Cs2[Pr6(C2)]I12 - das erste quaternäre reduzierte Halogenid mit isolierten [M6(C2)]-Clustern

Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ — the First Quaternary Reduced Halide with Isolated [M₆(C₂)] Clusters . Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ is obtained as one of the major products from the reaction of PrI₃, cesium and carbon in sealed tantalum containers at 850°C. The crystal structure triclinic, P 1 ; a=948.1(2), b=953.6(3), c=1 005.2(3) pm; α=71.01(2); β=84,68(3), γ=89.37(2)°; Z=1 contains discrete Pr₆I₁₂-type clusters elongated along the pseudo-four-fold axis to accommodate the C₂ units (d(C—C)=139 pm). The clusters are connected through common ^i?aI and ^a?iI linkages at metal vertices and edges according to Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)ⁱI₆^i?aI_6/2]^a?iI_6/2. The cesium cations occupy interstices within the (distorted) iodide layers in a way that “Cs₂I₁₈” dimers are formed, in which Cs⁺ is surrounded by eleven I^?. On the basis of the MO scheme of [Sc₆(C₂]I₁₁, the bonding of the C² unit is discussed and compared with other cluster compounds containing C₂ units.     

Neue Kupferkomplexe mit Phosphaalkenliganden. Molekülstruktur von [Cu{P(Mes*)C(NMe2)2}2]BF4 (Mes* = 2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2)

New Copper Complexes Containing Phosphaalkene Ligands. Molecular Structure of [Cu{P(Mes*)C(NMe₂)₂}₂]BF₄ (Mes* = 2,4,6‐tBu₃C₆H₂) Reaction of equimolar amounts of the inversely polarized phosphaalkene tBuP=C(NMe₂)₂ ( 1a ) and copper(I) bromide or copper(I) iodide, respectively, affords complexes [Cu₃X₃{μ‐P(tBu)C(NMe₂)₂}₃] ( 2 ) (X =Br) and ( 3 ) (X = I) as the formal result of the cyclotrimerization of a 1:1‐adduct. Treatment of 1a with [Cu(L)Cl] (L = PiPr₃; SbiPr₃) leads to the formation of compounds [CuCl(L){P(tBu)C(NMe₂)₂}] ( 4a ) (L = PiPr₃) and ( 4b ) (L = SbiPr₃), respectively. Reaction of [(MeCN)₄Cu]BF₄ with two equivalents of PhP=C(NMe₂)₂ ( 1b ) yields complex [Cu{P(Ph)C(NMe₂)₂}₂]BF₄ ( 5b ). Similarly, compounds [Cu{P(Aryl)C(NMe₂)₂}₂]BF₄ ( 5c (Aryl = Mes and 5d (Aryl = Mes*)) are obtained from ArylP=C(NMe₂)₂ ( 1c : Aryl = Mes; 1d : Mes*) and [(MeCN)₄Cu]BF₄ in the presence of SbiPr₃. Complexes 2 , 3 , 4a , 4b , and 5b‐5d are characterized by means of elemental analyses and spectroscopy (¹H‐, ¹³C{¹H}‐, ³¹P{¹H}‐NMR). The molecular structure of 5d is determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Reaktive E = C(p-p)π-Systeme. XLII [1]. Neue Koordinationsverbindungen des 2-(Diisopropylamino)-1-phosphaethins: [{η4-(iPr2NCP)2}Ni{η2-(iPr2NCP)}], [(Ph3P)2Pt{η2-(iPr2NCP)}] und [Co2(CO)6{η2-η2-(iPr2NCP)}]

