Giant Hollow Heterometallic Polyoxoniobates with Sodalite‐Type Lanthanide–Tungsten–Oxide Cages: Discrete Nanoclusters and Extended Frameworks

The first series of niobium–tungsten–lanthanide (Nb‐W‐Ln) heterometallic polyoxometalates {Ln₁₂W₁₂O₃₆(H₂O)₂₄(Nb₆O₁₉)₁₂} (Ln=Y, La, Sm, Eu, Yb) have been obtained, which are comprised of giant cluster‐in‐cluster‐like ({Ln₁₂W₁₂}‐in‐{Nb₇₂}) structures built from 12 hexaniobate {Nb₆O₁₉} clusters gathered together by a rare 24‐nuclearity sodalite‐type heterometal–oxide cage {Ln₁₂W₁₂O₃₆(H₂O)₂₄}. The Nb‐W‐Ln clusters present the largest multi‐metal polyoxoniobates and a series of rare high‐nuclearity 4d‐5d‐4f multicomponent clusters. Furthermore, the giant Nb‐W‐Ln clusters may be isolated as discrete inorganic alkali salts and can be used as building blocks to form high‐dimensional inorganic–organic hybrid frameworks.     

New Homoleptic Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes Comprising the Unsymmetrically Substituted Amidinate Ligand [MeC(NEt)(NtBu)]–

New homoleptic complexes of selected rare‐earth elements containing the unsymmetrically substituted amidinate ligand [MeC(NEt)(NtBu)]^– [= (L)^–] were synthesized and fully characterized. Treatment of in situ‐prepared Li(L) ( 1 ) with anhydrous lanthanide(III) chlorides, LnCl₃ (Ln = Sc, La, Ce, Ho), afforded three different types of amidinate complexes depending on the ionic radius of the central metal atom. The large La³⁺ formed the octa‐coordinate DME solvate La(L)₃(DME) ( 2 ). Using Ce³⁺, the octa‐coordinate “ate” complex Li(THF)[Ce(L)₄] ( 3 ) was formed. Depending on the crystallization conditions, compound 3 could be crystallized in two modifications differing in the coordination environment around Li. In the case of the smaller Sc³⁺ and Ho³⁺ ions, six‐coordinate homoleptic Sc(L)₃ ( 4 ) and Ho(L)₃ ( 5 ) were isolated. The title compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. With Ln = La and Ce, several by‐products incorporating lithium, chlorine and/or oxygen were also isolated and structurally characterized.     

Ionic‐Radius‐Driven Selection of the Main‐Group‐Metal Cage for Intermetalloid Clusters [Ln@PbxBi14−x]q− and [Ln@PbyBi13−y]q− (x/q=7/4, 6/3; y/q=4/4, 3/3)

Reactions of the binary, pseudo‐homoatomic Zintl anion (Pb₂Bi₂)^2? with Ln(C₅Me₄H)₃ (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Gd, Sm, Tb) in the presence of [2.2.2]crypt in ethane‐1,2‐diamine/toluene yielded ten [K([2.2.2]crypt)]⁺ salts of lanthanide‐doped semimetal clusters with 13 or 14 surface atoms. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated the presence of the anions [Ln@Pb₆Bi₈]^3?, [Ln@Pb₃Bi₁₀]^3?, [Ln@Pb₇Bi₇]^4?, or [Ln@Pb₄Bi₉]^4? in single or double salts; the latter showed various ratios of the components in the solid state. The anions are the first ternary intermetalloid clusters comprising only elements of the sixth period of the periodic table, namely, Pb, Bi and lanthanides. This study, which was complemented by ESI mass spectrometry and ¹³⁹La NMR spectroscopy in solution, rationalizes a continuous development of the ratio of 13:14‐atom cages with the ionic radius of the embedded Ln³⁺ ion, which seems to select the most suitable cage type. Quantum chemical investigations helped to analyze this situation in more detail and to explain the observed subtle influence of the atomic radii. Magnetic measurements confirmed that the embedded Ln³⁺ ions keep their expected paramagnetic or diamagnetic nature.     

