Urea as ‘deus ex machina’ in giant molybdenum blue type cluster synthesis: an unusual hybrid compound with perspectives for related nano, supramolecular and extended structures

Abstract

The reaction of an aqueous solution of ammonium heptamolybdate with sodium dithionite and urea—a glue and cluster hydration shell destructing agent corresponding to its role in inclusion compound chemistry—at low pH value results in the formation of nanosized ring shaped molybdenum–oxide based clusters which in a short time get linked to chains.