Mapping the formation areas of giant molybdenum blue clusters: a spectroscopic study

The self-assembly of soluble molybdenum blue species from simple molybdate solutions has primarily been associated with giant mixed-valent wheel-shaped cluster anions, derived from the {Mo(V/VI)(154/176)} archetypes, and a {Mo(V/VI)(368)} lemon-shaped cluster. The combined use of Raman spectroscopy and kinetic precipitation as self-assembly monitoring techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction is key to mapping the realm of molybdenum blue species by establishing spherical {Mo(V/VI)(102)}-type Keplerates as an important giant molybdenum blue-type species. We additionally rationalize the empirical effect of reducing agent concentration on the formation of all three relevant skeletal types: wheel, lemon and spheres. Whereas both wheels and the lemon-shaped {Mo(V/VI)(368)} cluster are obtained from weakly reduced molybdenum blue solutions, considerably higher reduced solutions lead to {Mo(V/VI)(102)}-type Keplerates.     

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.     

A novel organotin-substituted polyoxomolybdate cluster

A novel organotin-substituted polyoxomolybdate cluster (H(3)O)(16)[(H(2)O)(2)Mo(V)O(OH)](2){Mo(VI)(28)Mo(II)(4)(NO)(4)(BuSnO)(2)[BuSn(OH)(2)](2)O(102)(H(2)O)(12)}.18H(2)O was synthesized in a 'one-pot' reaction by adopting the reduction-oxidation-reconstitution self-assembly process, which shows a {Mo(34)(NO)(4)Sn(4)} mixed metal skeleton, which is constructed from two {Mo(16)(NO)(2)Sn(2)} subunits being linked by two MoO(6) octahedra.     

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.     

{(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.     

A supramolecular heteropolyoxopalladate {Pd15} cluster host encapsulating a {Pd2} dinuclear guest: [Pd(II)2⊂{H7Pd(II)15O10(PO4)10}](9-)

A high-nuclearity polyoxopalladate compound, [Pd(II)(2)?{H(7)Pd(II)(15)O(10)(PO(4))(10)}](9-) {Pd(II)(17)}, comprising a {Pd(15)} host occupied by a {Pd(2)} guest and the parent pristine "empty" [H(7)Pd(II)(15)O(10)(P(V)O(4))(10)](13-) {Pd(15)} cluster have both been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, (31)P NMR, CSI-MS, and XPS. The encapsulated {Pd(2)} has a short Pd(II)-Pd(II) distance within the {Pd(15)} host. Solution studies indicate that the empty host and filled guest complex are in equilibrium with each other, and UV titrations revealed a binding constant of ca. 10(3) for the guest Pd(II) ions, with a binding stoichiometry of almost 2.     

ε-Keggin-based coordination networks: Synthesis, structure and application toward green synthesis of polyoxometalate@graphene hybrids

Four coordination networks based on the {ε-PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)(OH)(4)Zn(4)} Keggin unit (εZn) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. (TBA)(3){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(36)(OH)(4)Zn(4)}[C(6)H(4)(COO)(2)](2) (ε(isop)(2)) is a 2D material with monomeric εZn units connected via 1,3 benzenedicarboxylate (isop) linkers and tetrabutylammonium (TBA) counter-cations lying between the planes. In (TPA)(3){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(37)(OH)(3)Zn(4)}[C(6)H(3)(COO)(3)] (TPA[ε(trim)](∞)), 1D inorganic chains formed by the connection of εZn POMs, via Zn-O bonds, are linked via 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylate (trim) ligands into a 2D compound with tetrapropylammonium (TPA) cations as counter-cations. (TBA){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)Zn(4)}(C(7)H(4)N(2))(2)(C(7)H(5)N(2))(2)·12H(2)O (ε(bim)(4)) is a molecular material with monomeric εZn POMs bound to terminal benzimidazole (bim) ligands. Finally, (TBA)(C(10)H(10)N(4))(2)(HPO(3)){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)Zn(4)}(2)(C(10)H(9)N(4))(3)(C(10)H(8)N(4)) (ε(2)(pazo)(4)) is a 1D compound with dimeric (εZn)(2) POMs connected by HPO(3)(2-) ions and terminal para-azobipyridine (pazo) ligands. In this compound an unusual bond cleavage of the central N[double bond, length as m-dash]N bond of the pazo ligand is observed. We report also a green chemistry-type one-step synthesis method carried out in water at room temperature using ε(2)(pazo)(4) and ε(isop)(2) as reducing agent of graphite oxide (GO) to obtain graphene (G). The POM@G hybrids were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Polyoxomolybdodiphosphonates: examples incorporating ethylidenepyridines

