Controlling transformations in the assembly of polyoxometalate clusters: {Mo11V7}, {Mo17V8} and {Mo72V30}

The reaction of molybdate with vanadium(V) in the presence of sulfite anions is explored showing how, via cation control, stepwise assembly through the {Mo(11)V(7)} cluster yields a {M(25)} cluster-based compound, [Mo(VI)(11)V(V)(5)V(IV)(2)O(52)(μ(9)-SO(3))(Mo(VI)(6)V(V)O(22))](10-) (1a), which was first discovered using cryospray mass spectrometry, whereas switching the cation away from ammonium allows the direct formation of the spherical 'Keplerate' {Mo(72)V(30)} cluster.     

Coordination site-dependent cation binding and multi-responsible redox properties of Janus-head metalloligand, [Mo(V)(1,2-mercaptophenolato)3

The redox-active fac-[Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-) (mp: o-mercaptophenolato) bearing asymmetric O- and S-cation binding sites can bind with several kinds of metal ions such as Na(+), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(I). The fac-[Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-) metalloligand coordinates to Na(+) to form the contact ion pair {Na(+)(THF)(3)[fac-Mo(V)(mp)(3)]} (1), while a separated ion pair, n-Bu(4)N[fac-Mo(V)(mp)(3)] (2), is obtained by exchanging Na(+) with n-Bu(4)N(+). In the presence of asymmetric binding-sites, the metalloligand reacts with Mn(II)Cl(2)·4H(2)O, Fe(II)Cl(2)·4H(2)O, Co(II)Cl(2)·6H(2)O, and Ni(II)Cl(2)·6H(2)O to afford UV-vis-NIR spectra, indicating binding of these guest metal cations. Especially, for the cases of the Mn(II) and Co(II) products, trinuclear complexes, {M(H(2)O)(MeOH)[fac-Mo(V)(mp)(3)](2)}·1.5CH(2)Cl(2) (3·1.5CH(2)Cl(2) (M = Mn(II)), 4·1.5CH(2)Cl(2) (M = Co(II))), are successfully isolated and structurally characterized where the M are selectively bound to the hard O-binding sites of the fac-[Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-). On the other hand, a coordination polymer, {Cu(I)(CH(3)CN)[mer-Mo(V)(mp)(3)]}(n) (5), is obtained by the reaction of fac-[Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-) with [Cu(I)(CH(3)CN)(4)]ClO(4). In sharp contrast to the cases of 1, 3·1.5CH(2)Cl(2), and 4·1.5CH(2)Cl(2), the Cu(I) in 5 are selectively bound to the soft S-binding sites, where each Cu(I) is shared by two [Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-) with bidentate or monodentate coordination modes. The second notable feature of 5 is found in the geometric change of the [Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-), where the original fac-form of 1 is isomerized to the mer-[Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-) in 5, which was structurally and spectroscopically characterized for the first time. Such isomerization demonstrates the structural flexibility of the [Mo(V)(mp)(3)](-). Spectroscopic studies strongly indicate that the association/dissociation between the guest metal ions and metalloligand can be modulated by solvent polarity. Furthermore, it was also found that such association/dissociation features are significantly influenced by coexisting anions such as ClO(4)(-) or B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-). This suggests that coordination bonds between the guest metal ions and metalloligand are not too static, but are sufficiently moderate to be responsive to external environments. Moreover, electrochemical data of 1 and 3·1.5CH(2)Cl(2) demonstrated that guest metal ion binding led to enhance electron-accepting properties of the metalloligand. Our results illustrate the use of a redox-active chalcogenolato complex with a simple mononuclear structure as a multifunctional metalloligand that is responsive to chemical and electrochemical stimuli.     

High-spin molecules: synthesis,X-ray characterization,and magnetic behavior of two new cyano-bridged Ni(II)(9)Mo(V)(6) and Ni(II)(9)W(V)(6) clusters with a S = 12 ground state

The preparations, X-ray structures, and magnetic characterizations are presented for two new pentadecanuclear cluster compounds: [Ni(II)(Ni(II)(MeOH)(3))(8)(mu-CN)(30)(M(V)(CN)(3))(6)].xMeOH.yH(2)O (M(V) = Mo(V) (1) with x = 17, y = 1; M(V) = W(V) (2) with x = 15, y = 0). Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with cell dimensions of a = 28.4957(18) A, b = 19.2583(10) A, c = 32.4279(17) A, beta = 113.155(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 28.5278(16) A, b = 19.2008(18) A, c = 32.4072(17) A, beta = 113.727(6) degrees, and Z = 4 for 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of neutral cluster complexes comprising 15 metal ions, 9 Ni(II) and 6 M(V), all linked by mu-cyano ligands. Magnetic susceptibilities and magnetization measurements of compounds 1 and 2 in the crystalline and dissolved state indicate that these clusters have a S = 12 ground state, originating from intracluster ferromagnetic exchange interactions between the mu-cyano-bridged metal ions of the type Ni(II)-NC-M(V). Indeed, these data show clearly that the cluster molecules stay intact in solution. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the cluster compounds exhibit magnetic susceptibility relaxation phenomena at low temperatures since, with nonzero dc fields, chi"(M) has a nonzero value that is frequency dependent. However, there appears no out-of-phase (chi"(M)) signal in zero dc field down to 1.8 K, which excludes the expected signature for a single molecule magnet. This finding is confirmed with the small uniaxial magnetic anisotropy value for D of 0.015 cm(-1), deduced from the high-field, high-frequency EPR measurement, which distinctly reveals a positive sign in D. Obviously, the overall magnetic anisotropy of the compounds is too low, and this may be a consequence of a small single ion magnetic anisotropy combined with the highly symmetric arrangement of the metal ions in the cluster molecule.     

Assembly of a family of mixed metal {Mo:V} polyoxometalates templated by TeO3(2-): {Mo12V12Te3}, {Mo12V12Te2} and {Mo17V8Te}

The influence of the pyramidal heteroanion, TeO(3)(2-) in the self-assembly of mixed metal (Mo/V) systems, is demonstrated by the isolation of three novel mixed-metal, mixed-valence architectures, {Mo(12)V(12)Te(3)} (1), {Mo(12)V(12)Te(2)} (2) and {Mo(17)V(8)Te} (3) with the tellurium centres exhibiting the novel μ(8)-TeO(4) and μ(9)-TeO(3) coordination modes while compounds 1 and 2 were discovered utilizing ESI mass spectrometry.     

A pyrovanadate-templated silver(I)-ethynide cluster circumscribed by macrocyclic polyoxovanadate(V)

In the giant mixed-metal silver(I)-ethynide cluster compound [Bz(Et)(3)N(+)](8)[(Et)(4)N(+)](2)[(V(2)O(7))(2)@Ag(44)(C≡C(t)Bu)(14)@(V(32)O(96))], the cyclic polyoxovanadate {V(32)O(96)} located at a 4 site takes a contorted configuration to wrap around an inner Ag(44) cluster that in turn encapsulates a pair of pyrovanadate templates.     

A C2-symmetric antimonato polyoxovanadate cluster [V16Sb4O42(H2O)](8-) derived from the {V18O42} archetype

The new antimonato polyoxovanadate [V(IV)(16)Sb(III)(4)O(42)(H(2)O)](8-) cluster (1a) is the main structural motif of the solvothermally obtained compound {(trenH(2))Zn(tren)}(2)[V(16)Sb(4)O(42)(H(2)O)]·xH(2)O (x = 6-10) (1) (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine). The C(2)-symmetric cluster structure is closely related to the {V(18)O(42)} archetype. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 30.7070(19) ?, b = 13.9512(5) ?, c = 23.1435(14) ?, β = 128.076(6)°, and V = 7804.8(7) ?(3). The orientation of the [Sb(III)(2)O(5)](4-) groups in each cluster leads to intermolecular Sb···O contacts and the formation of channels between the clusters. [Zn(tren)(trenH(2))] complexes with trigonal bipyramidal coordination environments are located between the [V(16)Sb(4)O(42)(H(2)O)](8-) anions, and form a three dimensional network with them via strong N-H···O hydrogen bonds. Up to 250 °C crystal water molecules are emitted, which are reversibly incorporated in humid air.     

Microwave-assisted construction of ferromagnetic coordination polymers of [W(V)(CN)8]3- with Cu(II)-pyrazole synthons

The microwave-mediated self-assembly of [W(V)(CN)(8)](3-) with Cu(II) in the presence of pyrazole ligand resulted in the formation of three novel assemblies: Cu(II)(2)(Hpyr)(5)(H(2)O)[W(V)(CN)(8)](NO(3))·H(2)O (1), {Cu(II)(5)(Hpyr)(18)[W(V)(CN)(8)](4)}·[Cu(II)(Hpyr)(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·9H(2)O (2), and Cu(II)(4)(Hpyr)(10)(H(2)O)[W(V)(CN)(8)](2)(HCOO)(2)·4.5H(2)O (3) (Hpyr =1H-pyrazole). Single-crystal X-ray structure of 1 consists of cyanido-bridged 1-D chains of vertex-sharing squares topology. The structure of 2 reveals 2-D hybrid inorganic layer topology with large coordination spaces occupied by {Cu(Hpyr)(2)(H(2)O)(4)}(2+) ions. Compound 3 contains two types of cyanido-bridged 1-D chains of vertex-sharing squares linked together by formate ions in two directions forming hybrid inorganic-organic 3-D framework (I(1)O(2)). The magnetic measurements for 1-3 reveal a weak ferromagnetic coupling through Cu(II)-NC-W(V) bridges.     

New type of heterometallic 3d-4f rhomblike core in Weakley-like polyoxometalates

The first heterometallic copper-cerium polyoxometalate, [{Ce(IV)(OAc)}Cu(II)(3)(H(2)O)(B-α-GeW(9)O(34))(2)](11-) (1), is composed of an unprecedented copper(II)-trisubstituted Weakley-type tungstogermanate subunit stabilized by coordination of a {Ce(OAc)}(3+) group at the vacant position. The title species contains a central {Ce(IV)Cu(II)(3)O(18)} rhomblike cluster that belongs to a new {(4f(ext))(3d(ext))(3d(int))(2)} type and magnetically behaves as a triangular Cu(3) system with overall antiferromagnetic exchange affected by the structural distortions the vicinity of diamagnetic Ce(IV) induces.     

From platonic templates to Archimedean solids: successive construction of nanoscopic {V16As8}, {V16As10}, {V20As8}, and {V24As8} polyoxovanadate cages

Supramolecular coordination cages provide unique restricted inner cavities that can be exploited for molecular recognition purposes and catalysis. Their syntheses often involve complex self-organization processes and rely on the identification of preorganized, kinetically stable building units that provide ligand-accessible coordination sites. Here we report a highly effective protocol for the successive buildup of symmetrical nanoscopic polyoxometalate (POM) cages. Our methodology takes advantage of a supramolecular templating effect and utilizes the structure-directing influence of octahedral {X(x)(H(2)O)(6-x)} (X = Br(-), Cl(-); x = 2, 4, 6) assemblies that reside inside the hollow cluster shells and determine the arrangement of di- and tetranuclear vanadate units. The approach allows the preparation of a series of high-nuclearity POM cages that are characterized by {V(16)As(8)}, {V(16)As(10)}, {V(20)As(8)}, and {V(24)As(8)} core structures. In the latter cluster cage, the vanadium centers adopt a truncated octahedral topology. The formation of this Archimedean body is the direct result of the assembly of six square {V(4)O(8)} units that cap the vertices of the encapsulated Platonic {Cl(6)} octahedron. To the best of our knowledge, this {V(24)As(8)} cage is the largest hybrid vanadate cluster reported to date.     

