'One-pot' synthesis of two molybdenum/tungsten (VI)-copper(I) mixed metal clusters under catalysis of 1,10-phenathroline

► Under the catalysis of 1,10-phenathroline (phen), two clusters [M'S4Cu4(SCN)2 (dppm)3 ] (M' = Mo, W) were synthesized. ► The method using phen as the catalysis was confirmed to be an effective strategy of synthesizing new metal clusters. ► The possible catalysis mechanism of phenathroline is discussed. ► The skeletons of Mo/W-Cu/Ag clusters are affected by the coordinated anions and the coordination number of metal atom.