Comment on: "Synthesis of dodecamolybdoantimonate(v) salts containing the Keggin structure" by Raj P. Singh, Radheshyam P. Khatri, Jean Dubois, Sushma S. