A Molybdenum Crown Cluster Forms Discrete Inorganic-Organic Nanocomposites with Metalloporphyrins

Linking Two Distinct Layered Networks of Nanosized {Ln18} and {Cu24} Wheels through Isonicotinate Ligands

A new series of heterolanthanide(III)-copper(I) wheel-cluster complexes [Ln6(micro3-O)2](IN)18-[Cu8(micro4-I)2(micro2-I)3].H3O (IN=isonicotinate; Ln=Y 1, Nd 2, Dy 3, Gd 4, Sm 5, Eu 6, Tb 7) were prepared by hydrothermal reaction at low pH. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that two unusual trinuclear [Ln3(micro3-O)] and tetranuclear [Cu4(micro4-I)] cores are successfully used as secondary building units to make two different nanosized wheels [Ln18(micro3-O)6(CO2)48](6-), {Ln18}, and [Cu24(micro4-I)6(micro2-I)12]6+, {Cu24}, with 12-rings and a diameter of 26.7 and 26.4 A, respectively. The wheels are further assembled into two-dimensional (2D) {Ln18} and {Cu24} networks, the linkages between two distinct layered networks of {Ln18} and {Cu24} wheels by IN pillars along the c axis giving a series of unprecedented three-dimensional (3D) sandwich frameworks. To our knowledge, compounds 1-7 are the first examples containing two different layered networks of nanosized Ln and transition metal (TM) wheels in wheel-cluster chemistry. The IR, UV/Vis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), luminescent, and magnetic properties of these complexes were also studied.

Langmuir-Blodgett films of a Mo-blue nanoring [Mo(142)O(429)H(10)(H(2)O)(49)(CH(3)CO(2))(5)(CH(3)CH(2)CO(2))](30)(-) (Mo(142)) by the semiamphiphilic method

Langmuir monolayers and LB films of the ring-shaped mixed-valence polyoxomolybdate [Mo142O429H10(H2O)49(CH3CO2)5(CH3CH2CO2)](30-) (Mo142) dissolved in the aqueous subphase have been successfully fabricated by using the adsorption properties of a DODA monolayer. Infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of the LB films indicates that Mo142 and DODA molecules are incorporated within these LB films. X-ray reflectivity experiments indicate that the LB films exhibit a well-defined lamellar structure formed by bilayers of DODA molecules alternating with monolayers of Mo142. Using behenic acid-modified hydrophobic quartz substrate is critical for the formation of the well-defined lamellar structure. From the values of the periodicity obtained by these experiments it is clear that the Mo142 clusters lie flat along the charged organic layers. AFM images also showed the flat and homogeneous films on the quartz substrates treated with behenic acid. Cyclic voltammograms of Mo142-LB films deposited on ITO substrates showed quasi-reversible oxidation/reduction waves with positive shift of the potential compared to the case of solution.

A discrete conglomerate of a distorted Mo(v)-porphyrin with a directly coordinated keggin-type polyoxometalate

The reaction of a saddle-distorted Mo(v)-dodecaphenylporphyrin complex and a Keggin-type polyoxometalate gives a discrete and nanosized molecule, [{Mo(DPP)(O)}(2)(H(2)SiW(12)O(40))], which involves direct coordination between the Mo(v) centers and terminal oxo groups of the polyoxometalate and exhibits excellent stability in solution to show reversible multi-redox processes.

Towards Polyoxometalate-Integrated Nanosystems

Polyoxometalates represent a diverse range of molecular clusters with an almost unmatched range of physical properties and the ability to form structures that can bridge several length scales. The new building block principles that have been discovered are beginning to allow the design of complex clusters with desired properties and structures; several structural types and novel physical properties are examined herein. The overall message that is presented throughout is the possibility that polyoxometalate clusters could be excellent candidates to be exploited in the development of functional nanosystems or nanodevices. The concepts that underpin the development of nanoscale devices are discussed briefly, as are the considerable challenges that must be overcome to realise polyoxometalate-based functional nanosystems.