About the Keggin isomers: crystal structure of [N(C4H9)4]-gamma-[SiMo2W10O40]n- (n= 4 or 6)

The tetrabutylammonium gamma-dodecatungstosilicate has been crystallized in a 6/1 acetonitrile/water solvent. An X-ray single-crystal analysis was carried out on N(C4H9)4]4-gamma-SiW12O40] which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 19.0881(3) A, b = 21.4435(3) A, c = 26.0799(1) A, V = 10674.9(2) A3, Z = 4, and rho(calcd) = 2.392 g/cm3. The idealized C2v arrangement of the anion results from the rotation of 60 degrees of two trigonal W3O13] groups in the Keggin anion. Taking as reference the geometrical characteristics of the Keggin anion, it appears that the bond lengths and bonds angles within the four W3O13] groups are not significantly modified while the mu-oxo junctions between the two rotated groups and those between the two unrotated groups involve more acute and opened W-O-W angles, respectively. The syntheses and 183W NMR characterizations of the mixed gamma-SiW10Mo2O40]n- compounds corresponding to the oxidized (Mo(VI); n = 4) and to the two electron-reduced (Mo(V); n = 6) anions are reported. Structural analysis by 183W NMR has proved unambiguously that the C2v structure of the gamma-SiW10O36]8- subunit is retained in both the compounds. The electronic behavior of the series gamma-SiW10M2E2O36]6- (M = Mo or W; E = O or S) is examined, compared and related to 183W NMR data.