Synthesis and crystal structure of a new hybrid organic–inorganic material containing neutral molecules, cations and heptamolybdate anions

Abstract

The title compound, hexakis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) heptamolybdate 2-methyl-1H-imidazole disolvate dihydrate, (C4H7N2)6[Mo7O24]·2C4H6N2·2H2O, was prepared from 2-methylimidazole and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate in acid solution. The [Mo7O24]6− heptamolybdate cluster anion is accompanied by six protonated (C4H7N2)+ 2-methylimidazolium cations, two neutral C4H6N2 2-methylimidazole molecules and two water molecules of crystallization. The cluster consists of seven distorted MoO6 octahedra sharing edges or vertices. In the crystal, the components are linked by N—H...N, N—H...O, O—H...O, N—H...(O,O) and O—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network. Weak C—H...O interactions consolidate the packing.