Assembly of co-bimb-polyoxotungstate hybrids: from 1D chain to 3D framework influenced by the charge of Keggin anions

Abstract

Two new inorganic–organic hybrid compounds: [Co(H₂O)₂(bimb)₂]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (1) and [Co₂(H₂O)(bimb)₄](HBW₁₂O₄₀)·H₂O (2) (bimb = 1,3-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene), have been synthesized under the same hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, elemental analyses and powder X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses show that 1 displays a 1D polymeric chain, whereas 2 presents a complicated 3D self-penetrating framework. The distinct structural features of the two compounds suggest that the charge of the Keggin anions should play a significant role in the process of assembly. The electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 were investigated in detail.