A phosphonate–lanthanoid polyoxometalate coordination polymer: {Ce2P2W16O60L2}n zipper chains

Abstract

{α₂,-P₂W₁₆O₆₀} polyoxotungstate cluster units featuring phenylphosphonates and Ce^III ions embedded into the segregated lacunary sites of the cluster shell organize into the first coordination polymer of a polyoxometalate functionalized by both organophosphonate and lanthanoid. Inter-cluster Ce–OW links result in double-chains, with {Ce^III₂(α₂,-P^V₂W^VI₁₆O₆₀)L₂} cluster units oriented alternatingly perpendicular to the chain propagation direction, akin to the protruding teeth of a zipper.