We have synthesized and structurally characterized three pyridylethylidene-functionalized diphosphonate-containing polyoxomolybdates, [{Mo(VI)O(3)}(2){Mo(V)(2)O(4)}{HO(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(2)](6-) (1), [{Mo(VI)(2)O(6)}(2){Mo(V)(2)O(4)}{O(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(2)](8-) (2), and [{Mo(V)(2)O(4)(H(2)O)}(4){O(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(4)](12-) (3). Polyanions 1-3 were prepared in a one-pot reaction of the dinuclear, dicationic {Mo(V)(2)O(4)(H(2)O)(6)}(2+) with 1-hydroxo-2-(3-pyridyl)ethylidenediphosphonate (Risedronic acid) in aqueous solution. Polyanions 1 and 2 are mixed-valent Mo(VI/V) species with open tetranuclear and hexanuclear structures, respectively, containing two diphosphonate groups. Polyanion 3 is a cyclic octanuclear structure based on four {Mo(V)(2)O(4)(H(2)O)} units and four diphosphonates. Polyanions 1 and 2 crystallized as guanidinium salts [C(NH(2))(3)](5)H[{Mo(VI)O(3)}(2){Mo(V)(2)O(4)}{HO(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(2)]·13H(2)O (1a) and [C(NH(2))(3)](6)H(2)[{Mo(VI)(2)O(6)}(2){Mo(V)(2)O(4)}{O(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(2)]·10H(2)O (2a), whereas polyanion 3 crystallized as a mixed sodium-guanidinium salt, Na(8)[C(NH(2))(3)](4)[{Mo(V)(2)O(4)(H(2)O)}(4){O(3)PC(O)(CH(2)-3-C(5)NH(4))PO(3)}(4)]·8H(2)O (3a). The compounds were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. The formation of polyanions 1 and 3 is very sensitive to the pH value of the reaction solution, with exclusive formation of 1 above pH 7.4 and 3 below pH 6.6. Detailed solution studies by multinuclear NMR spectrometry were performed to study the equilibrium between these two compounds. Polyanion 2 was insoluble in all common solvents. Detailed computational studies on the solution phases of 1 and 3 indicated the stability of these polyanions in solution, in complete agreement with the experimental findings.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of the first vanadomolybdenum polyoxocation with a "metal-bonded" spherical framework

The heteropoly compound [(V(V)O(4))Mo(VI)(12)O(36)(V(IV)O)(6)][(OH)(9)].11H(2)O (1), synthesized by hydrothermal method under weak basic conditions, represents the first mixed Mo/V six-capped Keggin structural derivative with a spherical skeleton, and the first transition metal polyoxocation. The successful synthesis of 1 demonstrates that basic hydrothermal synthesis might be a power synthetic route to the isolation of more new polycationic metal-oxo clusters.     

Solution identification and solid state characterisation of a heterometallic polyoxometalate {Mo(11)V(7)}: [Mo(VI)(11)V(V)(5)V(IV)(2)O(52)(mu(9)-SO(3))](7-)

A polyoxomolybdenum/vanadium-sulfite {M(18)} cluster-based compound, [Mo(VI)(11)V(V)(5)V(IV)(2)O(52)(mu(9)-SO(3))](7-), is reported that exhibits a unique structural motif, arising from the incorporation of five V(V) and two V(IV) ions into a {M(18)} cluster framework templated by SO(3)(2-); this cluster compostion was first identified using cryospray mass spectrometry.     

Two hybrid polyoxometalate-pillared metal-organic frameworks

Two polyoxometalate-pillared 3D compounds, {Cu(5)(2-ptz)(6)(H(2)O)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))}·4H(2)O 1 and {Cu(9)(2-ptz)(12)(H(2)O)(6)(PMo(12)O(40))(2)}·H(2)O 2 (2-ptz = 5-(2-pyridyl)tetrazole) have been constructed based on different polyoxometalate anions, and copper-organic coordination polymer sheets by a hydrothermal method. Magnetic investigations reveal that both 1 and 2 exhibit antiferromagnetic coupling between the Cu(II) ions. Structural studies show the compound 1 exhibits a typical pcu-type net with the Sch?lfli symbol of {4(12)·6(3)}, and that compound 2 is a (3,4,6)-connected framework with novel {4(4)·6(10)·10}{6(3)}(2){6(5)·8} topology which has not been reported to date.     