Reactive E = C(pp)π-Systems. XLII [1]. Novel Coordination Compounds of 2-(Diisopropylamino)-1-phosphaethyne: [{η⁴-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}], [(Ph₃P)₂Pt{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}], and [Co₂(CO)₆{η²-μ²-(iPr₂NCP)}] 2-(Diisopropylamino)-phosphaethyne iPr₂N? C?P ( 2 ) reacts with the Ni(0)-complexes [Ni(1,5-cyclooctadiene)₂] and [Ni(CO)₃(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)], respectively, to give the novel complex [{η⁴-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}] ( 5 ), with the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene derivative and 2 (side-on) as π-ligands. The molecular structure of 5 determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals proves the spin systems and rotational barriers deduced from NMR-data (¹H, ¹³C-, ³¹P). The PC distances of the four-membered ring of 1.817(2) and 1.818(2) Å – as expected – are considerably longer than the PC bond of the η²-coordinated phosphaalkyne 2 [1.671(2) Å]. – In the reactions of 2 with [(Ph₃P)₂Pt(C₂H₄)] or [Co₂(CO)₈] the ligand properties of 2 resemble those of alkynes affording the complexes [(Ph₃P)₂Pt{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}] ( 7 ) with side-on coordinated 2 and [Co₂(CO)₆{η²-μ²-(iPr₂NCP)}] with 2 acting as a 4e donor bridge in quantitative yield. In attempts to prepare copper(I) complexes of the aminophosphaalkyne 2 by reaction with CuCl or CuI the only isolable product formed in reasonable amounts under the influence of air and moisture is the 1 λ³, 3 λ⁵-diphosphetene (iPr₂N) ( 10 ) (isolated yield: ca. 20%). The crystal structure analysis of 10 indicates a strong structural relationship to the diamino-2-phosphaallyl cation [Me(iPr₂N)]⁺ ( 12 ), the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene ligand (iPr₂NCP)₂ in the binuclear complex [{η¹, μ²-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni₂(CO)₆] ( 3a ) as well as to the heterocycles (dme)₂LiOE₂′ (E′ = S, 11a ; E′ = Se, 11b ) prepared by Becker et al. [11b, 35].     

On the Reactivity of Silylated Ge9 Clusters: Synthesis and Characterization of [ZnCp*(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], [CuPiPr3(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], and [(CuPiPr3)4{Ge9(SiPh3)2}2]

We report on the synthesis of new derivatives of silylated clusters of the type [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^? (R = SiMe₃, Me = CH₃; R = Ph, Ph = C₆H₅) as well as on their reactivity towards copper and zinc compounds. The silylated cluster compounds were synthesized by heterogeneous reactions starting from the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉. Reaction of K[Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃] with ZnCl₂ leads to the already known dimeric compound [Zn(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)₂] ( 1 ), whereas upon the reaction with [ZnCp*₂] the coordination of [ZnCp*]⁺ to the cluster takes place (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) under the formation of [ZnCp*(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 2 ). A similar reaction leads to [CuPiPr₃(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 3 ) from [CuPiPr₃Cl] (iPr=isopropyl). Further we investigated the novel silylated cluster units [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₃]^? ( 4 ) and [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]^? ( 5 ), which could be identified by mass spectroscopy. Bis‐ and tris‐silylated species can be synthesized by the respective stoichiometric reactions, and the products were characterized by ESI‐MS and NMR experiments. These clusters show rather different reactivity. The reaction of the tris‐silylated anion 4 with [CuPiPr₃Cl] leads to [(CuPiPr₃)₃Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]⁺ as shown from NMR experiments and to [(CuPiPr₃)₄{Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂}₂] ( 6 ), which was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6 shows a new type of coordination of the Cu atoms to the silylated Zintl clusters.     

Cyanide Complexes Based on {Mo6I8}4+ and {W6I8}4+ Cluster Cores

Compounds based on new cyanide cluster anions [{Mo₆I₈}(CN)₆]^2–, trans-[{Mo₆I₈}(CN)₄(MeO)₂]^2– and trans-[{W₆I₈}(CN)₂(MeO)₄]²⁻ were synthesized using mechanochemical or solvothermal synthesis. The crystal and electronic structures as well as spectroscopic properties of the anions were investigated. It was found that the new compounds exhibit red luminescence upon excitation by UV light in the solid state and solutions, as other cluster complexes based on {Mo₆I₈}⁴⁺ and {W₆I₈}⁴⁺ cores do. The compounds can be recrystallized from aqueous methanol solutions; besides this, it was shown using NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy that anions did not undergo hydrolysis in the solutions for a long time. These facts indicate that hydrolytic stabilization of {Mo₆I₈} and {W₆I₈} cluster cores can be achieved by coordination of cyanide ligands.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Monomeric Sterically Encumbered Diaryls E{C6H3‐2,6‐(C6H3‐2,6‐Pri2)2}2 (E = Ge,Sn, or Pb)

