PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

The synthesis of multifunctional inorganic materials from robust building blocks (synthons) that have a well-defined structure and can be linked together represents a constant challenge in crystal engineering. We report the synthesis of the deep blue mixed-valence (Mo-VI/Mo-V) compound Na-16-[(Mo124Mo28O429)-Mo-VI-O-V(mu(3)-O)(28)H-14(H2O)(66.5)]. ca. 300 H2O (1). which consists of nanosized wheel-shaped building blocks with 152 Mo atoms. These discrete building blocks can be prepared easily by reduction of an acidified aqueous molybdate solution and, when linked together, they form a layered open framework with nanosized channels. The encapsulated water molecules can be partly replaced by organic molecules. The metal-oxide-based host lattice has altogether 28 4d electrons per ring. These can be assigned to 14 incomplete double-cubane-type compartments spanned by five Mo and six O atoms, which show negligible electronic interaction. The two electrons delocalized in each of these compartments give rise to the deep blue colour.