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Desolvation processes, though common in self-assembled biological structures, are rarely evidenced and utilized in the design of crystalline architectures. In this study, we introduce a novel approach using the [Mo 8 S 8 O 8 (OH) 8 (guest)] 2- complex, formed by the self-condensation of four [Mo V 2 O 2 S 2 ] 2- fragments around a guest unit (Mo VI O 6 H 4 or oxalate), as a chaotropic scaffold for crystallizing hybrid organic-inorganic systems with natural cyclodextrins. Our findings reveal that β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) facilitates the formation of host-guest complexes, while α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) induces the formation of a Kagome-type structure with significant voids. These new compounds were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (both powder and single-crystal), N 2 adsorption, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, solution studies using 1 H NMR titration and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) demonstrated pre-association of the building units in solution. These results enhance our understanding of the design principles for supramolecular structures composed of inorganic polyanions and cyclodextrins., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Supramolecular polymers built from stimuli-responsive host-guest interactions represent an attractive way of tailoring smart materials. Herein, we exploit the chaotropic effect of polyoxometalates and related host-guest properties to design unconventional polymer systems with reversible redox and thermo-responsive sol-gel transition. These supramolecular networks result from the association of cyclodextrin-based oligomers and Keggin-type POMs acting as electro-active crosslinking agents. The structure and the dynamics of such self-assembly systems have been investigated using a multiscale approach involving MALDI-TOF, viscosity measurements, cyclic voltammetry, 1 H-NMR (1D and DOSY), and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. Our results reveal that the chaotropic effect corresponds to a powerful and efficient force that can be used to induce responsiveness in hybrid supramolecular oligomeric systems., (© 2023 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Super-reduction of polyoxometalates (POMs) in solution is of fundamental interest for designing innovative energy storage systems. In this article, we show that the "Dawson-like" POM can undergo a disproportionation process during its massive electron uptake, leading to species containing three metal-metal bonds as evidenced by X-ray diffraction, multi-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H and 183 W NMR), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), UV/Vis, and voltammetry techniques. This result indicates that electron storing within metal-metal bonds is not a unique property of Keggin-type POM as postulated since the 70s. Besides, we demonstrate that the presence of an electron-rich triad in the "Dawson-like" POM allows its post-functionalization with additional tungstate ions, generating a chiral molecule that is also the largest W IV -containing POMs known to date., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Polyoxothiometalate ions (ThioPOM) are active hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) catalysts based on modular assembly built from electrophilic clusters {MoS x } and vacant polyoxotungstates. Herein, the dumbbell-like anion [{(PW 11 O 39 )Mo 3 S 4 (H 2 O) 3 (OH)} 2 ] 8- exhibits very high light-driven HER activity, while the active cores {Mo 3 S 4 } do not contain any exposed disulfido ligands, which were suspected to be the origin of the HER activity. Moreover, in the catalyst architecture, the two central {Mo 3 S 4 } cores are sandwiched by two {PW 11 O 39 } 7- subunits that act as oxidant-resistant protecting groups and behave as electron-collecting units. A detailed photophysical study was carried out confirming the reductive quenching mechanism of the photosensitizer [Ir(ppy) 2 (dtbbpy)] + by the sacrificial donor triethanolamine (TEOA) and highlighting the very high rate constant of the electron transfer from the reduced photosensitizer to the ThioPOM catalyst. Such results provide new insights into the field of molecular catalytic systems able to promote high HER activity., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Host-guest complexes between native cyclodextrins (α-, β- and γ-CD) and hybrid Lindqvist-type polyoxovanadates (POVs) [V 6 O 13 ((OCH 2 ) 3 C-R) 2 ] 2- with R = CH 2 CH 3 , NO 2 , CH 2 OH and NH(BOC) (BOC = N-tert-butoxycarbonyl) were studied in aqueous solution. Six crystal structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the nature of the functional R