Structural,electronic, and magnetoresponsive properties of triangular lanthanide clusters and their free‐standing nitrides

The molecular and electronic structures, stabilities, bonding features, and magnetoresponsive properties of three‐membered [c‐Ln₃]^+/0/? (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Lu) and heterocyclic six‐membered [c‐Ln₃E₃]^q (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Lu; E = C, N; q = 0 or 1) rings have been investigated by means of electronic structure calculation methods at the DFT level. The [c‐Ln₃]^+/0/? clusters are predicted to be bound with respect to dissociation to their constituent atoms, the estimated binding energies ranging from 45.8 to 2056.4 kJ/mol. The [c‐Ln₃] rings capture easily a planar three‐coordinated nitrogen atom at the center or above the center of the ring yielding the lanthanide nitride clusters [c‐Ln₃(μ₃‐N)] adopting a planar geometry, except [c‐La₃(μ₃‐N)] which exhibits pyramidal geometry. The [c‐Ln₃(μ₃‐N)] clusters are predicted to be bound, with respect to dissociation to N (⁴S) atom and [c‐Ln₃] clusters in their ground states, the binding energies ranging from 53.9 to 257.9 kcal/mol. The six‐membered [c‐Ln₃E₃]^q rings are predicted to be bound with respect to dissociation to LnE^q monomers in their ground states with dissociation energies in the range of 173.8 to 318.0 kcal/mol. Calculation of the NICS_zz‐scan curves of the clusters predicted a “hermaphrodic” magnetic response of the [c‐Ln₃]^+/0/? and heterocyclic six‐membered [c‐Ln₃E₃]^q rings, manifested by the coexistence of successive diatropic (aromatic) and paratropic (antiaromatic) zones. The [c‐La₃]^+/0/? and [c‐Lu₃]^? are predicted to be weakly antiaromatic, the [c‐Lu₃]^0/+, [c‐Lu₃C₃]⁺, and [c‐Lu₃N₃] double (σ+π) aromatic, and the [c‐Gd₃C₃] and [c‐Gd₃N₃]⁺ rings (σ+δ)‐aromatic systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011     

Neue thermische Abbauprodukte von Ln2CeMO6Cl3 (M = Nb,Ta; Ln = La–Sm) – Darstellung von strukturverwandtem (La, Tb)3,5TaO6Cl4–x

Contributions on the Investigation of Inorganic Nonstoichiometric Compounds. XLV. New Thermal Decomposition Products of Ln₂CeMO₆Cl₃ – Preparation of Structure‐related (La, Tb)_3.5TaO₆Cl_4–x The thermal decomposition (T £ 900–1050°C) of Ln₂CeMO₆Cl₃ (M = Nb, Ta; Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) leads to the formation of two mixed‐valenced phases (Ln, Ce)_3.25MO₆Cl_3.5–x (phase ‘‘AB”︁”︁) and (Ln, Ce)_3.5MO₆Cl_4–x (phase ‘‘BB”︁”︁) and to the formation of chlorine according to redox‐reactions between Ce⁴⁺ and Cl^–. Single crystals of both phases (Ln, Ce)_3.25MO₆Cl_3.5–x (‘‘AB”︁”︁) and (Ln, Ce)_3.5MO₆Cl_4–x (‘‘BB”︁”︁) were obtained by chemical transport reactions using both powder of Ln₂CeMO₆Cl₃ (phase ‘‘A”︁”︁) and powder of (Ln, Ce)_3.25MO₆Cl_3.5–x (phase ‘‘AB”︁”︁) as starting materials and chlorine (p{Cl₂; 298 K} = 1 atm) or HCl (p{HCl; 298 K} = 1 atm) as transport agent. A crystal of (La, Ce)_3.25NbO₆Cl_3.5–x (”︁AB”︁”︁) (space group: C2/m, a = 35.288(1) Å, b = 5.418(5) Å, c = 9.522(1) Å, β = 98.95(7)°, Z = 4) was investigated by x‐ray diffraction methods, a crystal of (Pr, Ce)_3.5NbO₆Cl_4–x (”︁BB”︁”︁) was investigated by synchrotron radiation (λ = 0.56 Å) diffraction methods. The lattice constants are a = 18.863(6) Å, b = 5.454(5) Å, c = 9.527(6) Å, β = 102.44(3)° and Z = 4. Structure determination in the space group C2/m (No. 12) let to R1 = 0.0313. Main building units are NbO₆‐polyhedra with slightly distorted trigonally prismatic environment for Nb and chains of face‐sharing Cl₆‐octahedra along [010]. The rare earth ions are coordinated by chlorine and oxygen atoms. These main structure features confirmed the expected relation to the starting material Ln₂CeMO₆Cl₃ (phase ”︁A”︁”︁) and to (Ln, Ce)_3.25MO₆Cl_3.5–x (phase ”︁AB”︁”︁).     

