Rb₁₀Mo₃₆S₃₈: A Novel Reduced Molybdenum Sulfide Containing the Highest Nuclearity Metal Transition Cluster in a...

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry
• Inorganic materials science
• Crystallography

Background:

• The M2n-2Mo6n X6n+2 structure family is known for containing molybdenum-based clusters.
• Previous members of this family have demonstrated diverse structural motifs and potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new member of the M2n-2Mo6n X6n+2 structure family.
• To elucidate the structural features of the novel compound, particularly its molybdenum-sulfide cluster.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure.
• Elemental analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of the compound.

Main Results:

• The synthesis of Rb10Mo36S38, the sixth member of the M2n-2Mo6n X6n+2 family, was successful.
• The structure features a large Mo36 cluster, formed by the face-sharing of eleven Mo6 octahedra.
• This Mo36 cluster, with a Mo36S44 stoichiometry, is surrounded by inner and outer sulfur ligands.
• Rubidium cations (Rb+) occupy large cavities and form linear finite chains.

Conclusions:

• Rb10Mo36S38 represents a novel structural type within the molybdenum-sulfide cluster compounds.
• The formation of the large Mo36 cluster highlights the versatility of cluster assembly in this chemical system.
• The arrangement of Rb+ ions suggests potential for interesting solid-state properties.