The reaction of two equivalents of LiC₆H₃‐2,6‐(C₆H₃‐2,6‐Prⁱ₂)₂ with GeCl₂·dioxane, SnCl₂ or PbBr₂ in a diethyl ether solution resulted in the isolation of the monomeric σ‐bonded diaryl tetrylene series E{C₆H₃‐2,6‐(C₆H₃‐2,6‐Prⁱ₂)₂}₂ (E = Ge ( 1 ), Sn ( 2 ), or Pb( 3 )). Compounds 1 ‐ 3 are highly sterically congested blue crystalline solids, which possess V‐shaped structures and wide interligand bond angles. The solid state structures of 1 ‐ 3 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray methods while their solution structures were investigated by UV spectroscopy and in the cases of 2 and 3 , respectively, by ¹¹⁹Sn and ²⁰⁷Pb NMR spectroscopy. The series 1 ‐ 3 constitutes the most sterically crowded examples of σ‐bonded diorgano group 14 derivatives yet isolated and, in contrast to previously reported: ER₂ species, the C‐E‐C angles increase with increasing atomic number.     

Anion‐Templated Assembly and Magnetocaloric Properties of a Nanoscale {Gd38} Cage versus a {Gd48} Barrel

The comprehensive study reported herein provides compelling evidence that anion templates are the main driving force in the formation of two novel nanoscale lanthanide hydroxide clusters, {Gd₃₈(ClO₄)₆} ( 1 ) and {Gd₄₈Cl₂(NO₃)} ( 2 ), characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. {Gd₃₈(ClO₄)₆}, encapsulating six ClO₄^? ions, features a cage core composed of twelve vertex‐sharing {Gd₄} tetrahedrons and one Gd???Gd pillar. When Cl^? and NO₃^? were incorporated in the reaction instead of ClO₄^?, {Gd₄₈Cl₂(NO₃)} is obtained with a barrel shape constituted by twelve vertex‐sharing {Gd₄} tetrahedrons and six {Gd₅} pyramids. What is more, the cage‐like {Gd₃₈} can be dynamically converted into the barrel‐shaped {Gd₄₈} upon Cl^? and NO₃^? stimulus. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the linear M‐O‐M′ fashion and the unique μ₈‐ClO₄^? mode have been crystallized in pure lanthanide complex, and complex 2 represents the largest gadolinium cluster. Both of the complexes display large magnetocaloric effect in units of J kg^?1 K^?1 and mJ cm^?3 K^?1 on account of the weak antiferromagnetic exchange, the high N_Gd/M_W ratio (magnetic density), and the relatively compact crystal lattice (mass density).     

A Nickel Complex Containing a Pyramidalized,Ambiphilic Pincer Germylene Ligand

Reaction of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-stabilized PGeP-type germylene Ge{o-(PiPr₂)C₆H₄}₂⋅^MeIiPr ( 1 ) (^MeIiPr=1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) with Ni(cod)₂ gave pincer germylene complex Ni[Ge{o-(PiPr₂)C₆H₄}₂](^MeIiPr) ( 2 ), in which the Ge center of 2 is significantly pyramidalized. Theoretical calculation on 2 predicted the ambiphilicity of the germanium center, which was confirmed by reactivity studies. Thus, complex 2 reacted with both Lewis base ^MeIMe (^MeIMe=1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) and Lewis acid BH₃⋅SMe₂ at the germanium center to afford the adducts Ni[Ge{o-(PiPr₂)C₆H₄}₂⋅^MeIMe](^MeIiPr) ( 3 ) and Ni[Ge{o-(PiPr₂)C₆H₄}₂⋅BH₃](^MeIiPr) ( 4 ), respectively. Furthermore, the former was slowly converted to dinuclear complex Ni₂[Ge{o-(PiPr₂)C₆H₄}₂]₂(^MeIMe)₂ ( 5 ) at room temperature. Complex 5 can be regarded as a dimer of the ^MeIMe analog of 2 with a Ni-Ge-Ge-Ni linkage.     