Polyoxomolybdenum(V/VI)-sulfite compounds: synthesis, structural, and physical studies

Reaction of Na(2)Mo(VI)O(4) x 2H(2)O with (NH(4))(2)SO(3) in the mixed-solvent system H(2)O/CH(3)CN (pH = 5) resulted in the formation of the tetranuclear cluster (NH(4))(4)[Mo(4)(VI)SO(16)] x H(2)O (1), while the same reaction in acidic aqueous solution (pH = 5) yielded (NH(4))(4)[Mo(5)(VI)S(2)O(21)] x 3H(2)O (2). Compound {(H(2)bipy)(2)[Mo(5)(VI)S(2)O(21)] x H(2)O}(x) (3) was obtained from the reaction of aqueous acidic solution of Na(2)Mo(VI)O(4) x 2H(2)O with (NH(4))(2)SO(3) (pH = 2.5) and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy). The mixed metal/sulfite species (NH(4))(7)[Co(III)(Mo(2)(V)O(4))(NH(3))(SO(3))(6)] x 4H(2)O (4) was synthesized by reacting Na(2)Mo(VI)O(4) x 2H(2)O with CoCl(2) x 6H(2)O and (NH(4))(2)SO(3) with precise control of pH (5.3) through a redox reaction. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were determined. The structure of compound 1 consists of a ring of four alternately face- and edge-sharing Mo(VI)O(6) octahedra capped by the trigonal pyramidal sulfite anion, while at the base of the Mo(4) ring is an oxo group which is asymmetrically shared by all four molybdenum atoms. Compound 3 is based on the Strandberg-type heteropolyion [Mo(5)(VI)S(2)O(21)](4-), and these coordinatively saturated clusters are joined by diprotonated 4,4'-H(2)bipy(2+) through strong hydrogen bonds. Compound 3 crystallizes in the chiral space group C2. The structure of compound 4 consists of a novel trinuclear [Co(III)Mo(2)(V)SO(3)(2-)] cluster. The chiral compound 3 exhibits nonlinear optical (NLO) and photoluminescence properties. The assignment of the sulfite bands in the IR spectrum of 4 has been carried out by density functional calculations. The cobalt in 4 is a d(6) octahedral low-spin metal atom as it was evidenced by magnetic susceptibility measurements, cw EPR, BVS, and DFT calculations. The IR and solid-state UV-vis spectra as well as the thermogravimetric analyses of compounds 1-4 are also reported.     

Selective inclusion of Cu+ and Ag+ electron-rich metallic cations within supramolecular polyoxometalates based on {AsW9O33}{Mo3S4} combinations

Coordination of the [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) cluster with the trivacant [AsW(9)O(33)](9-) ion gives the supramolecular complex [{(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(4)(Mo(3)S(4){H(2)O}(5))}(2)](12-) (1) in good yield. The structure of 1 shows that two [H(4)AsW(9)O(33)](5-) subunits sandwich a single central [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)](4+) ion to give a basic monomeric unit [(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(2){Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)}](6-). In the solid state, a supramolecular dimeric association is evidenced that consists of two [(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(2){Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)}](6-) units held together by twelve hydrogen bonds and four SS contacts. Complex 1 reacts with NaAsO(2), AgNO(3) and CuI to give compounds 2, 3 and 4, respectively. X-ray structural analysis reveals that the molecular arrangements of 2 to 4 are closely related to the parent structure of 1. {AsOH}(2+), Ag(+) and Cu(+) ions are located on three distinct pairs of sites. Two hanging {AsOH}(2+) groups in 2 are symmetrically attached to two opposite {AsW(9)O(33)} subunits. Complex 3 is the first example of an Ag/{Mo(3)S(4)} combination in which the environment of the two equivalent Ag(+) cations is remarkable for containing two sulfur atoms belonging to {Mo(3)S(4)}, two oxygen and one central arsenic atom of the {AsW(9)O(33)} subunits. Potentiometric titration shows that the addition of Ag(+) ions is quantitative and occurs in two successive steps (K(1)=4.1 x 10(6) and K(2)=2.3 x 10(5) L mol(-1)), which is consistent with the retention of the supramolecular cluster in solution. The structure of 4 reveals a single copper atom embedded in the central part of the dimer. The Cu(+) cation is bound to four sulfur atoms to complete a cuboidal moiety. UV/Vis studies in solution indicate that the stability of the dimeric assemblies of 2, 3 and 4 is significantly enhanced by the presence of Cu(+) or Ag(+) ions, which act as additional coordination linkers within the supramolecular cluster. The anions 1 to 4 were characterised by (183)W NMR spectroscopy in solution. The 10-line spectra recorded for each of them are consistent with an averaged C(2h) molecular symmetry in solution.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structures, and luminescent properties of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) phosphonates with a 3D framework structure using terephthalate as second linkers

