An Interpenetrating Architecture Based on the Wells–Dawson Polyoxometalate and AgI···AgI Interactions

A new compound based on the Wells–Dawson polyoxometalate, Ag7(bbi)5(OH)(P2W18O62) (bbi = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole)) (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by the normal physical methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 represents the first interpenetrating framework based on the Wells–Dawson POMs. The AgI···AgI interactions are crucial in the formation of the two individual motifs: in the first interpenetrating motif, the supported {Ag2}2+ dimers and the P2W18 polyanions form an infinite inorganic chain, then the Ag+ monomers and bbi ligands extend the chain to form a three-dimensional framework. The second motif is constructed by the Ag–bbi meso-helix chains which are stitched by the unsupported Ag7···Ag7 dimers to form a two-dimensional layer with huge loops. The electrochemical study exhibits that compound 1 could be used as electrocatalyst in the electrical reductions of bromate. In addition, compound 1 shows a photocatalytic action for degradation of RhB.