Facile synthesis of a novel mono-organoimido functionalized polyoxometalate cluster [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Mo6O18(NAr)] (Ar = p-C2H5C6H4): Crystal structure, spectral characterization and initial antitumor activity

•A novel mono-functionalized arylimido derivative of hexamolybdate•Using DCC (N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide) as the dehydrating agent•The compound has effects on the cellular growth inhibition to K562 cells.

A novel mono-functionalized arylimido derivative of hexamolybdate bearing the electron-donating ethyl group, [Bu4N]2[Mo6O18(NAr)], has been synthesized by an improved reaction of octamolybdate ion with 4-ethylaniline hydrochloride using DCC (N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide) as the dehydrating agent. Detailed assignments were achieved for the title compound by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, UV–visible and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Preliminary antitumor activity test showed that the title compound has some effects on the cellular growth inhibition to K562 cells.

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