Helical nanostructure of tubular metal-organic complex synthesized by sonochemical process

Tubular metal-organic complex (C₂H₉N₂)₂(C₂H₁₀N₂)_0.5MoO₂(OC₆H₄O)₂] has been synthesized. The title complex crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group P4(2)/n with a = 25.214(8), c = 7.484(4) Å, and Z = 8. The X-ray structural analysis of the complex reveals tube-like framework which is stabilized by hydrogen bond. Chiral anions Mo^(V)O₂(OC₆H₄O)₂]^3? of the complex have two types of isomers(λ/δ configuration). Helical nanostructure of this metal-organic complex was formed using a sonochemical method. Sonocation may lead to the transformation from the bulk tubular complex to the helical nanostructure. The as-synthesized nanohelices were all double-stranded and left-and right-handed nanohelices were both formed. The helical nanostructure is a new morphology of inorganic-organic hybrid materials on the nanoscale level and the exact formation mechanism of these helices still needs further investigation.