The synthesis and structural characterisation of two polynuclear hafnium(IV) complexes

Attempts to form extended supramolecular structures incorporating hafnium(IV) complexes of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene resulted in the serendipitous formation of two polynuclear-hafnium clusters. Subsequent reaction between hafnium triflate and 1 M sulfuric or p-toluenesulfonic acid solutions also led to the formation of the same clusters, identified as cations based on Hf17 and Hf4, respectively.

Graphical abstractAddition of 1 M sulphuric or p-toluenesulfonic acid solutions to hafnium(IV) triflate resulted in the formation of two polynuclear hafnium clusters based on either Hf17 (shown) or Hf4 cations. The latter of the two cations was found to interact with p-toluenesulfonate anions to form a bi-layer type arrangement reminiscent to that of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide