A coordination network containing non-coordinating polyoxometalate clusters as counterions

This report describes the synthesis and characterization of a 2D coordination network that directly incorporates an aniline-functionalized polyoxometalate (POM) cluster. By reacting a cobalt(ii) salt of the POM cluster [Mo₁₂O₄₆(AsC₆H₄NH₂)₄]⁴⁻ with a bifunctional ligand, 4,4′-bipyridylethylene, a 2D coordination network was synthesized through a self-assembly process. The POM behaves as a non-coordinating anion and does not interfere with the coordination network other than occupying space. Thermal analysis reveals that the structure is stable to 350 °C.