3-D Germanate Constructed with Ge7 Cluster Layers and Nickel–Ethanolamine Linkage

A Ge7 germanate, [Ni­(H2O)­(μ-C2H6NO)2Ge7O14(C2H7NO)]·C2H5OH (1), was prepared by the solvothermal method using ethanolamine (C2H7NO) as solvent, ligand, and structure-directing agent. Compound 1 shows an unusual GeO framework fused with transition metal complex. The 2-D layers of Ge7 clusters are linked by a [Ni­(H2O)­(μ-C2H6NO)2] moiety, forming a 3-D architecture. The preparation and structure of 1 are discussed in comparison with the Ge9 germanates decorated with metal ethylenediamine complexes. The hydroxyl group of the ethanolamine plays an important role in formation of the 3-D structure, in which the ligand ethanolamine is coordinated directly onto the Ge cluster by the hydroxyl group. It is a new type of germanates incorporated with a TM complex bridge. The proton on the flexible amine side can be exchanged by alkali metal ions.