A mixed‐valent niobium oxy­sulfide,La2Nb3S2O8

Dilanthanum triniobium di­sulfide octaoxide, La₂Nb₃S₂O₈, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm and is isostructural with the Ln₂Ta₃X₂O₈ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Nd, and X = S and Se) family of tantalum compounds. Nb⁴⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ ions co‐exist in the structure and occupy different crystallographic sites. While the Nb⁴⁺ ions are found in mixed oxy­gen and sulfur octahedra, the Nb⁵⁺ ions are found in oxy­gen‐only octahedra.     

Heterodinuclear Lanthanoid‐Containing Polyoxometalates: Stepwise Synthesis and Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior

Polyoxometalates (POMs) with heterodinuclear lanthanoid cores, TBA₈H₄[{Ln(μ₂‐OH)₂Ln′}(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₆)₂] ( LnLn′ ; Ln=Gd, Dy; Ln′=Eu, Yb, Lu; TBA=tetra‐n‐butylammonium), were successfully synthesized through the stepwise incorporation of two types of lanthanoid cations into the vacant sites of lacunary [γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₆]^8? units without the use of templating cations. The incorporation of a Ln³⁺ ion into the vacant site between two [γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₆]^8? units afforded mononuclear Ln³⁺‐containing sandwich‐type POMs with vacant sites ( Ln1 ; TBA₈H₅[{Ln(H₂O)₄}(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₆)₂]; Ln=Dy, Gd, La). The vacant sites in Ln1 were surrounded by coordinating W? O and Ln? O oxygen atoms. On the addition of one equivalent of [Ln′(acac)₃] to solutions of Dy1 or Gd1 in 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE), heterodinuclear lanthanoid cores with bis(μ₂‐OH) bridging ligands, [Dy(μ₂‐OH)₂Ln′]⁴⁺, were selectively synthesized ( LnLn′ ; Ln=Dy, Gd; Ln′=Eu, Yb, Lu). On the other hand, La1 , which contained the largest lanthanoid cation, could not accommodate a second Ln′³⁺ ion. DyLn′ showed single‐molecule magnet behavior and their energy barriers for magnetization reversal (ΔE/k_B) could be manipulated by adjusting the coordination geometry and anisotropy of the Dy³⁺ ion by tuning the adjacent Ln′³⁺ ion in the heterodinuclear [Dy(μ₂‐OH)₂Ln′]⁴⁺ cores. The energy barriers increased in the order: DyLu (ΔE/k_B=48 K)< DyYb (53 K)< DyDy (66 K)< DyEu (73 K), with an increase in the ionic radii of Ln′³⁺; DyEu showed the highest energy barrier.     

