Solvothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of the New Oxothiomolybdate Ni(dien)2[Mo2O2S6]

Summary.  The reaction of NiCl₂ · 6H₂O, Na₂MoO₄ ċ 2H₂O, and sulfur in a mixture of diethylenetriamine and 0.2 M ammonia solution (1:4) under solvothermal conditions leads to the formation of orange-red crystals of the oxothiomolybdate Ni(dien)₂Mo₂O₂S₆] (dien = diethylenetriamine) in nearly 100% yield. The structure consists of Ni(dien)₂]²⁺ cations and discrete dimeric Mo₂O₂S₆]²⁻ anions. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (a = 8.726(2), b = 18.111(4), c = 14.419(3) ?, β = 101.686(3)°). Upon heating the compound decomposes in a single step starting at about 250°C. The final decomposition product was identified by X-ray powder diffractometry as MoS₂ and Ni₃S₂. Spectroscopic data as well as detailed synthetic procedures for Ni(dien)₂Mo₂O₂S₆] are reported. Received November 6, 2000. Accepted November 17, 2000