; Ta‐O, 2.24 Å. Average bond distances in trans‐[Ta₆‐Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]: 1 , Ta‐Ta, 3.0133 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ, 2.586 Å; Ta‐O(OH), 2.14 Å; Ta‐O(H₂O), 2.258(9) Å; 3 , Ta‐Ta, 3.0113 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ, 2.580 Å; Ta‐O(OH), 2.11 Å; Ta‐O(H₂O), 2.23(1) Å. The crystal packing results in short O···O contacts along the c axes. Under the same experimental conditions, [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ oxidized to [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ , whereas [Nb₆X₁₂]²⁺ clusters were not affected by the Cu²⁺ ion.     

Endohedrally Filled [Ni@Sn9]4− and [Co@Sn9]5− Clusters in the Neat Solids Na12Ni1−xSn17 and K13−xCo1−xSn17: Crystal Structure and 119Sn Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

A systematic approach to the formation of endohedrally filled atom clusters by a high‐temperature route instead of the more frequent multistep syntheses in solution is presented. Zintl phases Na₁₂Ni_1?xSn₁₇ and K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇, containing endohedrally filled intermetalloid clusters [Ni@Sn₉]^4? or [Co@Sn₉]^5? beside [Sn₄]^4?, are obtained from high‐temperature reactions. The arrangement of [Ni@Sn₉]^4? or [Co@Sn₉]^5? and [Sn₄]^4? clusters, which are present in the ratio 1:2, can be regarded as a hierarchical replacement variant of the hexagonal Laves phase MgZn₂ on the Mg and Zn positions, respectively. The alkali‐metal positions are considered for the first time in the hierarchical relationship, which leads to a comprehensive topological parallel and a better understanding of the composition of these compounds. The positions of the alkali‐metal atoms in the title compounds are related to the known inclusion of hydrogen atoms in the voids of Laves phases. The inclusion of Co atoms in the {Sn₉} cages correlates strongly with the number of K vacancies in K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇ and K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉, and consequently, all compounds correspond to diamagnetic valence compounds. Owing to their diamagnetism, K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇, and K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉, as well as the d‐block metal free binary compounds K₁₂Sn₁₇ and K₄Sn₉, were characterized for the first time by ¹¹⁹Sn solid‐state NMR spectroscopy.     

Drei Wege zur Oxydation von [Ta6Cl12]2+ ([Ta6Br12]2+ und [Nb6Cl12]2+)

Three Oxidation Paths of [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ ([Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ and [Nb₆Cl₁₂]²⁺) [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ is oxidized autocatalytically to [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ by HNO₃. The titration of [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ with KBrO₃ (in HBr-containing solutions) or with Ce⁴⁺ or K₂Cr₂O₇ (in HNO₃-containing solutions) leads to a clear [Ta₆Cl₁₂]³⁺ step. The further titration leads beside [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ to the formation of Ta₂O₅(· xH₂O). [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ behaves with KBrO₃(+ HBr) equally, but the formation of [Ta₂O₅](· xH₂O) is only small. [Nb₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ (22°C) titrated with Ce(ClO₄)₄ in 2n HClO₄ gives the first potential step nearby exact ([Nb₆Cl₁₂]³⁺) and at a very slow titration in a second step a precipitation of Nb₂O₅(· xH₂O) occurs, which adsorbed Ce⁴⁺ additionally. At ?15°C with Ce(ClO₄)₄ the first potential step was exactly at [Nb₆Cl₁₂]^2+→3+, while the second step needs a distinct additional consumption of titer. (Formation of [Nb₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ and beside it [Nb₂O₅](· xH₂O)). From the titration curves and sections of its normal progress in all cases we get the normal potentials 2+/3+ and 3+/4+ with an accuracy of ± 0.01 volt. In alkaline solution the complexes are oxidized with air-oxygen to [M₆X₁₂](OH)₆^2?, while the Br-containing complexes suffer hydrolysis afterwards.     

Synthese und Schwingungsspektrum des [Ta2OCl10]2⊖-Ions

Synthesis and Vibrational Spectrum of the [Ta₂OCl₁₀]^2? Ion (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₁₀] is prepared from NO[TaOCl₄] with tetraphenylphosphonium chloride. The vibrational spectrum is in accordance with the D_4h symmetry of the m?-Oxo-decachloroditantalum(V) ion.     

Tetradecacobalt(II)‐Containing 36‐Niobate [Co14(OH)16(H2O)8Nb36O106]20− and Its Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Activity

A gigantic Co₁₄‐containing 36‐niobate, Na₁₂K₈[Co₁₄(OH)₁₆(H₂O)₈Nb₃₆O₁₀₆] ? 71H₂O ( 1 ), has been prepared by the hydrothermal method and structurally characterized. Polyanion [Co₁₄(OH)₁₆(H₂O)₈Nb₃₆O₁₀₆]^20? ( 1 a ) comprises a central Co₇ core, surrounded by another seven isolated Co²⁺ ions and six Lindqvist‐type (Nb₆O₁₉) hexaniobate fragments. This is the first example of a high‐nuclear cobalt‐cluster‐containing polyoxoniobate. The photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of Pt‐loaded 1 was observed in methanol solution under irradiation using a 300 W Xe lamp.     

From Racemic Compound to Spontaneous Resolution: A Linker‐Imposed Evolution of Chiral [MnMo9O32]6−‐Based Polyoxometalate Compounds

Five compounds based on [MnMo₉O₃₂]^6?: (Himi)₆[MnMo₉O₃₂] ( 1 ) (imi=imidazole), Na₂(Himi)₄[MnMo₉O₃₂] ? 2 H₂O ( 2 ), Na₃(Himi)₃[MnMo₉O₃₂] ( 3 ), D ‐NH₄Mn_2.5[MnMo₉O₃₂] ? 11 H₂O ( 4 a ), and L ‐NH₄Mn_2.5[MnMo₉O₃₂] ? 11 H₂O ( 4 b ) were prepared and characterized. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 2 with imidazole molecules as linkers are racemic compounds; compound 3 is a racemic solid solution of Na⁺ cations and the polyoxoanion [MnMo₉O₃₂]^6?; and compounds 4 a and 4 b are enantiomers. In compound 4 , the homochiral polyoxoanions [MnMo₉O₃₂]^6? are connected by Mn²⁺ cations to form a unique (4⁵ ? 6)(4⁷ ? 6⁸) topology net framework. By adjusting the linkers from imidazole molecules to Na⁺ and finally Mn²⁺ cations, the chiral polyoxoanions [MnMo₉O₃₂]^6? were changed from a racemic compound to a conglomerate. This means that spontaneous resolution can be efficiently realized by connecting homochiral polyoxoanions into one‐dimensional (1D), 2D, and 3D structures, with an emphasis on using appropriate linkers with substantial interaction strength, directionality, and enantioselectivity.