Controlling transformations in the assembly of polyoxometalate clusters: {Mo11V7}, {Mo17V8} and {Mo72V30}

Abstract

The reaction of molybdate with vanadium(V) in the presence of sulfite anions is explored showing how, via cation control, stepwise assembly through the {Mo11V7} cluster yields a {M25} cluster-based compound, [MoVI11VV5VIV2O52(μ9-SO3)(MoVI6VVO22)]10− (1a), which was first discovered using cryospray mass spectrometry, whereas switching the cation away from ammonium allows the direct formation of the spherical ‘Keplerate’ {Mo72V30} cluster.