Vibrational and electronic structure of the dinuclear bis(mu-nitrido) vanadium(v) complex [V(N{N"}2)(mu-N)]2: spectroscopic properties of the M2(mu-N)2 diamond core

The vibrational and electronic structure of the bis(mu-nitrido) bridged complex [V(N{N"}2)(mu-N)]2 (1) (where [N{N"}2](2-)=[(Me3Si)N{CH(2)CH(2)N(SiMe3)}2](2-)) is analyzed. Assignment of the five modes of the V(2)(mu-N)2 core is based on (15)N isotope shifts and a DFT calculation on the calculated structure I which is an exact reproduction of 1. The three Raman active modes of the planar V(2)(mu-N)2 core are found in the Raman spectrum whereas the two IR allowed vibrations are identified in the infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the electronic structure of is described which complements earlier theoretical studies on the reaction pathway leading to 1(V. M. E. Bates, G. K. B. Clentsmith, F. G. N. Cloke, J. C. Green, H. D. L. Jenkin, Chem. Commun., 2000, 927). Based on the MO scheme of I the UV-vis transitions of 1 are assigned.     

3D coordination framework [Ln(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)Cu(6)I(5)(IN)(8)(OAc)(3)] (IN = isonicotinate): employing 2D layers of lanthanide wheel clusters and 1D chains of copper halide clusters

Two novel 3D heterometallic coordination polymers, Ln(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)Cu(6)I(5)(IN)(8)(OAc)(3) (Ln = Nd (1), Pr (2); HIN = isonicotinic acid, HOAc = acetic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental, infrared, and thermogravimetric analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c. Both polymers are constructed from 2D lanthanide-cluster polymers based on the {Ln(16)} wheel-cluster and 1D copper-cluster polymers based on the {Cu(6)I(5)} cluster, which represent the first examples of 3D coordination frameworks created by using a combination of two different types of metal-cluster polymer units, namely, a high-nuclearity lanthanide-cluster polymer and a transition-metal-cluster polymer.     

Exploring the structure and properties of transition metal templated {VM17(VO4)2} Dawson-like capsules

Vanadate(V)-templated Dawson-type capsules {V(IV)M(VI)(17)(VO(4))(2)} (M = Mo, W; 1-2) have been synthesized and investigated by electrochemical methods in aqueous and organic media using spectroscopic techniques, EPR, UV-vis/NIR, IR, and CSI-MS (cryospray ionization mass spec.), and the clusters have been examined in the solid state by magnetic studies. The collision-induced dissociation (CID-MS) studies confirmed the solution structures as well as helped pinpoint the position of the vanadium ion on the {VM(17)}-type shell, which was corroborated by EPR and theoretical studies.     

{(Mo)Mo5O21(H2O)3(SO4)}12(VO)30(H2O)20]36-: a molecular quantum spin icosidodecahedron

Self-assembly of aqueous solutions of molybdate and vanadate under reducing, mildly acidic conditions results in a polyoxomolybdate-based {Mo72V30} cluster compound Na8K16(VO)(H2O)5[K10 subset{(Mo)Mo5O21(H2O)3(SO4)}12(VO)30(H2O)20].150H2O, 1, a quantum spin-based Keplerate structure.     

Ag(I)/V(V) Heterobimetallic Frameworks Generated from Novel-Type {Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(triazole)(4)} Secondary Building Blocks: A New Aspect in the Design of SVOF Hybrids

