Excision of the

Abstract

The synthesis of new molybdenum cluster selenocyanide anionic complexes [Mo6Se8(CN)6]7- and [Mo6Se8(CN)6]6- is reported. The [Mo6Se8(CN)6]7- ion was obtained by excision of the cluster core [Mo6Se8] from a Chevrel phase in the reaction of Mo6Se8 with KCN at 650 degrees C; the [Mo6Se8(CN)6]6- ion is formed by oxidation of [Mo6Se8(CN)6]7-. New cluster salts K7[Mo6Se8(CN)6] x 8H2O (1) and (Me4N)4K2[Mo6Se8(CN)6] x 10H2O (2) were isolated and their crystal structures were solved. Compound 1 crystallizes in the cubic space group Fm3m (a=15.552(2) A, Z=4, V=3761.5(8) A3), compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (a=11.706(2), b=11.749(2), c=12.459(2) A, alpha=72.25(1), beta=77.51(1), gamma=63.04(1), Z=1, V=1448.5(4) A3). Compound 1 is paramagnetic due to an availability of 21 electrons per Mo6 cluster; cyclic voltammetry reveals a quasi-reversible transition [Mo6Se8(CN)6]7- <--> [Mo6Se8(CN)6]6-, E1/2=0.63 V.