B3O4(OH) · 0.5(C4H10N2): First organic-inorganic hybrid borate with a neutral layered framework

A novel hybrid borate B3O4(OH) · 0.5(C4H10N2) with neutral layered structure, based on the linkages of B-O chains and piperazine ligands, was synthesized under milder hydrothermal conditions. The adjacent layers are stacked in a parallel fashion and further stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions.