A {Nb6 P2 W12 }-Based Hexameric Manganese Cluster with Single-Molecule Magnet Properties.

By deliberately using a metastable polyanion [(NbO2 )6 P2 W12 O56 ](12-) (1), which was formed in situ, we have discovered the unprecedented hexameric cluster {Mn15 (Nb6 P2 W12 O62 )6 } (2), in which the six polyanions [Nb6 P2 W12 O61 ](10-) are alternately connected by four intriguing trinuclear {Mn(III) 3 } moieties and four {Mn(II) } linkers. This discovery is the first in which the phosphoniobotungstate has been made accessible by using transition-metal ions; furthermore, polyanion 2 represents the largest niobotungstate cluster reported to date. Analysis by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) provides insight into the self-assembly process, and the peaks observed relate to the different charge states of the parent cluster, thus confirming the stability of 2. In addition, magnetic-susceptibility measurements reveal that each {Mn(III) 3 } subunit is a separate single-molecule magnet (SMM). This discovery results from the exploration of the reverse effect of metastable polyanion 1 possessing high reactivity, thereby turning a disadvantage into an advantage. This finding could define a new synthetic strategy for the design and synthesis of magnetic polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.