New 13-vertex metallacarborane sandwich compounds; synthetic and structural studies

Reduction of 1,12-closo-C2B10H12 followed by reaction with the appropriate metal halide and metathesis with either [K(18-crown-6)]Br or [BTMA]Cl ([BTMA] = [C6H5CH2N(CH3)3]+) affords isolable salts of the supraicosahedral metallacarborane sandwich anions [4,4-M-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2]n- in moderate to good yield. Compounds prepared are [BTMA][4,4-Co-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 1), [K(18-crown-6)][4,4-Co-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 2), [K(18-crown-6)]2[4,4-Ni-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 3), [K(18-crown-6)]2[4,4-Fe-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 4), [BTMA]2[4,4-Fe-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 5) and [K(18-crown-6)]2[4,4-Ti-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 6). Oxidation of the iron(II) species 4 and 5 with FeCl3 in THF generates the iron(III) analogues [K(18-crown-6)][4,4-Fe-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 7) and [BTMA][4,4-Fe-(1,10-closo-C2B10H12)2] ( 8), respectively. All diamagnetic compounds were characterised spectroscopically and the structures of 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All anions have the anticipated cluster structures with two docosahedral 13-vertex cages joined at the central metal atom (the common degree-six vertex 4). Carbon atoms occupy the degree-four vertex 1 and the degree-five vertex 10. 11B NMR spectroscopy suggests the anions have, on the NMR timescale, C2h symmetry in solution at room temperature, consistent with free rotation, or at least substantial libration, of cage units about the long molecular axis. In the solid state the relative conformations of the two cages may be rationalised by simple bonding arguments, the single exception being the conformation of 4, in which both cages are subject to directional B-H...K+ interactions to the [K(18-crown-6)]+ counterion. The salts 3, 6 and 7 also show B-H...K+ interactions but involving one cage only.     

The conformations of 13-vertex ML2C2B10 metallacarboranes: experimental and computational studies

The docosahedral metallacarboranes 4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,6-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(12), 4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,10-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(12), and [N(PPh(3))2][4,4-cod-4,1,10-closo-RhC(2)B(10)H(12)] were prepared by reduction/metalation of either 1,2-closo-C(2)B(10)H(12) or 1,12-closo-C(2)B(10)H(12). All three species were fully characterized, with a particular point of interest of the latter being the conformation of the {ML2} fragment relative to the carborane ligand face. Comparison with conformations previously established for six other ML(2)C(2)B(10) species of varying heteroatom patterns (4,1,2-MC(2)B(10), 4,1,6-MC(2)B(10), 4,1,10-MC(2)B(10), and 4,1,12-MC(2)B(10)) reveals clear preferences. In all cases a qualitative understanding of these was afforded by simple MO arguments applied to the model heteroarene complexes [(PH3)2PtC(2)B(4)H(6)]2- and [(PH3)2PtCB(5)H(6)]3-. Moreover, DFT calculations on [(PH3)2PtC(2)B(4)H(6)]2- in its various isomeric forms approximately reproduced the observed conformations in the 4,1,2-, 4,1,6-, and 4,1,10-MC(2)B(10) species, although analogous calculations on [(PH3)2PtCB(5)H(6)]3- did not reproduce the conformation observed in the 4,1,12-MC(2)B(10) metallacarborane. DFT calculations on (PH3)2PtC(2)B(10)H(12) yielded good agreement with experimental conformations in all four isomeric cases. Apparent discrepancies between observed and computed Pt-C distances were probed by further refinement of the 4,1,2- model to 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe3)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10). This still has a more distorted structure than measured experimentally for 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10), but the structural differences lie on a very shallow potential energy surface. For the model compound a henicosahedral transition state was located 8.3 kcal mol(-1) above the ground-state structure, consistent with the fluxionality of 1,2-(CH2)3-4,4-(PMe(2)Ph)2-4,1,2-closo-PtC(2)B(10)H(10) in solution.     

