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.     

Der Ligandenaustausch im Kristallgitter von (PyH)2[Ta6Br12]Cl6

Ligand Replacement in the Crystal Lattice of (PyH)₂[Ta₆Br₁₂]Cl₆ Solid (PyH)₂[Ta₆Br₁₂ⁱ]Cl₆^a transforms exothermically at 210°C. In this way the Cl^a atoms outside of the complex are going instead of Brⁱ into the inside position; e.g. [Ta₆Br₁₂]Cl₆^2? → [Ta₆Br₆Cl₆]Br₆^2?. After each transformation Cl is brought in the outside position of the complex by recrystallization from a solution containing HCl. One gets in the following transformation step [Ta₆Br₃Cl₉]⁴⁺ and finally in the third step [Ta₆Br_1.5Cl_10.5]⁴⁺. Both formula are empirical formula. They consist of [Ta₆Br₆Cl₆]⁴⁺ and [Ta₆Br₂Cl₁₀]⁴⁺; and [Ta₆Br₆Cl₆]⁴⁺, [Ta₆Br₂Cl₁₀]⁴⁺ and [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺, respectively. This result is in agreement with the theory.     

Einige Reaktionen mit [Mo6Cl8]Cl4

Some Reactions with [Mo₆Cl₈]Cl₄ The reaction of [Mo₆Cl₈]Cl₄ with different chemical agents has been investigated: The methoxylation depends on the CH₃O^? concentration in CH₃OH. The reaction with HF leads to a partial fluorinated [Mo₆Cl₈] product. With NH₄F (NH₄)₂[Mo₆Cl₈]F₆ in formed, the hydrolysis of which leads to [Mo₆Cl₈]F₃(OH) · 2.5 H₂O. This compound can be decomposed thermically into [Mo₆Cl₈]O₂. [Mo₆Br₈]F₆^2? on hydrolysis leads to [Mo₆Br₈]F₃(OH) · 5 H₂O. With CsF Cs₂[Mo₆Cl₈]F₆ is formed, which by hydrolysis is transformed into [Mo₆Cl₈]F₃(OH) · 2.5 H₂O and possibly to [Mo₆Cl₈]F₄ · xH₂O(?). In reaction of [Mo₆Cl₈]Cl₄ with H₂SO₄ one gets [Mo₆Cl₈](SO₄)₂. Salts e. g. [(C₆H₅)₄As]₂[Mo₆Cl₈](OC₆F₅)₆ and adducts e. g. [Mo₆Cl₈](OC₆F₅)₄ · 2 HMPA are prepared. The compounds have been characterized by X-ray powder-diagramms and by IR-spectra.     

Die Oxochlorotantalate (PPh4)2[Ta2OCl9]2 · 2 CH2Cl2, (PPh4)2[Ta2OCl10] · 2 CH3CN und (K-18-Krone-6)4[Ta4O6Cl12] · 12 CH2Cl2

The Oxochlorotantalates (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₉]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂, (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₁₀] · 2 CH₃CN, and (K-18-crown-6)₄[Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂] · 12 CH₂Cl₂ (K-18-crown-6)₄[Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂] · 12 CH₂Cl₂ was obtained from a reaction of tantalum pentachloride, K₂S₅ and 18-crwon-6 in dichlormethane. According to its crystal structure analysis it is tetragonal (space group I 4 2d) and contains [Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂]^4– ions that have an adamantane-like Ta₄O₆ skeleton. Each K⁺ ion is coordinated by the oxygen atoms of the crown ether molecule from one side and with three Cl atoms of one [Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂]^4– ion from the opposite side. (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₁₀] · 2 CH₃CN was a product from PPh₄Cl and TaCl₅ in acetonitrile in the presence of Na₂S₄. Its crystals are monoclinic (space group P2₁/c) and contain centrosymmetric [Ta₂OCl₁₀]^2– ions having a linear Ta–O–Ta grouping with short bonds (Ta–O 189 pm). TaCl₅ and H₂S formed a solid substance (TaSCl₃) from which a small amount of (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₉]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂ was obtained by the reaction with PPh₄Cl in CH₂Cl₂. The anions in the monoclinic crystals (space group P2₁/n) consist of two Ta₂OCl₉^– units which are joined by chloro bridges; each Ta₂OCl₉^– unit has a nearly linear Ta–O–Ta group with differing bond lengths (179 and 202 pm). The oxygen in the compounds probably was introduced by traces of water in the crown ether, acetonitrile or H₂S, respectively.     

Reaction of hexanuclear niobium and tantalum halide clusters with mercury(II) halides. II. Semiconducting compounds with [Ta6Cl12]3+ unit

A series of paramagnetic clusters of the composition [(Ta₆Cl₁₂)Cl(H₂O)₅][HgX₄] · 9H₂)O (X = Cl, Br, I) has been prepared by the reaction of [Ta₆Cl₁₂]³⁺ methanol-water solutions with HgX₂ and NaX halides. The structure of [(Ta₆Cl₁₂)Cl(H₂O)₅][HgBr₄] · 9H₂O has been solved by X-ray diffraction in the cubic space group Fd 3m. Crystal data: a = 20.036(2) Å, V = 8043.0(1) ų, Z = 8, R = 0.048 (R_w = 0.051). The structure is composed of an octahedral [(Ta₆Cl₁₂)Cl(H₂O)₅]²⁺ cluster cation, tetrahedral [HgBr₄]²⁻ anion and crystal water molecules. The 2mm symmetry of the octahedron is reduced by the statistical distribution of the five water molecules, O(1), and chlorine, Cl(2), at the terminal coordination sites. Thus, the distances Ta-O(1) and Ta-Cl(2) are averaged to the value of 2.32(2) Å. The Ta-Ta and Ta-Cl(1) bond distances are 2.911(1) Å and 2.440(3) Å, respectively, whereas the Hg-Br bond distance is 2.564(3) Å. The cluster [(Ta₆Cl₁₂)Cl(H₂O)₅][HgBr₄] · 9H₂O is semiconducting with two levels governing conductivity with respective activation energies, E_al = 0.24 eV and E_a2 = 0.17 eV.     

Thiocyanate Compounds of [Nb6Cl12]2+: The structure of A4[Nb6Cl12(NCS)6](H2O)4 (A = K,Rb, NH4)

New compounds of the general formula A₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆](H₂O)₄ (A = K, Rb, NH₄) were synthesized from Nb₆Cl₁₄ and ASCN in aqueous solutions. X-ray structure refinements were performed on single-crystal data of the three compounds. They are isotypic and crystallize with the space group P1 (Z = 1) and the lattice parameters: a = 877.9(3) pm, b = 1176.6(3) pm, c = 1187.0(3) pm, α = 114.29(1)°, β = 98.96(2)°, γ = 100.91(2)° for K₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆](H₂O)₄ ( 1 ); a = 887.6(3) pm, b = 1184.0(4) pm, c = 1195.4(4) pm, α = 114.95(2)°, β = 98.84(2)°, γ = 101.31(2)° for Rb₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆](H₂O)₄ ( 2 ) and a = 886.0(4) pm, b = 1181.1(6) pm, c = 1183.9(6) pm, α = 114.49(2)°, β = 99.48(3)°, γ = 101.53(1)° for (NH₄)₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆](H₂O)₄ ( 3 ). Each centrosymmetric [Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆]^4? ion of the isotypic compounds contains six terminal thiocyanate groups being bound to the corners of the octahedral niobium cluster through the nitrogen atoms (d_{Nb? N} = 221.5(6)–224.3(6) pm, bond angles Nb? N? C 168.6(5)–176.4(6)°). The [Nb₆Cl₁₂(NCS)₆]^4? ions are linked via A? S and A? Cl interactions with the A cations. Half of the cations occur to be disordered along two crystallographic sites.     

From Specific γ-CD/[Nb6Cl12(H2O)6]2+ Recognition to Biological Activity Tuning

Specific molecular recognition of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) by the cationic hexanuclear niobium [Nb₆Cl₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cluster complex in aqueous solutions results in a 1:1 supramolecular assembly {[Nb₆Cl₁₂(H₂O)₆]@γ-CD}²⁺. NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and ESI-MS were used to study the interaction between the inorganic cluster and the organic macrocycle. Such molecular association affects the biological activity of [Nb₆Cl₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺, decreasing its cytotoxicity despite enhanced cellular uptake. The 1:1 stoichiometry is maintained in solution over a large window of the reagents’ ratio, but crystallization by slow evaporation produces a 1:2 host–guest complex [Nb₆Cl₁₂(H₂O)₆@(γ-CD)₂]Cl₂ ⋅ 20 H₂O featuring the cluster encapsulated between two molecules of γ-CD. The 1:2 complex was characterized by XRD, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Quantum chemical calculations were performed to model host–guest interaction.     

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.     

Beiträge zur Chemie der Elemente Niob und Tantal. 81. Niob- und Tantalkomplexe mit der anionischen Gruppe {[Me6X12]X}; X = Cl,Br

The compounds A₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂]Cl₆ (A ? Na, K, Cs), K₄[Nb₆Br₁₂]Br₆ and A₄[Ta₆Cl₁₂]Cl₆ (A ? Na, K, Cs) are prepared. The chemical equations for formation and decomposition are taken into consideration. The complexes [Nb₆Br₁₂]²⁺ and [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺, unstable in the binary systems, are stabilized in the ternary compounds. The compounds are isotypic with the known K₄[Nb₆Cl₁₂]Cl₆. For some of them lattice constants and molecular volumes are communicated.     

Compounds with Cluster Cations together with Cluster Anions [(M6X12)(EtOH)6]2+ besides [(Mo6Cl8)Cl4X2]2– (M = Nb,Ta; X = Cl,Br) – Synthesis and Crystal Structures

Compounds consisting of both cluster cations and cluster anions of the composition [(M₆X₁₂)(EtOH)₆][(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₄X₂] · n EtOH · m Et₂O (M = Nb, Ta; X = Cl, Br) have been prepared by the reaction of (M₆X₁₂)X₂ · 6 EtOH with (Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₄. IR data are given for three compounds. The structures of [(Nb₆Cl₁₂)(EtOH)₆][(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₆] · 3 EtOH · 3 Et₂O 1 and [(Ta₆Cl₁₂)(EtOH)₆][(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₆] · 6 EtOH 2 have been solved in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2). Crystal data: 1 , a = 10.641(2) Å, b = 13.947(2) Å, c = 15.460(3) Å, α = 65.71(2)°, β = 73.61(2)°, γ = 85.11(2)°, V = 2005.1(8) ų and Z = 1; 2 , a = 11.218(2) Å, b = 12.723(3) Å, c = 14.134(3) Å, α = 108.06(2)°, β = 101.13(2)°, γ = 91.18(2)°, V = 1874.8(7) ų and Z = 1. Both structures are built of octahedral [(M₆Cl₁₂)(EtOH)₆]²⁺ cluster cations and [(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₆]^2– cluster anions, forming distorted CsCl structure types. The Nb–Nb and Ta–Ta bond lengths of 2.904 Å and 2.872 Å (mean values), respectively, are rather short, indicating weak M–O bonds. All O atoms of coordinated EtOH molecules are involved in H bridges. The Mo–Mo distances of 2.603 Å and 2.609 Å (on average) are characteristic for the [(Mo₆Cl₈)Cl₆]^2– anion, but there is a clear correlation between the number of hydrogen bridges to the terminal Cl and the corresponding Mo–Cl distances.     

Zwei Chloridsilicate des Yttriums: Y3Cl[SiO4]2 und Y6Cl10[Si4O12]

Two Chloride Silicates of Yttrium: Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ and Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] The chloride‐poor yttrium(III) chloride silicate Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ crystallizes orthorhombically (a = 685.84(4), b = 1775.23(14), c = 618.65(4) pm; Z = 4) in space group Pnma. Single crystals are obtained by the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in the stoichiometric ratio 4 : 1 : 6 with ten times the molar amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 1000 °C) as colorless, strongly light‐reflecting platelets, insensitive to air and water. The crystal structure contains isolated orthosilicate units [SiO₄]^4– and comprises cationic layers {(Y2)Cl}²⁺ which are alternatingly piled parallel (010) with anionic double layers {(Y1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2–. Both crystallographic different Y³⁺ cations exhibit coordination numbers of eight. Y1 is surrounded by one Cl^– and 7 O^2– anions as a distorted trigonal dodecahedron, whereas the coordination polyhedra around Y2 show the shape of bicapped trigonal prisms consisting of 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The chloride‐rich chloride silicate Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] crystallizes monoclinically (a = 1061,46(8), b = 1030,91(6), c = 1156,15(9) pm, β = 103,279(8)°; Z = 2) in space group C2/m. By the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in 2 : 5 : 6‐molar ratio with the double amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 850 °C), colorless, air‐ and water‐resistant, brittle single crystals emerge as pseudo‐octagonal columns. Here also a layered structure parallel (001) with distinguished cationic double‐layers {(Y2)₅Cl₉}⁶⁺ and anionic layers {(Y1)Cl[Si₄O₁₂]}^6– is present. The latter ones contain discrete cyclo‐tetrasilicate units [Si₄O₁₂]^8– of four cyclically corner‐linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra in all‐ecliptical arrangement. The coordination sphere around (Y1)³⁺ (CN = 8) has the shape of a slightly distorted hexagonal bipyramid comprising 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The 5 Cl^– and 2 O^2– anions building the coordination polyhedra around (Y2)³⁺ (CN = 7) form a strongly distorted pentagonal bipyramid.     

Einzentrenmodell für die Clusterverbindung [Nb6Cl12]4+

The electronic ground state of [Nb₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ is calculated using a one-center-model. One obtains the observed diamagnetic character.     

Das Lanthan‐Dodekahydro‐closo‐Dodekaborat‐Hydrat [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O und sein Oxonium‐Chlorid‐Derivat [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2O

The Lanthanum Dodecahydro‐closo‐Dodecaborate Hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O and its Oxonium‐Chloride Derivative [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O By neutralization of an aqueous solution of the free acid (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with basic La₂O₃ and after isothermic evaporation colourless, face‐rich single crystals of a water‐rich lanthanum(III) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O are isolated. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal system with the centrosymmetric space group (a = 1189.95(2), c = 7313.27(9) pm, c/a = 6.146; Z = 6; measuring temperature: 100 K). The crystal structure of [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O can be characterized by two of each other independent, one into another posed motives of lattice components. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions (d(B–B) = 177–179 pm; d(B–H) = 105–116 pm) are arranged according to the samarium structure, while the La³⁺ cations are arranged according to the copper structure. The lanthanum cations are coordinated in first sphere by nine oxygen atoms from water molecules in form of a threecapped trigonal prism (d(La–O) = 251–262 pm). A coordinative influence of the [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions on La³⁺ has not been determined. Since “zeolitic” water of hydratation is also present, obviously the classical H–O^δ–···^+δH–O‐hydrogen bonds play a significant role in the stabilization of the crystal structure. During the conversion of an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with lanthanum trichloride an anion‐mixed salt with the composition [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O is obtained. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal system with the non‐centrosymmetric space group (a = 808.84(3), c = 2064.51(8) pm, c/a = 2.552; Z = 2; measuring temperature: 293 K). The crystal structure can be characterized as a layer‐like structure, in which [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions and H₃O⁺ cations alternate with layers of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ cations (d(La–O) = 252–260 pm) and Cl⁻ anions along [001]. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ (d(B–B) = 176–179 pm; d(B–H) = 104–113 pm) and Cl⁻ anions exhibit no coordinative influence on La³⁺. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the H₃O⁺ cations and [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions, also between the water molecules of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ and Cl⁻ anions, which contribute to the stabilization of the crystal structure.     

[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.     

Reactions of Hexanuclear Niobium and Tantalum Halide Clusters with Mercury(II) Halides. I. Synthesis and structures of the semiconducting compounds [M6Br12(H2O)6][HgBr4] · 12H2O,MNb,Ta

A method for the preparation of new solvated clusters of the composition [M₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][HgBr₂X₂] · 12H₂O (M?Nb, Ta; X?Cl, Br, I) is given. The cubic crystals of [Nb₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][HgBr₄] · 12H₂O 1 and [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][HgBr₄] · 12H₂O 2 were characterized by the X-ray structure analysis: 1 : cubic, space group Fd3 m, a = 21.0072(6) Å, Z = 8, R = 0.051 (R_w = 0.066); 2 : cubic, space group Fd3 m, a = 20.9698(1) Å, Z = 8, R = 0.038 (R_w = 0.050). 1 and 2 contain octahedral cluster cation [M₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and tetrahedrally arranged [HgBr₄]^2? anion. The M? M bond distances are 2.949(1) Å for 1 and 2.9000(8) Å for 2 . The Hg? Br bond distances in [HgBr₄]^2? anion are 2.614(2) Å in 1 and 2.622(2) Å in 2 . The crystal packing patterns of the isostructural clusters 1 and 2 involve the three-dimensional hydrogen bond network; the crystalline water molecules act as donors of hydrogen to the bromine atoms of the cluster and [HgBr₄]^2? units, whereas the coordinated water molecules form hydrogen bonds to the crystalline water molecules. [Nb₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][HgBr₄] · 12H₂O is diamagnetic and semiconducting with the activation energy, E_a = 0.20 eV.     

Discrete Neutral Niobium Cluster Units in Compounds of the Type [Nb6Cl14L4] with L = O or N Donor Ligand

Six new hexanuclear niobium cluster compounds of the general formula [Nb₆Cl₁₄L₄] · x(solvent molecule) [L = neutral O or N donor ligand, x = 0–2.5; pyrimidine ( 1 ), 1‐methyl imidazole ( 2 ), isobutyronitrile ( 3 ), isopropyl alcohol ( 4 ), triphenylphosphine oxide ( 5 ), dimethyl sulfoxide ( 6 )] were prepared. The syntheses were carried out by dehydration of the precursor [Nb₆Cl₁₄(H₂O)₄] · 4H₂O with different water scavangers, like acetic anhydride, trimethyl acetic anhydride and diethylcarbonate in the presence of the corresponding neutral ligand. The structures are determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The specific bonding situations of the ligands to the [Nb₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ cluster cores are compared and discussed. The phenomenon of the observed M₆ distortion is explained and interpreted based on the matrix effect and the terminal ligand effect. In addition, other interactions between the cluster units, such as hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking are discussed.     

Supramolecular Systems Based on Ca2+, [Mo3O2S2Cl6(H2O)3]2s-, [Mo3S4Cl6.75Br0.25(H2O)2]3s- and Cucurbit[6]uril

Adducts of cucurbit[6]uril with Ca²⁺ and trinuclear cluster chloroaquacomplexes (H₉O₄)₂(H₇O₃)₂[(Ca(H₂O)₅)2(C₃₆H₃₆N₂₄O₁₂)]Cl₈·0.67H₂O (1) and [(Ca(H₂O)₅)₂(C₃₆H₃₆N₂₄O₁₂)]× [Mo₃O₂S₂Cl₆(H₂O)₃]₂·13H₂O (2) are obtained and structurally characterized. The structures of both compounds contain polymeric [Ca(H₂O) _n ]₂² CB[6]∞ cations that form infinite columns; the space between them is filled with Cl^s- (1) and [Mo₃O₂S₂Cl₆(H₂O)₃]^2s- (2). A new (H₇O₃)₂(H₅O₂)× [Mo₃S₄Cl_6.25Br_0.25(H₂O)₂](C₃₆H₃₆N₂₄O₁₂)·CH₂Cl₂·6H₂O complex (3) is also obtained and structurally characterized.     

