Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a heterometal-bridged {V15Sb6} dimer: [Ni2(tren)3(V15Sb6O42(H2O)0.5)]2[Ni(trenH)2]·H2O

•Formation of a dimer of a{V15Sb6} polyxovanadate by covalent linkage.•A Ni2+ centered complex acts as linker molecule.•Short Sb–N inter-dimer interactions generates a chain.

The title compound was obtained under solvothermal conditions and the crystal structure features the spherical [V15Sb6O42(H2O)0.5]6− anion as main structural motif. Two anions are joined by a highly unusual [Ni2(tren)3]4+ complex (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) via a μ-1,7 bridging tren ligand into a dimeric {[Ni2(tren)3(V15Sb6O42(H2O)0.5)]2}4− moiety. An Sb–N interaction between the dimeric units generates a double-chain being directed along the b-axis. Charge compensation of the anionic structure is achieved by the presence of a [Ni(trenH)2]4+ complex containing protonated tren ligands.

Graphical abstractA [Ni2(tren)3]4+ complex joins two [V15Sb6O42(H2O)0.5]6− clusters to form a dimer.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide