3-D Germanate Constructed with Ge7 Cluster Layers and Nickel–Ethanolamine Linkage

Abstract

A Ge(7) germanate, [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-C(2)H(6)NO)(2)Ge(7)O(14)(C(2)H(7)NO)]·C(2)H(5)OH (1), was prepared by the solvothermal method using ethanolamine (C(2)H(7)NO) as solvent, ligand, and structure-directing agent. Compound 1 shows an unusual GeO framework fused with transition metal complex. The 2-D layers of Ge(7) clusters are linked by a [Ni(H(2)O)(μ-C(2)H(6)NO)(2)] moiety, forming a 3-D architecture. The preparation and structure of 1 are discussed in comparison with the Ge(9) germanates decorated with metal ethylenediamine complexes. The hydroxyl group of the ethanolamine plays an important role in formation of the 3-D structure, in which the ligand ethanolamine is coordinated directly onto the Ge cluster by the hydroxyl group. It is a new type of germanates incorporated with a TM complex bridge. The proton on the flexible amine side can be exchanged by alkali metal ions.