A C2-symmetric antimonato polyoxovanadate cluster [V16Sb4O42(H2O)](8-) derived from the {V18O42} archetype.

The new antimonato polyoxovanadate [V(IV)(16)Sb(III)(4)O(42)(H(2)O)](8-) cluster (1a) is the main structural motif of the solvothermally obtained compound {(trenH(2))Zn(tren)}(2)[V(16)Sb(4)O(42)(H(2)O)]·xH(2)O (x = 6-10) (1) (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine). The C(2)-symmetric cluster structure is closely related to the {V(18)O(42)} archetype. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 30.7070(19) Å, b = 13.9512(5) Å, c = 23.1435(14) Å, β = 128.076(6)°, and V = 7804.8(7) Å(3). The orientation of the [Sb(III)(2)O(5)](4-) groups in each cluster leads to intermolecular Sb···O contacts and the formation of channels between the clusters. [Zn(tren)(trenH(2))] complexes with trigonal bipyramidal coordination environments are located between the [V(16)Sb(4)O(42)(H(2)O)](8-) anions, and form a three dimensional network with them via strong N-H···O hydrogen bonds. Up to 250 °C crystal water molecules are emitted, which are reversibly incorporated in humid air.