Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
Published on: September 5, 2014
Formation of a Ring-Shaped Reduced "Metal Oxide" with the Simple Composition [(MoO3 )176 (H2 O)80 H32 ]
Achim Müller1, Erich Krickemeyer1, Hartmut Bögge1
1Lehrstuhl für Anorganische Chemie I, Fakultät für Chemie der Universität, Postfach 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld (Germany), Fax: (+49) 521-106-6003.
Researchers synthesized the largest inorganic molecular system, a novel molybdenum trioxide cluster with a 2.3 nm cavity. This discovery expands the frontiers of molecular inorganic chemistry and materials science.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Molybdenum oxides are versatile materials with applications in catalysis and electronics.
- The synthesis of large, well-defined inorganic molecular systems remains a significant challenge.
- Protonated and hydrated molybdenum oxide clusters offer unique structural and electronic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize the largest inorganic molecular system to date.
- To investigate the structural and stoichiometric properties of this novel molybdenum oxide cluster.
- To explore the formation mechanism under high proton concentrations.
Main Methods:
- X-ray structure analysis was employed to determine the precise atomic arrangement.
- High H+ concentrations were used in the reduction of lithium molybdate with tin(II) chloride.
- Stoichiometric analysis confirmed the composition of the resulting cluster.
Main Results:
- The synthesis yielded the largest inorganic molecular system reported, denoted as [(MoO3)176(H2O)80H32] (1).
- The system possesses a significant internal cavity with a diameter of 2.3 nm.
- The cluster exhibits the stoichiometry of a reduced, protonated, and hydrated "molecular molybdenum trioxide".
Conclusions:
- The successful synthesis of this massive molybdenum oxide cluster represents a significant advancement in inorganic chemistry.
- The large cavity and unique stoichiometry suggest potential applications in areas such as host-guest chemistry and nanoscale materials.
- This work opens new avenues for designing and constructing complex inorganic architectures.
Related Concept Videos
Properties of Transition Metals
MO Theory and Covalent Bonding
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Properties of Organometallic Compounds
Radical Oxidation of Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols
Alkenes via Reductive Coupling of Aldehydes or Ketones: McMurry Reaction