group strongly influences the host-guest conformation and also the crystal packing. In all systems isolated in the solid-state, the organic groups R are embedded within the cyclodextrin cavities, involving only a few weak supramolecular contacts. The interaction between hybrid POVs and the macrocyclic organic hosts have been deeply studied in solution using ITC, cyclic voltammetry and NMR methods (1D 1 H NMR, and 2D DOSY, and ROESY). This set of complementary techniques provides clear insights about the strength of interactions and the binding host-guest modes occurring in aqueous solution, highlighting a dramatic influence of the functional group R on the supramolecular properties of the hexavanadate polyoxoanions (association constant K 1:1 vary from 0 to 2 000 M -1 ) while isolated functional organic groups exhibit only very weak intrinsic affinity with CDs. Electrochemical and calorimetric investigations suggest that the driving force of the host-guest association involving larger CDs (β- and γ-CD) is mainly related to the chaotropic effect. In contrast, the hydrophobic effect supported by weak attractive forces appears as the main contributor for the formation of α-CD-containing host-guest complexes. In any cases, the origin of driving forces is clearly related to the ability of the macrocyclic host to desolvate the exposed moieties of the hybrid POVs., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Herein, we show how the chaotropic effect arising from reduced molybdate ions in acidified aqueous solution is able to amplify drastically weak supramolecular interactions. Time-resolved Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analysis suggests that molybdenum-blue oligomeric species form huge aggregates in the presence of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) which results in the fast formation of nanoscopic {Mo 154 }-based host-guest species, while X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the ending-point of the scenario results in an unprecedented three-component well-ordered core-shell-like motif. A similar arrangement was found by using preformed hexarhenium chalcogenide-type cluster [Re 6 Te 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- as exogenous guest. This seminal work brings better understanding of the self-assembly processes in general and gives new opportunities for practical applications in the design of complex multicomponent materials via the simplicity of the non-covalent chemistry., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

We report on the synthesis, structure, and physicochemical characterization of the first three examples of neutral palladium-oxo clusters (POCs). The 16-palladium(II)-oxo cluster [Pd 16 O 24 (OH) 8 ((CH 3 ) 2 As) 8 ] (Pd 16 ) comprises a cyclic palladium-oxo unit capped by eight dimethylarsinate groups. The chloro-derivative [Pd 16 Na 2 O 26 (OH) 3  Cl 3  ((CH 3 ) 2  As) 8 ] (Pd 16 Cl) was also prepared, which forms a highly stable 3D supramolecular lattice via strong intermolecular interactions. The 24-palladium(II)-oxo cluster [Pd 24 O 44 (OH) 8 ((CH 3 ) 2 As) 16 ] (Pd 24 ) can be considered as a bicapped derivative of Pd 16 with a tetra-palladium-oxo unit grafted on either side. The three compounds were fully characterized 1) in the solid state by single-crystal and powder XRD, IR, TGA, and solid-state 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, 2) in solution by 1 H, 13 C NMR and 1 H DOSY spectroscopic methods, and 3) in the gas phase by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)., (© 2020 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Specific molecular recognition of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) by the cationic hexanuclear niobium [Nb 6 Cl 12 (H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ cluster complex in aqueous solutions results in a 1:1 supramolecular assembly {[Nb 6 Cl 12 (H 2 O) 6 ]@γ-CD} 2+ . NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and ESI-MS were used to study the interaction between the inorganic cluster and the organic macrocycle. Such molecular association affects the biological activity of [Nb 6 Cl 12 (H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ , decreasing its cytotoxicity despite enhanced cellular uptake. The 1:1 stoichiometry is maintained in solution over a large window of the reagents' ratio, but crystallization by slow evaporation produces a 1:2 host-guest complex [Nb 6 Cl 12 (H 2 O) 6 @(γ-CD) 2 ]Cl 2 ⋅20 H 2 O featuring the cluster encapsulated between two molecules of γ-CD. The 1:2 complex was characterized by XRD, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Quantum chemical calculations were performed to model host-guest interaction., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Water-soluble salts of anionic [Re 6 Q 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- (Q=S, Se, Te) chalcogenide octahedral rhenium clusters react with γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) producing a new type of inclusion compounds. Crystal structures determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed supramolecular host-guest assemblies resulting from close encapsulations of the octahedral cluster within two γ-CDs. Interestingly, nature of the inner Q ligands influences strongly the host-guest conformation. The cluster [Re 6 S 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- interacts preferentially with the primary faces of the γ-CD while the bulkier clusters [Re 6 Se 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- and [Re 6 Te 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- exhibit specific interactions with the secondary faces of the cyclic host. Furthermore, analysis of the crystal packing reveals additional supramolecular interactions that lead to 2D infinite arrangements with [Re 6 S 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- or to 1D "bamboo-like" columns with [Re 6 Se 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- and [Re 6 Te 8 (CN) 6 ] 4- species. Solution studies, using multinuclear NMR methods, ESI-MS and Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) corroborates nicely the solid-state investigations showing that supramolecular pre-organization is retained in aqueous solution even in diluted conditions. Furthermore, ITC analysis showed that host-guest stability increases significantly ongoing from S to Te. At last, we report herein that deep inclusion alters significantly the intrinsic physical-chemical properties of the octahedral clusters, allowing redox tuning and near IR luminescence enhancement., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The internal functionalization of the Keplerate-type capsule Mo132 has been carried out by ligand exchange leading to the formation of glutarate and succinate containing species isolated as ammonium or dimethylammonium salts. Solution NMR analysis is consistent with asymmetric inner dicarboxylate ions containing one carboxylato group grafted onto the inner side of the spheroidal inorganic shell while the second hangs toward the center of the cavity. Such a disposition has been confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the glutarate containing {Mo132 } species. A detailed NMR solution study of the ligand-exchange process allowed determining the binding constant KL of acetate (AcO(-) ), succinate (HSucc(-) ) or glutarate (HGlu(-) ) ligands at the 30 inner coordinating sites, which vary such as K AcO -

Two nanosized polyoxothiometalates were synthesized based on linking oxomolybdate building blocks with {Mo2O2S2}(2+) groups. Remarkably, both compounds are formed selectively primarily upon changing the related concentrations in a logical way; they exhibit common structural features based on the same {Mo9O6S3}-type pores, which result in connections between {Mo6O21} pentagons and {Mo2O2S2}(2+) linkers. Whereas the much larger spherical Mo132-type Keplerate contains twenty pores, the smaller Mo63 -type cluster remarkably contains only two. The two compounds and a similar Keplerate exhibit interesting supramolecular properties related to interactions with the unusual predominantly apolar NMe4(+) cations. Structural characterization of the Mo63 -type compound reveals in the solid state a clathrate-like species that contains four NMe4(+) cations embedded in two types of structurally well-adapted pockets. Related NMR spectroscopic investigations in solution using NMe4(+) as the NMR spectroscopic probe are in agreement with the solid-state description. (1)H NMR spectroscopic experiments (1D variable-temperature, 2D total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), exchange spectroscopy (EXSY), and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY)) feature firmly immobilized and mobile NMe4(+) ions in relationship with the type of host-guest arrangements. The use of the (1)H NMR DOSY spectroscopic methodology has been successfully applied to track the interactions of the NMe4(+) cations with the {Mo9O6S3} pores of a sulfurated Keplerate, thereby allowing the first quantitative analysis of this type of plugging process. The stability constant K=(210±20) mol(-1)  L is discussed related to the character of the process., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Linked to the Pentagon: The addition of molybdate to [HBW(11)O(39)](8-) ions leads to the formation of mixed pentagonal units {W(Mo(5))} and {W(WMo(4))} trapped as linkers in the resulting modular assemblies, thus establishing the first link between the conventional Keggin ion derivatives and the giant molybdenum oxide and keplerate ions.