A series of new silver(I)-containing MOFs [Ag(2)(tr(2)ad)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)ad)(2)]·H(2)O (2), [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)eth)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (3), and [Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr(2)cy)(2)]·4H(2)O (4) supported by 4-substituted bifunctional 1,2,4-triazole ligands (tr(2)ad = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)adamantane, tr(2)eth = 1,2-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)ethane, tr(2)cy = trans-1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)cyclohexane) were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. In these complexes, the triazole heterocycle as an N(1),N(2)-bridge links either two adjacent Ag-Ag or Ag-V centers at short distances forming polynuclear clusters. The crystal structure of compound 1 is based on cationic {Ag(2)(tr)(4)}(2+) fragments connected in a 2D rhombohedral grid network with (4,4) topology. The neighboring layers are tightly packed into a 3D array by means of argentophilic interactions (Ag···Ag 3.28 ?). Bridging between different metal atoms through the triazole groups assists formation of heterobimetallic Ag(I)/V(V) secondary building blocks in a linear V-Ag-Ag-V sequence that is observed in complexes 2-4. These unprecedented tetranuclear {Ag(2)(VO(2)F(2))(2)(tr)(4)} units (the intermetal Ag-Ag and Ag-V distances are 4.24-4.36 and 3.74-3.81 ?, respectively), in which vanadium(V) oxofluoride units possess distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment {VO(2)F(2)N}ˉ, are incorporated into 1D ribbon (2) or 2D square nets (3, 4) using bitopic μ(4)-triazole ligands. The valence bond calculation for vanadium atoms shows +V oxidation state in the corresponding compounds. Thermal stability and photoluminescence properties were studied for all reported coordination polymers.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of bi- and trimetallic octacyanometalate(IV) complexes: [Delta,Lambda-MII(en)3][cis-MII(en)2(OH2)][MIV(CN)8].2H2O and [cis-MII(en)2(OH2)]2[(mu-NC)2MIV(CN)6].4H2O (MII = Mn, Co, Ni; MIV = Mo, W)

Treatment of [M(II)(en)(3)][OTs](2) or methanolic ethylenediamine solutions containing transition metal p-toluenesulfonates (M(II) = Mn, Co) with aqueous K(4)M(IV)(CN)(8).2H(2)O or Cs(3)M(V)(CN)(8) (M(IV) = Mo, W; M(V) = Mo) affords crystalline clusters of [M(II)(en)(3)][cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(mu-NC)M(IV)(CN)(7)].2H(2)O (M(IV) = Mo; M(II) = Mn, 1; Ni, 5; M(IV) = W; M(II) = Mn, 2; Ni, 6) and [cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))](2)[(mu-NC)(2)M(IV)(CN)(6)].4H(2)O (M(IV) = Mo; M(II) = Co, 3; Ni, 7; M(IV) = W; M(II) = Co, 4) stoichiometry. Each cluster contains cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(mu-NC)(2+) units that likely result from dissociative loss of en from [M(II)(en)(3)](2+), affording cis-M(II)(en)(2)(OH(2))(2)(2+) intermediates that are trapped by M(IV)(CN)(8)(4-).     

Crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7)

Red-brown crystals of a new mixed alkali oxo sulfato vanadium(V) compound Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7), suitable for X-ray determination, have been obtained from the catalytically important binary molten salt system M(2)S(2)O(7)-V(2)O(5) (M = 80% K and 20% Na). By slow cooling of a mixture with the mole fraction X(V(2)O(5)) = 0.24 from 325 degrees C, i.e., just below the liquidus temperature, to the solidus temperature of around 300 degrees C, a dark reddish amorphous phase was obtained containing crystals of the earlier described V(V)-V(IV) mixed valence compound K(6)(VO)(4)(SO(4))(8) and Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7) described here. This compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4(3)2(1)2 (No. 96) with a = 9.540(3) A, c = 29.551(5) A at 20 degrees C and Z = 4. It contains a distorted VO(6) octahedron with a short V-O bond of 1.552(6) A, a long one of 2.276(5) A trans to this, and four equatorial V-O bonds in the range 1.881(6)-1.960(6) A. The deformation of the VO(6) octahedron is less pronounced compared to that of the known oxo sulfato V(V) compounds. Each VO(3+) group is coordinated to five sulfate groups of which two are unidentately coordinated and three are bidentate bridging to neighboring VO(3+) groups. The length of the S-O bonds in the S-O-V bridges of the two unidentately coordinated sulfato groups are 1.551(6) A and 1.568(6) A, respectively, which are unusually long compared to our earlier measurements of sulfate groups in other V(III), V(IV), and V(V) compounds.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivities of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-), [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-), and [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) Zintl Ion Complexes Where M = Mo, W