Pr6C2‐Doppeltetraeder in Pr6C2Cl10 und Pr6C2Cl5Br5

Pr₆C₂‐Bitetrahedra in Pr₆C₂Cl₁₀ and Pr₆C₂Cl₅Br₅ The compounds Pr₆C₂Cl₁₀ and Pr₆C₂Cl₅Br₅ are prepared by heating stoichiometric mixtures of Pr, PrCl₃, PrBr₃ and C in sealed Ta capsules at 810 ? 820 °C. They form bulky transparent yellow to green and moisture sensitive crystals which have different structures: space groups C2/c, (a = 13.687(3) Å, b = 8.638(2) Å, c = 15.690(3) Å, β = 97.67(3)° for Pr₆C₂Cl₁₀ and a = 13.689(1) Å, b = 10.383(1) Å, c = 14.089(1) Å, β = 106.49(1)° for Pr₆C₂Cl₅Br₅). Both crystal structures contain C‐centered Pr₆C₂ bitetrahedra, linked via halogen atoms above edges and corners in different ways. The site selective occupation of the halogen positions in Pr₆C₂Cl₅Br₅ is refined in a split model and analysed with the bond length‐bond strength formalism. The compound is further characterized via TEM investigations and magnetic measurements (μ_eff = 3.66 μ_B).     

Das erste Bromid mit trigonal-bipyramidalen [M5(C2)]-Clustern: [Pr5(C2)]Br9

The First Bromide with Trigonal-Bipyramidal [M₅(C₂)] Clusters: [Pr₅(C₂)]Br₉ The bromide [Pr₅(C₂)]Br₉ is obtained via metallothermic reduction of PrBr₃ with rubidium in the presence of praseodymium and carbon in a sealed niobium container at 730°C as dark red single crystals. [Pr₅(C₂)]Br₉ crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system [P2₁/n; Z = 4; a = 1 006.9(1); b = 1 886.1(1); c = 1 045.9(1) pm; β = 108.130(1)°; R_int = 0.059; R1 = 0.038; wR2 = 0.077]. One edge in the base of the trigonal bipyramid in [Pr₅(C₂)]Br₉ is usually long (440 pm). It is not brigded by a Brⁱ ligand. In addition to the eight Brⁱ, the cluster is coordinated by 12 terminal ligands (Br^a). Except for the known Br^a–a–a and Br^i–a connections, Br^i–a–a brigdes are observed for the first time for trigonal-bipyramidal clusters.     

X‐Ray Crystal Structures of Hexa‐oxotellurate Complexes of Ruthenium(VI) and Silver(III): Na6[RuO2{TeO4(OH)2}2]·16H2O and Na5[Ag{TeO4(OH)2}2]·16H2O

X‐ray crystal structures are reported for Na₆[RuO₂{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O and Na₅[Ag{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O which contain respectively Ru^VI and Ag^III coordinated to chelating bidentate tellurate ([TeO₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻) groups. Na₆[RuO₂{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O: Space group P1¯, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 120 K; a = 6.9865(1), b = 8.7196(2), c = 11.7395(2)Å, α = 74.008(1), β = 79.954(1), γ = 88.514(1)°; R1 = 0.025. Na₅[Ag{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O: Space group P1¯, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 120 K; a = 5.888(1), b = 8.932(1), c = 12.561(2)Å, α = 98.219(6), β = 97.964(9), γ = 93.238(14)°; R1 = 0.047.     

Functionalization of [Ge9] with Small Silanes:[Ge9(SiR3)3]– (R = iBu,iPr, Et) and the Structures of (CuNHCDipp)[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}3], (K‐18c6)Au[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}3]2, and (K‐18c6)2[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}2]