Synthetic, spectroscopic, and structural studies on organoimido molybdenum, tungsten, and rhenium phthalocyanines

Unprecedented imido phthalocyaninato complexes of pentavalent refractory metals [PcM(NR)Cl] (M = Mo, W, Re; R = tBu: 1, 3, 6, Mes: 2, 4, 7 or Ts: 5) have been synthesized by reductive cyclotetramerization of phthalonitrile in the presence of appropriate bis(imido) complexes of Mo, W and Re as templates. While d(1) Mo(V) and W(V) species 1-5 show distinctive EPR spectra corresponding to metal centered radicals with hyperfine coupling of two magnetically non-equivalent nitrogen atoms (4 equatorial and 1 axial N), corresponding d(2) Re(V) compounds 6 and 7 are diamagnetic. [PcMo(NtBu)Cl] 1 crystallizes from 1-chloronaphthalene in the tetragonal space group P4/n. The molecular structure reveals, that the metal center is located above the plane of the equatorial N4 and displaced towards the axial π-donor ligand. Due to the thermodynamic trans effect the Mo-Cl bond trans to the imido group is elongated to about 2.600(2) ?.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic and thermal studies of some complexes of unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand

New unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand (H₂L) is prepared via condensation of 2-hydroxy-5-methyl acetophenone, 2-hydroxy-5-chloro-3-nitro acetophenone and carbohydrazide in 1:1:1 ratio. Metal complexes of VO(IV), Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III), Zr(IV), MoO₂(VI), WO₂(VI) and UO₂(VI) have been prepared. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis and IR spectroscopy and magnetic moment and thermogravimetric analysis. The purity of the ligand and the metal complexes is confirmed by microanalyses, while unsymmetrical nature of ligand was further corroborated by ¹H NMR. All the complexes are air stable and insoluble in water and common organic solvents but fairly soluble in DMSO. The elemental analysis shows 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry for all the complexes. Thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied, the complexes were found to be quite stable and their thermal decomposition was generally via partially loss of the organic moiety and ended with respective metal oxide as a final product. Comparison of the IR spectrum of ligand and its metal complexes confirm that Schiff base behave as a dibasic tetradentate ligand towards the central metal ion with an ONNO donor sequence. The dc electrical conductivity is studied and data obtained obeyed the relation σ = σ ₀ exp(−E _a/kT) over the temperature range 40–130 °C. X-ray diffraction study of VO(IV) complex shows its crystalline nature with triclinic crystal system.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic and thermal aspects of some heterochelates

The present article describes the synthesis, structural features and thermal studies of heterochelates of the type [M(SB)(benen)(H₂O)]·nH₂O [where H₂SB=(Z)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethylideneamino)benzoic acid, benen=bis(benzylidene)ethylenediamine and M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and VO(IV)]. The Schiff base (H₂SB) have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The heterochelates have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, magnetic measurements, solid state conductivity measurements, IR, reflectance spectra, and thermal studies. The FAB mass spectrum of [Co(SB)(benen)(H₂O)] has been carried out. The kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n) and the energy of activation (E _a) have been reported using Freeman-Carroll method. The pre-exponential factor (A), the activation entropy (ΔS ^#), the activation enthalpy (ΔH ^#) and the free energy of activation (ΔG ^#) have been calculated.     

Synthetic, spectroscopic and structural studies of two novel phosphanyl(organyl)borane compounds

The titanium (II) complex, Cp₂Ti(HBcat)₂, catalyzes the hydroboration of diphenylvinylphosphine by catecholborane and pinacolborane to afford exclusive anti-Markovnikov phosphanyl(organyl)boranes cleanly, rapidly and in good yields. Spectroscopic and X-ray studies of the phosphanyl(organyl)borane products show no evidence of boron-phosphorus interaction, indicating that the compounds preclude formation of Lewis pairs.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of 13-vertex carboranes and 14-vertex metallacarboranes

Syntheses, properties, and synthetic applications of 13-vertex closo- and nido-carboranes are reported. Reactions of the nido-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Na2 with dihaloborane reagents afforded 13-vertex closo-carboranes 1,2-(CH2)3-3-R-1,2-C2B11H10 (R = H (2), Ph (3), Z-EtCH=C(Et) (4), E-(t)BuCH=CH (5)). Treatment of the arachno-carborane salt [(CH2)3C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 gave both the 13-vertex carborane 2 and a 14-vertex closo-carborane (CH2)3C2B12H12 (8). On the other hand, the reaction of [C6H4(CH2)2C2B10H10]Li4 with HBBr2.SMe2 generated only a 13-vertex closo-carborane 1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11 (9). Electrophilic substitution reactions of 2 with excess MeI, Br2, or I2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of AlCl3 produced the hexa-substituted 13-vertex carboranes 8,9,10,11,12,13-X6-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H5 (X = Me (10), Br (11), I (12)). The halogenated products 11 and 12 displayed unexpected instability toward moisture. The 13-vertex closo-carboranes were readily reduced by groups 1 and 2 metals. Accordingly, several 13-vertex nido-carborane dianionic salts [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Li2(DME)2(THF)2] (13), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (13a), [[nido-1,2-(CH2)3-3-Ph-1,2-C2B11H10][Na2(THF)4]]n (14), [[nido-1,2-C6H4(CH2)2-1,2-C2B11H11][Na2(THF)4]]n (15), and [nido-1,2-(CH2)3-1,2-C2B11H11][M(THF)5] (M = Mg (16), Ca (17)) were prepared in good yields. These carbon-atom-adjacent nido-carboranes were not further reduced to the corresponding arachno species by lithium metal. On the other hand, like other nido-carborane dianions, they were useful synthons for the production of super-carboranes and supra-icosahedral metallacarboranes. Interactions of 13a with HBBr2.SMe2, (dppe)NiCl2, and (dppen)NiCl2 gave the 14-vertex carborane 8 and nickelacarboranes [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppe) (18) and [eta5-(CH2)3C2B11H11]Ni(dppen) (19), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Some were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthetic and spectroscopic studies of some mono-hydrido-bridged complexes of platinum(II)

The mono-hydrido-bridged complexes (PEt₃)₂(Ar)Pt(μ₂-H)Pt(Ar)(PEt₃)₂]-[BPh₄] (Ar = Ph, 4-MeC₆H₄ and 2,4-Me₂C₆H₃) have been obtained by treating trans-[Pt(Ar)(MeOH)(PEt₃)₂][BF₄] with sodium formate and Na[BPH₄]. The cations [PEt₃)₂(Ar)Pt(μ₂-H)Pt(Ar^b')(PEt₃)₂]^b+ (Ar = Ph and Ar^b' - 2,4-Me₂C₆H₃ and 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ have bee identified in solution. Their ^b1H- and ^b31P-NMR data are reported. The X-ray crystal structure of [(PEt₃)₂(Ph)Pt(μ₂-H)Pt(Ph)(PEt₃)₂][BPh₄] is reported.     

Synthesis,structural, electrochemical,and spectroscopic studies of some (diimine)ruthenium nitrile complexes

The syntheses of cationic ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂RR?][PF₆]_x {Me₂-bpy = 4,4?-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridine, (3) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (4) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (5) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} and [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(κ²-dppf)RR?][PF₆]_x {dppf = 1,1?-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, (6) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (7) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (8) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} are reported, together with their structural confirmation by NMR (³¹P, ¹H) and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and, in the case of trans-[Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂(N≡CCH₃)Cl][PF₆] (3), by X-ray crystallography. Electronic absorption and emission spectra of the complexes reveal that all complexes except 4 and 6 are emissive in the range 370–400 nm with 8 exhibiting an emission in the blue. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 3–8 show reversible or quasi-reversible redox processes at ca. 1 V, assigned to the Ru(II/III) couple.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic, thermal,and structural studies of antimony(III) bis(pyrrolidinedithiocarbamato)alkyldithiocarbonates

An account of the synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal and structural behavior of antimony(III) bis(pyrrolidinedithiocarbamato)alkyldithiocarbonates is presented. The reaction of antimony(III) bis(pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate) chloride with potassium organodithiocarbonate in equimolar ratio yielded the corresponding mixed derivatives of the type [(CH₂)₄NCS₂]₂SbS₂COR [where R = Me, Et, Pr ⁿ , Pr ⁱ , Bu ⁿ , and Bu ⁱ ]. These newly synthesized complexes have been characterized by physicochemical [molecular weight determination, melting points, and elemental analysis], spectral [UV, IR, far-IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C)], thermal [TG, DTA, and FAB⁺ mass], and structural [powder XRD and SEM] studies. Analytical studies leads to purity and structural properties of the synthesized complexes on the other hand powder X-ray diffraction and SEM studies show that multiphase, polycrystalline, and rod-shaped complexes have been formed having nanorange crystallite size and monoclinic crystal system.     

Synthetic,spectral, structural and antimicrobial studies of some Schiff bases 3-d metal complexes

The complexes of tailor made ligands with life essential metal ions may be an emerging area to answer the problems of multi-drug resistance (MDR). The coordination complexes of VO(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with the Schiff bases derived from 3-bromobenzaldehyde/3-chlorobenzaldehyde with 2-aminophenol have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic spectra, FT-IR, ESR, FAB mass, thermal and magnetic susceptibility measurements, FAB mass and thermal data show degradation of complexes. Both the ligands behave as bidentate coordinating through O and N donor. The complexes exhibit coordination number 4, 5 or 6. X-ray powder diffraction data shows that four (2, 3, 6 and 7) complexes are crystallized in tetragonal system. The in vitro biological screening effects of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus fecalis and the fungi Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma polysporum and Candida albicans by serial dilution method. A comparative study of the MIC values of the Schiff base and their Co(II) (6) and Cu(II) (8) complexes, indicates that the metal complexes exhibit higher or lower antimicrobial activity than the free ligand (L₂).     

