Anionic or neutral? the charge of Ni8 cubes in metal–organic framework compounds

Abstract

The cubic SBU Ni₈X₆L₆ (X = OH⁻/H₂O, L = ligand) is of great interest due to its stability and potential applications when integrated in MOFs. Here, we investigate by detailed DRIFTS measurements and exchange reactions whether it is found to be neutral in MOFs, as previously assumed in the literature, or whether it can show anionic character, as observed in complexes.