Novel silylation reactions at [Ge₉] Zintl clusters starting from the chlorosilanes SiR₃Cl (R = iBu, iPr, Et) and the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉ are reported. The formation of the tris‐silylated anions [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^– [R = iBu ( 1a ), iPr ( 1b ), Et ( 1c )] by heterogeneous reactions in acetonitrile was monitored by ESI‐MS measurements. For R = iBu ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR experiments confirmed the exclusive formation of 1a . Subsequent reactions of 1a with CuNHC^DippCl and Au(PPh₃)Cl result in formation of the neutral metal complex (CuNHC^Dipp)[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]·0.5 tol ( 2 ·0.5 tol) and the metal bridged dimeric unit {Au[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]₂}^– ( 3a ), isolated as a (K‐18c6)⁺ salt in (K‐18c6)Au[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]₂·tol ( 3 ·tol), respectively. Finally, from a toluene/hexane solution of 1a in presence of 18‐crown‐6, crystals of the compound (K‐18c6)₂[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₂]·tol ( 4 ·tol), containing the bis‐silylated cluster anion [Ge₉(Si(iBu)₃)₂]^2– ( 4a ), were obtained. The compounds 2 ·0.5 tol, 3 ·tol and 4 ·tol were characterized by single‐crystal structure determination.     

The Instability of Ni{N(SiMe3)2}2: A Fifty Year Old Transition Metal Silylamide Mystery

The characterization of the unstable Ni^II bis(silylamide) Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂ ( 1 ), its THF complex Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(THF) ( 2 ), and the stable bis(pyridine) derivative trans‐Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(py)₂ ( 3 ), is described. Both 1 and 2 decompose at ca. 25 °C to a tetrameric Ni^I species, [Ni{N(SiMe₃)₂}]₄ ( 4 ), also obtainable from LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and NiCl₂(DME). Experimental and computational data indicate that the instability of 1 is likely due to ease of reduction of Ni^II to Ni^I and the stabilization of 4 through dispersion forces.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Thioacylamidophosphates and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl and 1,10‐Phenathroline. Crystal Structures,Solution 1H NMR Spectral and Magnetic Properties

Structure and magnetic properties of N‐diisopropoxyphosphorylthiobenzamide PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^I ) and N‐diisopropoxyphosphoryl‐N′‐phenylthiocarbamide PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^II ) complexes with the Co^II cation of formulas [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 2 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1a ) and [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂}(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 3 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 4 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 5 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 6 ) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the ¹H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin Co^II complexes with HL^I,II , incorporating the S‐C‐N‐P‐O chelate moiety and two aromatic chelate ligands. Investigation of the thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 1‐2 and 6 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral ( 1 , 2 ) or octahedral ( 1a , 6 ) metal atoms whereas 3 and 5 show antiferromagnetic properties. Compound 4 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, T_c = 115 K. Complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 1 resides a distorted tetrahedral O₂S₂ environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands. Complex 1a has a tetragonal‐bipyramidal structure, Co(O^ax)₂(O^eq)₂(S^eq)₂, and two neutral ligand molecules are coordinated in the axial positions through the oxygen atoms of the P=O groups. The base of the bipyramid is formed by two anionic ligands in the typical 1,5‐O,S coordination mode. The ligands are in a trans configuration.     

Pr2Br5: No mixed valence praseodymium bromide

The metallothermic reduction of praseodymium tribromide, PrBr₃, with lithium metal (molar ratio 1:1) in sealed tantalum containers at 850°C yields bronze lustrous rods of Pr₂Br₅. The crystal structure (monoclinic, P2₁/m, Z = 2, a = 774.38(4), b = 415.33(3), c = 1327.06(9) pm, β = 90.816(6)°, V_m = 128.52(2) cm³ mol^?1) contains seven- and eight-coordinate trivalent praseodymium in mono- and bicapped trigonal prisms. Pr₂Br₅ should therefore be formulated as (Pr³⁺)₂(Br^?)₅(e^?). It is isostructural with Pr₂I₅ and is believed to be identical with PrBr_2,38 reported for the Pr/PrBr₃ system.     

A {Nb6P2W12}‐Based Hexameric Manganese Cluster with Single‐Molecule Magnet Properties

By deliberately using a metastable polyanion [(NbO₂)₆P₂W₁₂O₅₆]^12? ( 1 ), which was formed in situ, we have discovered the unprecedented hexameric cluster {Mn₁₅(Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₂)₆} ( 2 ), in which the six polyanions [Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₁]^10? are alternately connected by four intriguing trinuclear {Mn^III₃} moieties and four {Mn^II} linkers. This discovery is the first in which the phosphoniobotungstate has been made accessible by using transition‐metal ions; furthermore, polyanion 2 represents the largest niobotungstate cluster reported to date. Analysis by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS ) provides insight into the self‐assembly process, and the peaks observed relate to the different charge states of the parent cluster, thus confirming the stability of 2 . In addition, magnetic‐susceptibility measurements reveal that each {Mn^III₃} subunit is a separate single‐molecule magnet (SMM). This discovery results from the exploration of the reverse effect of metastable polyanion 1 possessing high reactivity, thereby turning a disadvantage into an advantage. This finding could define a new synthetic strategy for the design and synthesis of magnetic polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.     