Ethylenediamine (en) solutions of [eta(4)-P(7)M(CO)(3)](3)(-) ions [M = W (1a), Mo (1b)] react under one atmosphere of CO to form microcrystalline yellow powders of [eta(2)-P(7)M(CO)(4)](3)(-) complexes [M = W (4a), Mo (4b)]. Compounds 4 are unstable, losing CO to re-form 1, but are highly nucleophilic and basic. They are protonated with methanol in en solvent giving [eta(2)-HP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) ions (5) and are alkylated with R(4)N(+) salts in en solutions to give [eta(2)-RP(7)M(CO)(4)](2)(-) complexes (6) in good yields (R = alkyl). Compounds 5 and 6 can also be prepared by carbonylations of the [eta(4)-HP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (3) and [eta(4)-RP(7)M(CO)(3)](2)(-) (2) precursors, respectively. The carbonylations of 1-3 to form 4-6 require a change from eta(4)- to eta(2)-coordination of the P(7) cages in order to maintain 18-electron configurations at the metal centers. Comparative protonation/deprotonation studies show 4 to be more basic than 1. The compounds were characterized by IR and (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies and microanalysis where appropriate. The [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salts of 5 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. For 5, the M-P bonds are very long (2.71(1) ?, average). The P(7)(3)(-) cages of 5 are not displaced by dppe. The P(7) cages in 4-6 have nortricyclane-like structures in contrast to the norbornadiene-type geometries observed for 1-3. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies for 5-6 show C(1) symmetry in solution (seven inequivalent phosphorus nuclei), consistent with the structural studies for 5, and C(s)() symmetry for 4 (five phosphorus nuclei in a 2:2:1:1:1 ratio). Crystallographic data for [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)W(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 23.067(20) ?, b = 12.6931(13) ?, c = 21.433(2) ?, beta = 90.758(7) degrees, V = 6274.9(10) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0573, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1409. For [K(2,2,2-crypt)](2)[eta(2)-HP(7)Mo(CO)(4)].en: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 22.848(2) ?, b = 12.528(2) ?, c = 21.460(2) ?, beta = 91.412(12) degrees, V = 6140.9(12) ?(3), Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0681, R(w)(F(2)) = 0.1399.     

A new organic-inorganic hybrid layered molybdenum(V) cobalt phosphate constructed from [H24(Mo16O32)Co16(PO4)24(OH)4(C5H4N)2(H2O)6](4-) wheels and 4,4'-bipyridine linkers

A new layered molybdenum cobalt phosphate, Na(2)[Co(H(2)O)(6)][(Mo(16)O(32))Co(16)(PO(4))(4) (HPO(4))(16)(H(2)PO(4))(4)(OH)(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(4)(C(5)H(4)N)(2)(H(2)O)(6)]·4H(2)O (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 15.6825(18) ?, b = 39.503(4) ?, c = 17.2763(17) ?, β = 93.791(2)°, V = 10679.4(18) ?(3), and Z = 2. A polyoxoanion of 1 exhibits an unusual organic-inorganic hybrid wheel-type cluster, in which two pyridine ligands link to the surface Co(II) atoms of a [H(24)(Mo(16)O(32))Co(16)(PO(4))(24)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(6)] (namely, {Mo(16)Co(16)P(24)}) wheel via the Co-N bonds. Furthermore, each {Mo(16)Co(16)P(24)} wheel is connected to four adjacent wheels by four pairs of 4,4'-bipyridine linkers, forming a 2D layered network. The susceptibility measurement shows the existence of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions in 1.     

