(C7H6NS)2[Nb6Cl18]·2C4H8O: first niobium cluster with an N,S-heterocyclic cation

Abstract

The title compound bis(benzothiazolium) dodeca-μ-chlorido-hexachlorido-octahedro-hexaniobium(12 Nb—Nb) tetrahydrofuran disolvate, (C7H6NS)2[Nb6Cl18]·2C4H8O or (HBTh)2[Nb6Cl18]·2THF, is the first known niobium cluster compound to contain an N,S-heterocyclic cation. The synthesis takes place within a few hours as an one-pot reaction at room temperature of the cluster precursor compound [Nb6Cl14(H2O)4]·4H2O with SOCl2 in the presence of BTh (benzothiazole) in very high yield. The stabilization of the acidic proton of the cation is achieved by the use of tetrahydrofuran as a co-solvent and by the formation of hydrogen bonds.

Keywords

• crystal structure
• niobium
• cluster
• dehydration
• halides