The first crystallographic observation of up to the third hydration layer of Cu(II) ion in an unusual ‘water-cation layer’ templated by an Anderson polyoxometallate

Abstract

This constitutes the first crystallographic observation of hydrated Cu(II) ion retaining up to its third hydration layer which, along with the chair form water hexamer, builds up a unique water-cation layer. Moreover, an unprecedented supramolecular honeycomb network of [Cu(phen)₃]²⁺ units templated by Anderson polyoxometallate units occupy the intervening spaces between successive water layers. Complex 1 is a rare example of parallel interpenetration of a 2D π–π network and a 3D pillar-layered hydrogen bonded network.