Aluminum‐ and Gallium‐Containing Open‐Dawson Polyoxometalates

Al‐ and Ga‐containing open‐Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs), K₁₀[{Al₄(μ‐OH)₆}{α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆}] · 28.5H₂O ( Al₄ ‐ open ) and K₁₀[{Ga₄(μ‐OH)₆}(α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆)] · 25H₂O ( Ga₄ ‐ open ) were synthesized by the reaction of trilacunary Keggin POM, [A‐α‐SiW₉O₃₄]^10–, with Al(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O or Ga(NO₃)₃ · nH₂O, and unequivocally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, ²⁹Si and ¹⁸³W NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and TG/DTA. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the {M₄(μ‐OH)₆}⁶⁺ (M = Al, Ga) clusters were included in an open pocket of the open‐Dawson polyanion, [α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆]^16–, which was constituted by the fusion of two trilacunary Keggin POMs via two W–O–W bonds. These two open‐Dawson structural POMs showed clear difference of the bite angles depending on the size of ionic radii. In cases of both compounds, the solution ²⁹Si and ¹⁸³W NMR spectra in D₂O showed only one signal and five signals, respectively. These spectra were consistent with the molecular structures of Al₄ ‐ and Ga₄ ‐ open , suggesting that these polyoxoanions were obtained as single species and maintained their molecular structures in solution.     

Synthesis of α‐Dawson‐Type Silicotungstate [α‐Si2W18O62]8− and Protonation and Deprotonation Inside the Aperture through Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds

The design of structurally well‐defined anionic molecular metal–oxygen clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs), leads to inorganic receptors with unique and tunable properties. Herein, an α‐Dawson‐type silicotungstate, TBA₈[α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₂] ? 3 H₂O ( II ) that possesses a ?8 charge was successfully synthesized by dimerization of a trivacant lacunary α‐Keggin‐type silicotungstate TBA₄H₆[α‐SiW₉O₃₄] ? 2 H₂O ( I ) in an organic solvent. POM II could be reversibly protonated (in the presence of acid) and deprotonated (in the presence of base) inside the aperture by means of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with retention of the POM structure. In contrast, the aperture of phosphorus‐centered POM TBA₆[α‐P₂W₁₈O₆₂]?H₂O ( III ) was not protonated inside the aperture. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the basicities and charges of internal μ₃‐oxygen atoms were increased by changing the central heteroatoms from P⁵⁺ to Si⁴⁺, thereby supporting the protonation of II . Additionally, II showed much higher catalytic performance for the Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with benzaldehyde than I and III .     

Rare‐earth site splitting in Sm3MoO7

Trisamarium molybdenum heptaoxide, Sm₃MoO₇, is isomorphous with Ln₃MoO₇ (Ln = La and Pr). The crystal structure consists of chains of corner‐linked MoO₆ octahedra running parallel to the b axis and separated from each other by seven‐ or eight‐coordinate Sm–O polyhedra. In contrast to La₃MoO₇ and Pr₃MoO₇, a splitting of one Sm site into two positions is observed.     

Synthesis,Magnetism, and Thermostability of a Series of Two‐Dimensional Lanthanide–Nickel Heterometallic Coordination Polymers

A series of Ln–Ni heterometallic coordination polymers, {[Ln₂Ni(MIDA)₄(H₂O)₆](H₂O)₄} (Ln = La ( 1 ), Ce ( 2 ), Pr ( 3 ), and Nd ( 4 ); H₂MIDA = N‐methyl‐iminodiacetic acid), were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that they feature two‐dimensional isomorphic frameworks, which could be viewed as the construction by one‐dimensional {Ln}_n chain connecting by bridges of [Ni(MIDA)₂]². The magnetic measurements reveal that compounds 2 – 4 exhibit antiferromagnetic properties. TGA results indicate compounds 1 and 4 have good thermostability with the critical temperature of 375 °C.     

Synthese und Struktur der Nitridoborat‐Nitride Ln4(B2N4)N (Ln = La,Ce) des Formeltyps Ln3+x(B2N4)Nx (x = 0, 1, 2)

Synthesis and Structure of Nitridoborate Nitrides Ln₄(B₂N₄)N (Ln = La, Ce) of the Formula Type Ln_3+x(B₂N₄)N_x (x = 0, 1, 2) The missing member of the formula type Ln_3+x(B₂N₄)N_x with x = 1 was synthesized and characterized for Ln = La and Ce. According to the single‐crystal X‐ray structure solution Ce₄(B₂N₄)N crystallizes in the space group C2/m (Z = 2) with the lattice parameters a = 1238.2(1) pm, b = 357.32(3) pm, c = 905.21(7) pm and β = 129.700(1)°. The anisotropic structure refinement converged at R1 = 0.039 and wR2 = 0.099 for all independent reflections. A powder pattern of La₄(B₂N₄)N was indexed isotypically with a = 1260.4(1) pm, b = 366.15(3) pm, c = 919.8(1) pm and β = 129.727(6)°. A structure rational for nitridoborates and nitridoborate nitrides containing B₂N₄ ions with the general formula Ln_3+x(B₂N₄)N_x with x = 0, 1, 2 is presented.     

Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von neuen Alkalimetall‐Selten‐Erd‐Telluriden der Zusammensetzungen KLnTe2 (Ln = La,Pr, Nd,Gd), RbLnTe2 (Ln = Ce,Nd) und CsLnTe2 (Ln = Nd)

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of New Alkali Metal Rare‐Earth Tellurides of the Compositions KLnTe₂ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Gd), RbLnTe₂ (Ln = Ce, Nd) and CsLnTe₂ (Ln = Nd) Of the compounds ALnQ₂ (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs; Ln = rare earth‐metal; Q = S, Se, Te) the crystal structures of the new tellurides KLaTe₂, KPrTe₂, KNdTe₂, KGdTe₂, RbCeTe₂, RbNdTe₂, and CsNdTe₂ were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. They all crystallize in the α‐NaFeO₂ type with space group R3¯m and three formula units in the unit cell. The lattice parameters are: KLaTe₂: a = 466.63(3) pm, c = 2441.1(3) pm; KPrTe₂: a = 459.73(2) pm, c = 2439.8(1) pm; KNdTe₂: a = 457.83(3) pm, c = 2443.9(2) pm; KGdTe₂: a = 449.71(2) pm, c = 2443.3(1) pm; RbCeTe₂: a = 465.18(2) pm, c = 2533.6(2) pm; RbNdTe₂: a = 459.80(3) pm, c = 2536.5(2) pm, and CsNdTe₂: a = 461.42(3) pm, c = 2553.9(3) pm. Characteristics of the α‐NaFeO₂ structure type as an ordered substitutional variant of the rock‐salt (NaCl) type are layers of corner‐sharing [(A⁺/Ln³⁺)(Te^2—)₆] octahedra with a layerwise alternating occupation by the cations A⁺ and Ln³⁺.     

Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Installation of Ln4(OH)4 Cubanes in an Anionic Metallosupramolecular Framework

Postsynthetic installation of lanthanide cubanes into a metallosupramolecular framework via a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformation is presented. Soaking single crystals of K₆[Rh₄Zn₄O(l ‐cys)₁₂] (K₆[ 1 ]; l ‐H₂cys=l ‐cysteine) in a water/ethanol solution containing Ln(OAc)₃ (Ln³⁺=lanthanide ion) results in the exchange of K⁺ by Ln³⁺ with retention of the single crystallinity, producing Ln₂[ 1 ] ( 2_Ln ) and Ln_0.33[Ln₄(OH)₄(OAc)₃(H₂O)₇][ 1 ] ( 3_Ln ) for early and late lanthanides, respectively. While the Ln³⁺ ions in 2_Ln exist as disordered aqua species, those in 3_Ln form ordered hydroxide‐bridged cubane clusters that connect [ 1 ]^6? anions in a 3D metal‐organic framework through coordination bonds with carboxylate groups. This study shows the utility of an anionic metallosupramolecular framework with carboxylate groups for the creation of a series of metal cubanes that have great potential for various applications, such as magnetic materials and heterogeneous catalysts.     