Octahedral Niobium Thiocyanato Complexes Containing [Nb6Cl9O3] Cluster Core: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Evidences of NCS Ligand Exchange

Two isomers (cis and trans) of [Nb₆Cl₉O₃(NCS)₆]^5– niobium cluster complexes characterized by an ordered arrangement of oxygen and chlorine ligands over the 12 inner positions in the cluster core were prepared by reaction of Cs₂LaNb₆Cl₁₅O₃ and ScNb₆Cl₁₃O₃ solid state compounds with aqueous solution of potassium thiocyanate. The cis and trans isomers (idealized C _{2 v} and D ₃ symmetry, respectively) crystallize with counter cations and water molecules to form the following salts: Cs_4.75K_0.25[Nb₆Cl₉O₃(NCS)₆] · 5.5H₂O (1) and Cs_2.5K_2.5[Nb₆Cl₉O₃(NCS)₆] · 2H₂O (2), respectively. The trans isomer is ordered in structure 1 (s.g.: C2/c), while in the structure of 2 (s.g.: Pnma), the cis isomer is randomly disordered over two positions that correspond one to each other by a mirror plane. Interestingly, the treatment of thiocyanato complexes cis and trans with hydrochloric acid led to substitution of (NCS)^– ligands by Cl^– and to formation of soluble complexes [Nb₆Cl₉O₃Cl₆]^5–. The cesium salt of trans-[Nb₆Cl₉O₃Cl₆]^5– was crystallized as Cs₅[Nb₆Cl₁₅O₃] · CsCl · 7H₂O (3) and structurally characterized. Indeed, the formation of soluble [Nb₆Cl₉O₃(NCS)₆]^5– intermediates is a necessary step towards the formation of soluble anions.     

Coordination Chemistry of [Nb2(S2)2]4+ Clusters: Preparation and Crystal Structures of K4[Nb2(S2)2(C2O4)4] · 6 H2O and (NH4)6[Nb2(S2)2(C2O4)4](C2O4)

Bis(disulfido)bridged Nb^IV cluster oxalate complexes [Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄]^4– were prepared by ligand substitution reaction from the aqua ion [Nb₂(μ‐S₂)₂(H₂O)₈]⁴⁺ and isolated as K₄[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄] · 6 H₂O ( 1 ), (NH₄)₆[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄](C₂O₄) ( 2 ) and Cs₄[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄] · 4 H₂O ( 3 ). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined. The crystals of 1 belong to the space group P1, a = 720.94(7) pm, b = 983.64(10) pm, c = 1071.45(10) pm, α = 109.812(1)°, β = 91.586(2)°, γ = 105.257(2)°. The crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 1567.9(2) pm, b = 1906.6(3) pm, c = 3000.9(4) pm, β = 95.502(2)°. The packing in 2 shows alternating layers of cluster anions and of ammonium/uncoordinated oxalates perpendicular to the [1 0 1] direction. Vibration spectra, electrochemistry and thermogravimetric properties of the complexes are also discussed.     

Encapsulation of Chloride-water cluster anion [Cl6(H2O)8]6- in a cage structure based [Cu(DMAP)4]2+ aggregation

A well chloride?water cluster [Cl₆(H₂O)₈]^6? in the complex [Cu₃(DMAP)₁₂Cl₆?8H₂O] (DMAP = N,N’-dimethyl p-aminopyridine) has been investigated structurally in the solid state. The chloride-water cluster [Cl₆(H₂O)₈]^6? is stabilized and orderly arranged by hydrogen bonds which display high symmetry. Six hosts [Cu(DMAP)₄]²⁺ cationic form a cage-like aggregation, and chloride-water [Cl₆(H₂O)₈]^6? cluster located in the cage. Cl^? anion play an important role to connect cubane-like (H₂O)₈ water cluster forming [Cl₆(H₂O)₈]^6? cluster, and on the other hand, to connect cage-like [Cu(DMAP)₄]²⁺ cationic aggregation by means of ionic electrostatic interaction and long-range coordinate bond interaction. The formation of such a cluster anion may be available for insight into the nature of hydration of chloride in H₂O.