A mixed-valence, hexadecamolybdenum cluster with an MoVI cubane "jewel" in a "setting" of five molybdateVI-linked dinuclear MoV nits

The hexadecanuclear, mixed-valence cluster Mo(16)O(42)(OH)(2)(3-iPrC(3)H(3)N(2))(12)].H(2)O (1), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The C(2)-symmetric complex consists of a cubane Mo(VI) (4)O(4) "jewel" held in a 10-point "setting" comprised of five dinuclear Mo(V) units tethered together by two tetrahedral Mo(VI) centers. The dinuclear units are ligated by twelve 3-isopropylpyrazole units that interact with the Mo--O framework through a network of hydrogen bonds. Structural parameters, charge requirements, and bond valence sum analyses support the assignment of +5 and +6 oxidation states to the dinuclear and cubane/tetrahedral Mo centers, respectively. Space filling models reveal that the pyrazole groups coat much of the surface of the molecule, apart from a number of oxo-rich seams that trace a chiral pattern across the surface. Complex 1 exhibits a unique structure that combines moieties generally atypical of polyoxometalates, viz., a Mo cubane containing only two terminal oxo ligands, and three distinct Mo(V) (2) units (including a 5-coordinate Mo center) tethered into a 10-point "setting" by tetrahedral Mo(VI) centers.