Synthesis and crystal structure of a neutral open framework cobalt(II) phosphate Co 6 (PO 4 ) 4 ·7H 2 O with a channel structure, Journal of Coordination Chemistry, 60:9, 995-1004, Using tri-ethyl phosphate as a phosphate source, the hydrothermal reaction of cobalt(II) oxalate di-hydrate, zinc oxide and 1,8 di-amino octane at 200 C gave purple crystals of Co 6 (PO 4 ) 4 Á 7H 2 O (1), along with a mixture of open-framework zinc-cobalt phosphates Co-Zn-HPO 4 , and Co 3 (HPO 4 ) 2 (2OH). Compound 1, has been characterized by thermal analysis, FTIR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The single crystal structure of Co 6 (PO 4 ) 4 Á 7H 2 O reveals cobalt in four, five and six-fold coordination with linkages through the bridging water molecules and the oxygen atoms of the phosphate in the subunits. Four subunits are connected together through the oxygen atoms (PO 4 ), to form the three dimensional open framework structure, with a 20-member ring channel that hosts two uncoordinated water molecules. Thermal removal of the water molecules occurs between 400-600 C, with the collapse of the structure above 600 C.