A Keplerate Magnetic Cluster Featuring an Icosidodecahedron of Ni(II) Ions Encapsulating a Dodecahedron of La(III) Ions

A structurally fascinating Keplerate magnetic cluster featuring an icosidodecahedron of Ni(II) ions encapsulating a dodecahedron of La(III) ions was assembled under hydrothermal conditions starting with La(NO3)3, Ni(NO3)2, and iminodiacetic acid. The cage-like arrangement of the two distinct sets of metal ions manifests the beauty of symmetry as both ideally possess icosahedral (Ih) symmetry, the highest possible symmetry for molecules. The cluster constitutes a framework of Ni(II) centers with an unusual spin topology. Interesting ferromagnetic interactions between the Ni(II) ions upon lowering the temperature from 300 to 2 K were revealed.