Peroxomolybdate(VI)-citrate and -malate complex interconversions by pH-dependence. Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies

The reaction of potassium molybdate(VI) with biologically relevant ligands, citric and malic acids, in the presence of H2O2 was investigated for the effect of pH variations on the product pattern. That with citric acid led to the formation of the monomeric complex K4[MoO(O2)2(cit)].4H2O (1) in the pH range 7-9, and dimer K5[MoO(O2)(2-)(Hcit)H(Hcit)(O2)2OMo].6H2O (2) (H4cit = citric acid) at pH 3-6 through carboxylate-carboxylic acid hydrogen bonding. The relation with the previously identified K4[MoO3(cit)].2H2O (4) and K4[Mo2O5(Hcit)2].4H2O (5) were shown. These and other intermediates were shown to react in the pH range 3-6 to give a more stable species 2; the reaction sequence was demonstrated either by the protonation from 1 or the deprotonation of [MoO(O2)2(H2cit)](2-) (8). Evidence that 2 exists as a dimer in solution is presented. The reaction with (S)-malic acid afforded Delta-K(2n)[MoO(O2)2((S)-Hmal)]n.nH2O (3) (H3mal = malic acid) that was oxidized further to oxalato molybdate (11) by H2O2. The three complexes 1-3 were characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR and NMR spectroscopies, in addition to the X-ray structural studies that show citrate and malate being coordinated as bidentate ligands via alpha-alkoxyl and alpha-carboxylate groups. The formation of these complexes is dictated by pH and their thermal stabilities varied with the coordinated hydroxycarboxylate ligands.     

INDO/SCF-CI calculations and structural spectroscopic studies of some complexes of 4-hydroxyacetanilide

The electronic energies among different possible structures of 4-hydroxyacetanilide (paracetamol) (PA) molecule, were calculated using INDO method and it has been concluded that its structure has C(s) point group symmetry of the cis-form. The ionization potential, electron affinity, dipole moment and binding energy have been calculated. The calculated electronic transitions of the cis-form of PA using SCF-CI method have good coincidence with the electronic absorption spectrum. The temperature effect on the electronic spectrum of PA confirms the presence of one conformer only. The electronic spectra of PA compound were studied in different polar- and non-polar solvents and the hydrogen bonding as well as the orientation energies of the polar solvents were determined from the mixed solvents studies. Complexes of PA with various metal ions such as, Cu(II), Zn(II) or Fe(II) ions of ratio 2:1, respectively, have been prepared and their structure has been confirmed by elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectra, IR spectra and (1)H NMR spectra and finally it can be concluded that the structure of the complexes has C2h point group symmetry in which two PA molecules are chelated to any one of the metal ions, Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(II) ions.     

Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies of (pseudo)halo(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidine)gold complexes

A series of (pseudo)halo(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidine)gold complexes [(But2Im)AuX](X = Cl, Br, I, CN, N3, NCO, SCN, SeCN, ONO2, OCOCH3, CH3) have been synthesized and characterised spectroscopically and structurally. 13C NMR chemical shifts for the carbene carbon vary widely with differing ancillary anion, correlating well with the sigma-donor ability of the latter and with the M-C(carbene) bond distance. These results reinforce the notion that N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are primarily sigma-donor ligands with little pi-acceptor ability.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic, and structural Studies on Lanthanide Complexes of Diphosphazane Dioxide Ligands