Electrochemistry of niobium(V) in sulfuric and methanesulfonic acids: formation of the Nb3O2(SO4)6(H2O)(3)(5-) cluster and designed electrochemical generation of "Nb3O2" core clusters by double potential pulse electrolysis

The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of niobium(V) and the Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(5-) cluster in sulfuric acid and methanesulfonic acid were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, constant potential electrolysis, and spectroelectrochemistry. These chemical systems were suitable to probe the formation of "Nb(3)O(2)" core trinuclear clusters. In 9 M H(2)SO(4) the cluster Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(5-) exhibited a reversible 1-electron reduction peak at E(pc) = -1.30 V vs Hg/Hg(2)SO(4) electrode, as well as a 4-electron irreversible oxidation peak at E(pa) = -0.45 V. Controlled potential reduction at E = -1.40 V produced the green Nb(3.33+) cluster anion Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(6-). In 12 M H(2)SO(4) Nb(V) displayed two reduction peaks at E(pc) = -1.15 V and E(pc) = -1.30 V. It was determined that the first process involves a quasi-reversible 2-electron reduction. After reduction of Nb(V) to Nb(III) the following chemical step involves formation of [Nb(III)](2) dimer, which further reacts with Nb(V) to produce the Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6(H(2)O)(3)(5-) cluster (ECC process). The second reduction peak at E(pc) = -1.30 V corresponds to further 2-electron reduction of Nb(III) to Nb(I). The electrogenerated Nb(I) species also chemically reacts with starting material Nb(V) to produce additional [Nb(III)](2). In 5 M H(2)SO(4), the rate of the second chemical step in the ECC process is relatively slower and reduction of Nb(V) at E = -1.45 V/-1.2 V produces a mixture of Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(5-) and [Nb(III)](2) dimer. [Nb(III)](2) can be selectively oxidized by two 2-electron steps at E = -0.65 V to Nb(V). However, if the oxidation is performed at E = -0.86 V, the product is Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(5-). A double potential pulse electrolysis waveform was developed to direct the reduction of Nb(V) toward selective formation of the Nb(3)O(2)(SO(4))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(5-) cluster. Proper application of dc-voltage pulses alternating between E(1) = -1.45 V and E(2) = -0.86 V yields only the target trinuclear cluster. Analogous double potential pulse electrolysis of Nb(V) in methanesulfonic acid generates the "Nb(3)O(2)" core cluster Nb(3)O(2)(CH(3)SO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(3)(+).     

Preparation and Properties of the Corner-Shared Double Cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) as a Derivative of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) in Aqueous Acidic Solutions

The reaction of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with Bi(III) in the presence of BH(4)(-) (rapid), or with Bi metal shot (3-4 days), gives a heterometallic cluster product. The latter has been characterized as the corner-shared double cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) by the following procedures. Analyses by ICP-AES confirm the Mo:Bi:S ratio as 6:1:8. Elution from a cation-exchange column by 4 M Hpts (Hpts = p-toluenesulfonic acid), but not 2 M Hpts (or 4 M HClO(4)), is consistent with a high charge. The latter is confirmed as 8+ from the 3:1 stoichiometries observed for the oxidations with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) yielding [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Bi(III) as products. Heterometallic clusters [Mo(6)MS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) are now known for M = Hg, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi and are a feature of the P-block main group metals. The color of [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) in 2.0 M Hpts (turquoise) is different from that in 2.0 M HCl (green-blue). Kinetic studies (25 degrees C) for uptake of a single chloride k(f) = 0.80 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), I = 2.0 M (Hpts), and the high affinity for Cl(-) (K > 40 M(-)(1)) exceeds that observed for complexing at Mo. A specific heterometal interaction of the Cl(-) not observed in the case of other double cubes is indicated. The Cl(-) can be removed by cation-exchange chromatography with retention of the double-cube structure. Kinetic studies with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) and hexaaqua-Fe(III) as oxidants form part of a survey of redox properties of this and other clusters. The Cl(-) adduct is more readily oxidized by [Co(dipic)(2)](-) (factor of approximately 10) and is also more air sensitive.