[(C6H10)(NH3)2][Ni(H2O)4C6H2(COO)4]·4H2O – A Coordination Polymer with the Chain‐like Polyanion {Ni(H2O)4[C6H2(COO)4]2−}n

Triclinic single crystals of [(C₆H₁₀)(NH₃)₂][Ni(H₂O)₄C₆H₂(COO)₄]·4H₂O have been prepared in aqueous solution at 55 °C. Space group (Nr. 2), a = 691.23(6), b = 924.84(5), c = 1082.43(7) pm, α = 74.208(6)°, β = 75.558(7)°, γ = 68.251(6)°, V = 0.60985(7) nm³, Z = 1. The Nickel(II) species, located on a crystallographic inversion centre, is coordinated in a trans‐octahedral fashion by two oxygen atoms stemming from the centrosymmetric pyromellitate anions and four from water molecules (Ni–O 205.82(12) – 208.11(13) pm). The connection between Ni²⁺ and [C₆H₂(COO)₄)]^4? leads to infinite chain‐like polyanions extending parallel to with {Ni(H₂O)₄[C₆H₂(COO)₄]^2?}_n composition. [(C₆H₁₀)(NH₃)₂]²⁺‐cations are accomodated between the chains, compensating for the negative charge of the polyanions. Thermogravimetric analysis in air showed that the loss of water of crystallisation occurs in two steps between 102 and 206 °C, corresponding to the loss of 6 and 2 water molecules per formula unit, respectively. The dehydrated sample was stable between 206 and 353 °C. Further decomposition yielded nickel(II) oxide (NiO).     

Time‐Resolved Assembly of Cluster‐in‐Cluster {Ag12}‐in‐{W76} Polyoxometalates under Supramolecular Control

We report the time‐resolved supramolecular assembly of a series of nanoscale polyoxometalate clusters (from the same one‐pot reaction) of the form: [H_(10+m)Ag₁₈Cl(Te₃W₃₈O₁₃₄)₂]_n, where n=1 and m=0 for compound 1 (after 4 days), n=2 and m=3 for compound 2 (after 10 days), and n=∞ and m=5 for compound 3 (after 14 days). The reaction is based upon the self‐organization of two {Te₃W₃₈} units around a single chloride template and the formation of a {Ag₁₂} cluster, giving a {Ag₁₂}‐in‐{W₇₆} cluster‐in‐cluster in compound 1 , which further aggregates to cluster compounds 2 and 3 by supramolecular Ag‐POM interactions. The proposed mechanism for the formation of the clusters has been studied by ESI‐MS. Further, control experiments demonstrate the crucial role that TeO₃^2?, Cl^?, and Ag⁺ play in the self‐assembly of compounds 1 – 3 .     

Simplified Synthesis and Structural Study of { Ta6Br12} Clusters

Direct reaction of stoichiometric amounts of KBr, tantalum and bromine at 720 °C, followed by extraction and crystallization gives Ta₆Br₁₄ · 7H₂O (1) . This compound slowly aquates into [(Ta₆Br₁₂)(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which crystallized as mixed Cs⁺/Br^– ( 2 ), Cl^– ( 3 ) and SO₄^2– ( 4 ) salts. In Bu₄NBr melt, 1 undergoes oxidation into (Bu₄N)₂[(Ta₆Br₁₂)Br₆] ( 5 ). Reaction of 1 with dimethylsulfoxide also induces oxidation of the { Ta₆Br₁₂} ²⁺ core into { Ta₆Br₁₂} ⁴⁺, and the corresponding complex [(Ta₆Br₁₂)(dmso)₂Cl₄] · iPrOH · 4.8H₂O ( 6 ) was isolated and structurally characterized. Molecular and crystal structures for 2 – 6 were determined.