An unusually slow self-assembly of inorganic ions in dilute aqueous solution.

A combination of static and dynamic laser light-scattering techniques was used to monitor an unusual slow self-assembly of giant polyoxomolybdate-based molecules into vesicle structures in dilute aqueous solution. Contrary to the behavior of common inorganic ions, these giant molecules need months to reach an equilibrium state. The process is an endothermic process and roughly follows the rule of a first-order reaction. The possible reasons for such a slow solution process are also discussed.