[Sc2(μ-OH)2(H2O)6(NO3)2](NO3)2: Aqueous Synthesis and Characterization

[Sc2(μ-OH)2(H2O)6(NO3)2]­(NO3)2 has been synthesized from an aqueous scandium nitrate solution by using zinc powder as a reducing agent for nitric acid, which drives an increase in pH and forces the condensation of aqua scandium cations. This preparative route readily produces gram-scale samples with yields near 65%. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals a structure characterized by a hydroxo-bridged Sc dimer. The FTIR spectrum of the compound has been modeled via ab initio computations, allowing the identification of signature IR peaks. Some initial observations on the thermal transformation of the compound to Sc2O3 are also reported.