Coordination of the [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) cluster with the trivacant [AsW(9)O(33)](9-) ion gives the supramolecular complex [{(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(4)(Mo(3)S(4){H(2)O}(5))}(2)](12-) (1) in good yield. The structure of 1 shows that two [H(4)AsW(9)O(33)](5-) subunits sandwich a single central [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)](4+) ion to give a basic monomeric unit [(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(2){Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)}](6-). In the solid state, a supramolecular dimeric association is evidenced that consists of two [(H(4)AsW(9)O(33))(2){Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(5)}](6-) units held together by twelve hydrogen bonds and four SS contacts. Complex 1 reacts with NaAsO(2), AgNO(3) and CuI to give compounds 2, 3 and 4, respectively. X-ray structural analysis reveals that the molecular arrangements of 2 to 4 are closely related to the parent structure of 1. {AsOH}(2+), Ag(+) and Cu(+) ions are located on three distinct pairs of sites. Two hanging {AsOH}(2+) groups in 2 are symmetrically attached to two opposite {AsW(9)O(33)} subunits. Complex 3 is the first example of an Ag/{Mo(3)S(4)} combination in which the environment of the two equivalent Ag(+) cations is remarkable for containing two sulfur atoms belonging to {Mo(3)S(4)}, two oxygen and one central arsenic atom of the {AsW(9)O(33)} subunits. Potentiometric titration shows that the addition of Ag(+) ions is quantitative and occurs in two successive steps (K(1)=4.1 x 10(6) and K(2)=2.3 x 10(5) L mol(-1)), which is consistent with the retention of the supramolecular cluster in solution. The structure of 4 reveals a single copper atom embedded in the central part of the dimer. The Cu(+) cation is bound to four sulfur atoms to complete a cuboidal moiety. UV/Vis studies in solution indicate that the stability of the dimeric assemblies of 2, 3 and 4 is significantly enhanced by the presence of Cu(+) or Ag(+) ions, which act as additional coordination linkers within the supramolecular cluster. The anions 1 to 4 were characterised by (183)W NMR spectroscopy in solution. The 10-line spectra recorded for each of them are consistent with an averaged C(2h) molecular symmetry in solution.

The influence of rigid or semirigid dicarboxylate anions, terephtalate (TerP(2-)), isophtalate (IsoP(2-)), and phenylenediacetate (PDA(2-)) on the self-condensation process of the [Mo(2)O(2)S(2)](2+) dioxothio cation has been investigated. Three new molybdenum rings, [Mo(12)O(12)S(12)(OH)(12)(TerP)](2-) ([Mo(12)TerP](2-)), [Mo(16)O(16)S(16)(OH)(16)(H(2)O)(4)(PDA)(2)](4-) ([Mo(16)(PDA)(2)](4-)), and [Mo(16)O(16)S(16)(OH)(16)(H(2)O)(2)(IsoP)(2)](4-) ([Mo(16)(IsoP)(2)](4-)) have been isolated and unambiguously characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray studies and in solution by various NMR methods and especially by diffusion-correlated NMR ((1)H DOSY) spectroscopy, which was shown to be a powerful tool for the characterization and speciation of templated molybdenum ring systems in solution. Characterization by FT-IR and elemental analysis are also reported. The dynamic and thermodynamic properties of both the sixteen-membered rings were studied in aqueous medium. Specific and distinct behaviors were revealed for each system. The IsoP(2-)/[Mo(2)O(2)S(2)](2+) system gave rise to equilibrium, involving mono-templated [Mo(12)IsoP](2-) and bis-templated [Mo(16)(IsoP)(2)](4-) ions. Thermodynamic parameters have been determined and showed that the driving-force for the formation of the [Mo(16)(IsoP)(2)](4-) is entropically governed. However, whatever the conditions (temperature, proportion of reactants), the PDA(2-)/[Mo(2)O(2)S(2)](2+) system led only to a single compound, the [Mo(16)(PDA)(2)](4-) ion. The latter exhibits dynamic behavior, consistent with the gliding of both the stacked aromatic groups. Stability and dynamics of both Mo(16) rings was related to weak hydrophobic or pi-pi stacking inter-template interactions and inner hydrogen-bond network occurring within the [Mo(16)(IsoP)(2)](4-) and [Mo(16)(PDA)(2)](4-) ions.

A study of the borotungstate system has led to the characterization of new, original compounds based on the unconventional Keggin derivative [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) ion (denoted as 1). [H(3)BW(14)O(48)](6-) (2) and the dimer [H(6)B(2)W(26)O(90)](12-) (3) crystallize as mixed cesium/ammonium salts and have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Anion 2 reveals an unusual arrangement, consisting of an outer {W(3)O(9)} core grafted onto the monovacant [BW(11)O(39)](9-) Keggin moiety and exhibits an unprecedented distorted square-pyramidal arrangement for a cis-{WO(2)} core. Elemental analysis, supported by bond distance analysis, is consistent with the presence of three protons distributed over the terminal oxygens of the outer {W(3)O(7)} capping fragment. The [H(6)B(2)W(26)O(90)](12-) ion (3) is formally derived from the direct condensation of two [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) subunits. The cisoid arrangement of the two [BW(11)O(39)](9-) subunits, coupled with the antiparallel arrangement of the two quasi-linear O=W...O=W-OH2 chains within the central {W(4)O(12)} connecting group, breaks any symmetry, thereby resulting in a chiral compound. Polarography and pH-metric titrations reveal the formation of the monomeric precursor [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) (anion 1) under stoichiometric conditions. (183)W NMR analysis of 2 and 3 in solution gives complex spectra, consistent with the presence of equilibria between several species. In the frame of this study, we also report on a structural re-investigation of the [H(6)B(3)W(39)O(132)](15-) ion (4) based on reliable results obtained in the solid state by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and in solution by means of 1D and 2D COSY (183)W NMR. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of three attached aquo ligands on the central {W(6)O(15)} connecting core, generating three O=W...O=W-OH2 quasi-linear chains, which are responsible for the chirality of the trimeric assembly. This structural arrangement accounts for the 39-line (183)W solution spectrum. The 2D COSY spectrum permits reliable assignments of the six strongly shielded resonances (around -250 and -400 ppm) to the six central W atoms, as well as additional assignments. The origin of such strong shielding for these particular W atoms is discussed on the basis of previously published results. Infrared data for compounds 1, 3, and 4 are also presented.

The new oxothiomolybdate anion [Mo8S8O8(OH)8[HWO5(H2O)]]3- (denoted HMo8W3-) has been synthesized in aqueous solution by an acido-basic condensation reaction. Four (Mo(V)2S2O2) building blocks are connected through hydroxo bridges around a central [W(VI)O6] octahedron. X-ray and neutron diffraction studies have been performed on single crystals of the lithium salt Li3[Mo8S8O8(OH)8[HWO5(H2O)]] x 18H2O (Li3HMo8W x 18H2O) in an aqueous grown from HMo8W3- solution of LiCl (1 M). The neutron diffraction experiment enabled us to locate both the protons and the lithium ions. In the structure of Li3HMo8W x 18H20, ring-shaped anions interleaved by a cluster of disordered hydrogen-bonded water molecules stack on top of each other along lithium pillars. The lithium columns are formed by alternating edge-sharing octahedra and tetrahedra, with one lithium site in four being totally vacant. Ionic conductivity measurements on pressed pellets have shown that Li3HMo8W x 18H2O is a good ionic conductor at room temperature (sigma = 10(-5) S cm(-1)), but the ionic conductivity on single crystals is smaller by two orders of magnitude and is isotropic; this suggests the main path of conduction involves surface protons rather than lithium ions of the bulk.

The pH-dependent self-condensation of the [Mo 2 S 2 O 2 ] 2+ complex fragment gives the wheellike Mo 12 cluster depicted on the right (ball-and-stick model; large balls: S, medium balls: O, small balls: Mo). Applying this synthetic strategy to other starting materials could provide access to other polyoxothiometalates with well-defined cavities., (© 1998 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.)