New Perspectives for Old Clusters: Anderson–Evans Anions as Building Blocks of Large Polyoxometalate Frameworks in a Series of Heterometallic 3 d–4 f Species

A series of nine [Sb₇W₃₆O₁₃₃Ln₃M₂(OAc)(H₂O)₈]^17? heterometallic anions ( Ln₃M₂ ; Ln=La–Gd, M=Co; Ln=Ce, M=Ni and Zn) have been obtained by reacting 3 d metal disubstituted Krebs‐type tungstoantimonates(III) with early lanthanides. Their unique tetrameric structure contains a novel {MW₉O₃₃} capping unit formed by a planar {MW₆O₂₄} fragment to which three {WO₂} groups are condensed to form a tungstate skeleton identical to that of a hypothetical trilacunary derivative of the ?‐Keggin cluster. It is shown, for the first time, that classical Anderson–Evans {MW₆O₂₄} anions can act as building blocks to construct purely inorganic large frameworks. Unprecedented reactivity in the outer ring of these disk‐shaped species is also revealed. The Ln₃M₂ anions possess chirality owing to a {Sb₄O₄} cluster being encapsulated in left‐ or right‐handed orientations. Their ability to self‐associate in blackberry‐type vesicles in solution has been assessed for the Ce₃Co₂ derivative.     

Organoboron‐Functionalization Enables the Hierarchical Assembly of Giant Polyoxometalate Nanocapsules

The aggregation of molecular metal oxides into larger superstructures can bridge the gap between molecular compounds and solid‐state materials. Here, we report that functionalization of polyoxotungstates with organo‐boron substituents leads to giant polyoxometalate‐based nanocapsules with dimensions of up to 4 nm. A “lock and key” mechanism enables the site‐specific anchoring of aromatic organo‐boronic acids to metal‐functionalized Dawson anions [M₃P₂W₁₅O₆₂]^9? (M=Ta^V or Nb^V), resulting in unique nanocapsules containing up to twelve POM units. Experimental and theoretical studies provide initial insights into the role of the organo‐boron moieties and the metal‐functionalized POMs for the assembly of the giant aggregates. The study therefore lays the foundations for the design of organo‐POM‐based functional nanostructures.     

Heterometallic Clusters [CuSn3S9]5− and [Cu6Sn6S20]10−: Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of 4f–3d Thiostannates

Two types of 4f–3d thiostannates with general formula [Hen]₂[Ln(en)₄(CuSn₃S₉)] ? 0.5 en ( Ln1 ; Ln=La, 1 ; Ce, 2 ) and [Hen]₄[Ln(en)₄]₂[Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀] ? 3 en ( Ln2 ; Ln=Nd, 3 ; Gd, 4 ; Er, 5 ) were prepared by reactions of Ln₂O₃, Cu, Sn, and S in ethylenediamine (en) under solvothermal conditions between 160 and 190 °C. However, reactions performed in the range from 120 to 140 °C resulted in crystallization of [Sn₂S₆]^4? compounds and CuS powder. In 1 and 2 , three SnS₄ tetrahedra and one CuS₃ triangle are joined by sharing sulfur atoms to form a novel [CuSn₃S₉]^5? cluster that coordinates to the Ln³⁺ ion of [Ln(en)₄]³⁺ (Ln=La, Ce) as a monodentate ligand. The [CuSn₃S₉]^5? unit is the first thio‐based heterometallic adamantane‐like cluster coordinating to a lanthanide center. In 3 – 5 , six SnS₄ tetrahedra and six CuS₃ triangles are connected by sharing common sulfur atoms to form the ternary [Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10? cluster, in which a Cu₆ core is enclosed by two Sn₃S₁₀ fragments. The topological structure of the novel Cu₆ core can be regarded as two Cu₄ tetrahedra joined by a common edge. The Ln³⁺ ions in Ln1 and Ln2 are in nine‐ and eightfold coordination, respectively, which leads to the formation of the [CuSn₃S₉]^5? and [Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10? clusters under identical synthetic conditions. The syntheses of Ln1 and Ln2 show the influence of the lanthanide contraction on the quaternary Ln/Cu/Sn/S system in ethylenediamine. Compounds 1 – 5 exhibit bandgaps in the range of 2.09–2.48 eV depending on the two different types of clusters in the compounds. Compounds 1 , 3 , and 4 lost their organic components in the temperature range of 110–350 °C by multistep processes.     

Self‐Assembly of a Giant Tetrahedral 3 d–4 f Single‐Molecule Magnet within a Polyoxometalate System

A giant tetrahedral heterometallic polyoxometalate (POM) [Dy₃₀Co₈Ge₁₂W₁₀₈O₄₀₈(OH)₄₂(OH₂)₃₀]^56?, which shows single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior, is described. This hybrid contains the largest number of 4f ions of any polyoxometalate (POM) reported to date and is the first to incorporate two different 3d–4f and 4f coordination cluster assemblies within same POM framework.     

Crown‐Shaped Tungstogermanates as Solvent‐Controlled Dual Systems in the Formation of Vesicle‐Like Assemblies

Reaction of early lanthanides, GeO₂, and Na₂WO₄ in a NaOAc buffer results in large crown‐shaped polyoxometalates based on [Ln₂GeW₁₀O₃₈]^6? subunits. By using Ni²⁺ as a crystallizing agent, [Na?Ln₁₂Ge₆W₆₀O₂₂₈(H₂O)₂₄]^35? ( Na?Ln₁₂ ) hexamers formed by alternating β(1,5)/β(1,8) subunits were obtained for Ln=Pr, Nd. The addition of K⁺ led to a similar anion for Ln=Sm, namely, [K?Sm₁₂Ge₆W₆₀O₂₂₈(H₂O)₂₂]^35? ( K?Sm₁₂ ) and [K?K₇Ln₂₄Ge₁₂W₁₂₀O₄₄₄(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₆₄]^52? ( K?Ln₂₄ ) dodecamers that consist of a central core identical to K?Sm₁₂ decorated with six external γ(3,4) subunits for Ln=Pr, Nd. These anions dissociate in water into hexameric cores and monomeric entities, as shown by ESI mass spectrometry. The former self‐assemble into spherical, hollow, and single‐layered blackberry‐type structures with radii of approximately 75 nm, as monitored by laser light scattering (LLS) and TEM techniques. Analogous studies performed for K?Nd₂₄ in water/acetone mixtures show that the dodecamers remain stable and form in turn their own type of blackberries with sizes that increase from approximately 20 to 50 nm with increasing acetone content. This control over both the composition and size of the vesicle‐like assemblies is achieved for the first time by modifying the architecture of the species that undergoes supramolecular association through the solvent polarity.     

Two Organic–Inorganic Hybrid 3D {P5W30}‐Based Heteropolyoxotungstates with Transition‐Metal/Ln–Carboxylate–Ln Connectors

Two unique organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxometalates constructed from Preyssler‐type [Na(H₂O)P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^14? ({P₅W₃₀}) subunits and TM/Ln–carboxylate–Ln connectors (TM=transition metal, Ln=lanthanide), KNa₇[{Sm₆Mn(μ‐H₂O)₂(OCH₂COO)₇(H₂O)₁₈}{Na(H₂O)P₅W₃₀O₁₁₀}] ? 22 H₂O ( 1 ) and K₄[{Sm₄Cu₂(gly)₂(ox)(H₂O)₂₄}{NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀}]Cl₂ ? 25 H₂O ( 2 ; gly=glycine, ox=oxalate) have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV/Vis‐NIR spectra, thermogravimetric analyses, power X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 displays one interesting 3D framework built by three types of subunits, {P₅W₃₀}, [Sm₂Mn(μ‐H₂O)₂(OCH₂COO)₂(H₂O)₅]⁴⁺, and [Sm₄(OCH₂COO)₅ (H₂O)₁₃]²⁺, whereas 2 also manifests the other intriguing 3D architecture created by three types of subunits, {P₅W₃₀}, [SmCu(gly)(H₂O)₈]⁴⁺, and [Sm₂(ox)(H₂O)₈]⁴⁺. To our knowledge, 1 and 2 are the first 3D frameworks that contain {P₅W₃₀} units and TM/Ln–carboxylate–Ln connectors. The fluorescent properties of 1 and 2 have been investigated.