By introduction of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid as a second organic ligand, two new divalent metal(II) phosphonates with a 3D framework structure, namely, [Zn(HL1)(bdc)(0.5)] (1) and [Cd(1.5)(HL2)(bdc)(0.5)] (2) (H(2)L1 = H(2)O(3)PCH(NH(2))C(6)H(5), H(3)L2 = H(2)O(3)PCH(2)-NC(5)H(9)-COOH, H(2)bdc = HOOCC(6)H(4)COOH), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The two compounds show three-dimensional (3D) framework structure with infinite two-dimensional (2D) networks pillared by H(2)bdc. For compound 1, the {ZnO(4)} polyhedra are interconnected by phosphonate groups into a 2D layer, and the adjacent layers are further cross-linked via the bdc(2-) anions to generate a three-dimensional framework structure with two types of channel system along the c-axis. A notable feature of compound 1 is the presence of alternate left- and right-handed helical chains in the structure. In compound 2, the inorganic chains, composed of {Cd(1)O(7)}, {Cd(2)O(4)} and {CPO(3)} polyhedra, are linked by HL2(2-) ligands to form a double layer structure in the ab plane, and the adjacent layers are further linked by the bdc(2-) anions to form a 3D framework structure with one-dimensional channel systems along the a-axis. Luminescence properties of compounds 1 and 2 have also been studied.     

Effect of cyanato, azido, carboxylato, and carbonato ligands on the formation of cobalt(II) polyoxometalates: characterization, magnetic, and electrochemical studies of multinuclear cobalt clusters

Five Co(II) silicotungstate complexes are reported. The centrosymmetric heptanuclear compound K(20)[{(B-beta-SiW(9)O(33)(OH))(beta-SiW(8)O(29)(OH)(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)}(2)Co(H(2)O)(2)]47 H(2)O (1) consists of two {(B-beta-SiW(9)O(33)(OH))(beta-SiW(8)O(29)(OH)(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)} units connected by a {CoO(4)(H(2)O)(2)} group. In the chiral species K(7)[Co(1.5)(H(2)O)(7))][(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(beta-SiW(8)O(30)(OH))Co(4)(OH)(H(2)O)(7)]36 H(2)O (2), a {gamma-SiW(10)O(36)} and a {beta-SiW(8)O(30)(OH)} unit enclose a mononuclear {CoO(4)(H(2)O)(2)} group and a {Co(3)O(7)(OH)(H(2)O)(5)} fragment. The two trinuclear Co(II) clusters present in 1 enclose a mu(4)-O atom, while in 2 a mu(3)-OH bridging group connects the three paramagnetic centers of the trinuclear unit, inducing significantly larger Co-L-Co (L=mu(4)-O (1), mu(3)-OH (2)) bridging angles in 2 (theta(av(Co-L-Co))=99.1 degrees ) than in 1 (theta(av(Co-L-Co))=92.8 degrees ). Weaker ferromagnetic interactions were found in 2 than in 1, in agreement with larger Co-L-Co angles in 2. The electrochemistry of 1 was studied in detail. The two chemically reversible redox couples observed in the positive potential domain were attributed to the redox processes of Co(II) centers, and indicated that two types of Co(II) centers in the structure were oxidized in separate waves. Redox activity of the seventh Co(II) center was not detected. Preliminary experiments indicated that 1 catalyzes the reduction of nitrite and NO. Remarkably, a reversible interaction exists with NO or related species. The hybrid tetranuclear complexes K(5)Na(3)[(A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34))Co(4)(OH)(3)(CH(3)COO)(3)]18 H(2)O (3) and K(5)Na(3)[(A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34))Co(4)(OH)(N(3))(2)(CH(3)COO)(3)]18 H(2)O (4) were characterized: in both, a tetrahedral {Co(4)(L(1))(L(2))(2)(CH(3)COO)(3)} (3: L(1)=L(2)=OH; 4: L(1)=OH, L(2)=N(3)) unit capped the [A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34)](10-) trivacant polyanion. The octanuclear complex K(8)Na(8)[(A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34))(2)Co(8)(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(2)(CO(3))(3)]52 H(2)O (5), containing two {Co(4)O(9)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)} units, was also obtained. Compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 were less stable than 1, but their partial electrochemical characterization was possible; the electronic effect expected for 3 and 4 was observed.     

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.     

Molybdophosphonate clusters as building blocks in the oxomolybdate-organodiphosphonate/cobalt(II)-organoimine system: structural influences of secondary metal coordination preferences and diphosphonate tether lengths

Hydrothermal conditions have been used in the preparation of a series of organic-inorganic hybrid materials of the cobalt-molybdophosphonate family. The reactions of MoO(3), cobalt(II) acetate or cobalt(II) acetylacetonate, tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine (tpyprz), and organodiphosphonic acids H(2)O(3)P(CH(2))nPO(3)H(2) (n = 1-5 and 9) of varying tether lengths yielded compounds of the general type {Co(2)(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(m)}4+/MoxOy{O(3)P(CH(2))(n)PO(3)}z. The recurring theme of the structural chemistry is the incorporation of {Mo(5)O(15)(O(3)PR)(2)}(4-) clusters as molecular building blocks observed in the structures of nine phases (compounds 2-9 and 11). The structural consequences of variations in reaction conditions are most apparent in the series with propylene diphosphonate, where four unique structures 4-7 are observed, including two distinct three-dimensional architectures for compounds 5 and 6 whose formulations differ only in the number of water molecules of crystallization. With pentyldiphosphonate, a second phase 10 is obtained which exhibits a unique cluster building block, the hexamolybdate [Mo(6)O(18){O(3)P(CH(2))(5)PO(3)}](4-). In the case of methylenediphosphonic acid, a third structural motif, the trinuclear {(Mo(3)O(8))(O(3)PCH(2)PO(3))}2- subunit, is observed in compound 1. The structural chemistry of compounds 1-11 of this study is quite distinct from that of the {Ni(2)(tpyprz)(H(2)O)(m)}(4+)/Mo(x)O(y){O(3)P(CH(2))(n)PO(3)}z family, as well as that of the copper-based family. The structural diversity of this general class of materials reflects the coordination preferences of the M(II) sites, the extent of aqua ligation to the M(II) sites, the participation of both phosphate oxygen atoms and molybdate oxo-groups in linking to the M(II) sites, and the variability in the number of attachment sites at the molybdophosphonate clusters. Since the charge densities at the peripheral oxygen atoms of the clusters are quite uniform, the attachment of {M(2)(tpyprz)}(4+) subunits to the molybdophosphonates appears to be largely determined by steric, coulombic, and packing factors, as shown by extensive density functional theory calculations.     

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid based on an 8-electron-reduced Keggin polymolybdate capped by tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral zinc: synthesis and crystal structure of (CH3NH3)(H2bipy)[Zn4(bipy)3(H2O)2MoV8MoVI4O36)(PO4)].4H2O

Hydrothermal reaction of H(3)PO(3), CH(3)NH(2), zinc(II) acetate, 4,4'-bipyridine (bipy), and (NH(4))(6)Mo(7)O(24).4H(2)O at 180 degrees C led to a novel organic-inorganic layered hybrid, [CH(3)NH(3)][H(2)bipy][Zn(4)(bipy)(3)(H(2)O)(2)Mo(V)(8)Mo(VI)O(36)(PO(4))].4H(2)O (1). Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with cell parameters of a = 17.3032(2), b = 17.8113(3), and c = 23.4597 (4) A, beta = 106.410(1) degrees, V = 6935.6(2) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure of compound 1 features a novel 2D layer built from the 8e-reduced tetracapped Keggin [Zn(4)Mo(12)O(36)(PO(4))](3)(-) anions, which are further interconnected by bridging bipy ligands. The four zinc(II) ions are in tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral coordination geometries, respectively.     

Photoreductive self-assembly from [Mo7O24]6- to carboxylates-coordinated {Mo142} Mo-blue nanoring in the presence of carboxylic acids

The primary steps of the photoredox reaction between [Mo7O24]6- and carboxylic acid electron (and proton) donors in aqueous solutions are investigated by the chemically induced dynamic electron spin polarization (CIDEP) spectroscopy. The excitation of the O-->Mo ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) bands of [Mo7O24]6- in the presence of CH3CO2H induces the emissive electron spin polarization (ESP) of *CH2CO2 and *CH3 radicals with an accompanying formation of the one-electron reduced species [Mo7O23(OH)]6-, which is demonstrated by the triplet mechanism involving the O --> Mo LMCT triplet states. The prolonged photolysis of the solution containing [Mo7O24]6- and CH3CO2H at pH = 3.4 leads to the formation of the acetate/propionate-coordinated {Mo142} Mo-blue nanoring, [MoV28MoV(I)114O429H10(H2O)(49)(CH3)CO2 triple bond Ac5(C2H5CO2 triple bond Pr)]30- (1a) through the formation of the cis-configured dimeric dehydrative condensation to two-electron reduced Mo-blue [(Mo7O23)2]10- ({Mo14}). 1a is isolated as a [NH4]+/[Me3NH]+-mixed salt which is formulated as [NH4]27[Me3NH]3[Mo(V)28Mo(VI)114O429H10(H2O)49(CH3CO2)5(C2H5CO2)].150 +/- 10H2O (1) by results of elementary analysis, single-crystal X-ray analysis, 1H NMR, IR, and UV/Vis measurements, and manganometric redox titration. Based on the building-block sequence of for 1a, the bottom-up processes from [Mo7O24]6- to the {Mo142} ring in the coexistence of beta-[Mo8O26]4- are discussed by (i) the stabilization of the molecular curvature of {Mo14} through both the intramolecular transfer of monomolybdates and the intermolecular transfer of monomolybdates as degradation fragments of beta-[Mo8O26]4-, to yield {Mo21} and {Mo20} building blocks, (ii) the outer-ring formation resulting from seven successive two-electron-photoreductive condensations among {Mo21} and {Mo20}, and (iii) inner-ring formation resulting from eight successive dehydrative condensations between monomolybdate linkers attached to the neighboring head Mo sites.     

Tuning the photochromic properties of molybdenum bisphosphonate polyoxometalates

Seven hybrid organic-inorganic bisphosphonate molybdenum(VI) polyoxometalate complexes with the general formula [(Mo(3)O(8))(4)(O(3)PC(C(m)H(2m)NRR'R″)(O)PO(3))(4)](8-) (m = 3; R, R', and R″ = H or CH(3)) and [(Mo(3)O(8))(2)(O)(O(3)PC(C(m)H(2m)NRR'R″)(O)PO(3))(2)](6-) (m = 3 or 4; R, R', and R″ = H or CH(3)) have been synthesized and their structures solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These compounds are made of a {Mo(12)} or a {Mo(6)} inorganic core functionalized by various alkylammonium bisphosphonates, with these ligands differing by the length of their alkyl chains and the number of methyl groups grafted on the N atom. The nature of the counter-cations (Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), and/or NH(4)(+)) constituting these materials has also been modulated. (31)P NMR spectroscopic studies in aqueous media have shown that all the dodecanuclear complexes reported here are stable in solution, whereas for the hexanuclear compounds, a dynamic equilibrium between two isomers has been evidenced, and the corresponding standard thermodynamic parameters determined for one of them. The electrochemical properties of six representative compounds of this family have been investigated. It has been found that the Mo(6+)/Mo(5+) reduction potential is similar for all the polyoxometalates studied. Besides, it is shown that electrochemical cycling is an efficient method for the deposition of these compounds on a surface. The photochromic properties of all the complexes reported herein have been studied in the solid state. Under irradiation in the near ultraviolet (UV), the {Mo(12)} systems shift from white to reddish-brown, while the {Mo(6)} compounds develop a purple coloration. The coloration kinetics has been systematically quantified and the optical band gaps, the salient coloration kinetic parameters and the coloration kinetic half-life times have been determined. This has evidenced that several of these materials develop very strong and rapid UV-induced color changes, with remarkable coloration contrasts. Finally, the optical properties of these systems are discussed in light of several salient parameters as the POM topology, the nature of the grafted bisphosphonate ligand, and the design of the hydrogen-bonding network at the organic-inorganic interface.