Molybdocene dichloride intercalation into zirconium phosphate nanoparticles

• The monocation species of Cp2MoCl2 directly intercalates into the ZrP layers.
• The XRPD data indicates an expanded interlayer distance of 11.0 Å.
• IR spectroscopy confirms the presence of the metallocene Cp ligands in the layers.
• Thermogravimetric analysis indicates up to 64% loading.
• 88% cumulative release of MDC at pH 7.4 takes place within the first 2 h.

Molybdocene dichloride (Cp2MoCl2), a metallocene dichloride currently being evaluated as potential anti-cancer drug, has been intercalated into zirconium phosphate, an inorganic layered nanomaterial. Hydrolysis of the chloride ligands appears to occur, leading to the formation of the monocation species ([Cp2Mo(H2O)(OH)]+), which intercalates into the ZrP layers by ion exchange. IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to confirm the presence of the metallocene between the layers of zirconium phosphate. The XRPD data indicates that a new intercalated phase with an expanded interlayer distance of 11.0 Å was obtained; thermogravimetric analysis indicates up to 64% loading in the context of molar ratio (0.64 mol per ZrP formula unit) or 32% exchange capacity. Further evidence for intercalation was obtained from 31P MAS NMR experiments. IR spectroscopy confirms the presence of the cyclopentadienyl bearing metallocene in the layers.

Zirconium phosphate nanoparticles intercalated with the anticancer drug molybdocene have been prepared and extensively characterized.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide