Intercalates of Vanadyl Phosphate with Aliphatic Nitriles

Intercalates of vanadyl phosphate with aliphatic nitriles (acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, valeronitrile and hexanenitrile) were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopies. The basal spacings of all the intercalates prepared are practically identical. The nitrile intercalates (except acetonitrile) contain one nitrile molecule per formula unit. The nitrile molecules are anchored to the host layers by an N–V donor-acceptor bond and their aliphatic chains are parallel to the host layers. The acetonitrile intercalate contains two guest molecules per formula unit. Only half of them can be bonded to the vanadium atom, the second half is probably anchored by van der Waals interaction. The intercalates prepared are moisture-sensitive and the guest molecules are easily replaced by water molecules.