Synthesis, crystal structure and photochemistry of Hexakis(butan-1-aminium) heptamolybdate(VI) tetrahydrate

Abstract

The synthesis, crystal structure, spectral characterization, photochemistry, electrochemical and thermal studies of the hexakis(butan-1-aminium) heptamolybdate(VI) tetrahydrate (1) are reported. Dissolution of a mixed mono-hepta compound (BuNH sub(3))sub(8)[(Mo sub(7)O sub(24))(MoO sub(4))].3H sub(2)O in water results in its transformation to the title compound viz., (BuNH sub(3)) sub(6)[Mo sub(7)O sub(24)] .4H sub(2)O 1 (BuNH sub(3)= butan-1-aminium). The structure of the title compound consists of two crystallographically unique [Mo sub(7)O sub(24)] sup(6−) anions, twelve independent (BuNH sub(3)) sup(+) cations and eight unique lattice water molecules, all of which are interlinked with the aid of three varieties of H-bonding interactions. Solar irradiation of 1 results in the formation of a bis(mu sub(2)-oxo) bridged diheptamolybdate product. Electrochemical studies reveal the role of 1 in the photodimerization process. Thermal decomposition of 1 results in the formation of crystalline alpha-MoO sub(3).