Lanthanide nitrate complexes of diphosphazane dioxides Ph₂P(O)N(Prⁱ)P(O)Ph₂ ( 1 ) and (PhO)₂P(O)N(Me)P(O)(OPh)₂ ( 2 ) have been synthesised and studied by conductometry, IR, multinuclear NMR spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction. Ligand 2 is accessible by two different methods, viz., by direct oxidation of the phosp(III)azane ligand or by starting from phosph(V)azane chloro precursor. The structure of 2 is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data for 2 : Triclinic, Space group P1 , a = 10.078(1), b = 10.575(3), c = 12.364(4) Å, α = 75.70(2)°, α = 75.56(1)°, γ = 77.68(1)°, Z = 2, V = 1 220 ų; structure refined to R_F = 0.0459 on 3 495 data with F > 3σ(F). The diphosphazane dioxide ligand exhibits trans geometry in the solid state. The structure of a lanthanide complex, [Pr(NO₃)₃( 2 )₂] ( 14 ) is also determined by X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data for 14 : Trigonal, Space group P3₂, a = b = 15.710(2), c = 40.067(2) Å, Z = 6, V = 8 564 ų; structure refined to R_F = 0.0430 on 8 077 data with F > 5σ(F). The two diphosphazane dioxide ligands and the nitrate groups are coordinated to praseodymium in a bidentate chelate fashion. The geometry around the ten coordinated metal is distorted bicapped square antiprism.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of some quinolylmethylphosphonates

Monoethyl esters of 2-quinolylmethylphosphonic acid ( 3 ) and 8-quinolylmethylphosphonic acid ( 6 ) have been prepared. The corresponding diethyl esters 1 and 4 , and sodium salts of monoesters 2 and 5 , respectively, have also been isolated. The properties of the monoethyl esters of 8- and 2-quinolylmethylphosphonic acid are very different. While the former was isolated as the hydrochloride, the latter did not form such a salt. Molecular weight determination indicated a dimeric structure of the monoester 3 , and spectroscopic measurements confirmed the association presumably owing to the hydrogen bonding between the P?O and P-OH groups.     

Alkali metal diphenylmethanides: synthetic, computational and structural studies

In search of new synthetic precursors for the preparation of alkaline earth organometallic compounds, we investigated the application of a powerful desilylation reaction to cleanly afford a variety of contact and charge-separated alkali metal derivatives without the difficulties commonly encountered in other methods. The resulting diphenylmethanides display both contact molecules and separated ion pairs. Analysis of the structural data demonstrates that simple electrostatic models are insufficient for predicting and explaining the solid-state structures of these complexes. Detailed computational investigations were performed to probe the nature of the metal-anion and metal-donor interactions and determine the contributions of each to the observed solid-state structures.     

Synthetic, structural, mechanistic, and computational studies on single-site beta-diketiminate tin(II) initiators for the polymerization of rac-lactide

A family of tin(II) complexes supported by beta-diketiminate ligands has been investigated as initiators for the polymerization of rac-lactide. Kinetic studies reveal a first-order dependence on [lactide], but with a significant induction period. Linear plots of M(n) versus conversion and [M](o)/[I](o) versus conversion, along with narrow molecular weight distributions (typically 1.07-1.10), are indicative of well-controlled, "living" polymerizations. Less sterically hindered derivatives promote faster propagation than their bulky analogues, in accord with a more accessible active site. Enhanced rates of polymerization are observed for ligands bearing halogenated N-aryl substituents, a consequence of the more Lewis acidic nature of the Sn(II) centers. All of the initiators exhibit a similar bias toward heterotactic polylactide, which is attributed to a chain-end control mechanism influenced predominantly by the presence of the Sn 5s(2) lone pair of electrons rather than the steric or electronic properties of the beta-diketiminate ligand. The tin(II) isopropyl-(S)-lactate complex, ((Me)BDI(DIPP))SnOCH(Me)COO(i)Pr (14), has been synthesized as a model compound for the propagating species by treatment of ((Me)BDI(DIPP))Sn(NMe(2)) with isopropyl-(S)-lactate. An X-ray structure determination showed that the lactate ligand forms a five-membered chelate ring with a weak donor bond from the carbonyl oxygen atom to the tin center. A B3LYP density functional computational study indicates that insertion of the first lactide monomer into the tin(II) alkoxide bond is facile, with the induction period arising from a slower insertion of the second (and possibly third and fourth) monomer units.     

Synthetic and structural studies of cobalt-pivalate complexes

The synthesis and characterisation of a range of cobalt pivalate cage complexes are reported. The cages include: a dinuclear Co(II) complex; an oxo-centred Co(III) triangle; tetranuclear Co(II) heterocubanes and butterflies; tetranuclear heterovalent cobalt butterflies and hexanuclear edge-sharing bitetrahedra; heterovalent penta-, hexa- and hepta-nuclear cages based on [M(4)O(4)] heterocubane cores; and a tetradecanuclear cage based on heterocubanes sharing edges and vertices. Spectroscopic studies suggest that some of these cores are retained in solution, but that only in the Co(III) triangle is the structure including ligands retained. A scheme is proposed to account for the many structures observed, which may be applicable to other polymetallic cage complexes.