Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Based on Octamolybdates and Benzimidazole Molecules [Hbenzimi]4 [(benzimi)2Mo8O26] · 2H2O (benzimi?=?benzimidazole)

A novel organic/inorganic compound Hbenzimi]₄(benzimi)₂Mo₈O₂₆] · 2H₂O (1) has been prepared hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., x.p.s., t.g. and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound (1) consists of the Mo₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ cluster as the structural motif covalently linked by benzimidazole molecules and protonated benzimidazole molecules as charge compensation cations. It is interesting that the benzimidazole molecules were synthesized from 1,2-phenylenediamine and oxalic acid. The Mo₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ polyoxoanions and organic ligands in compound (1) interact with each other via extensive hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework.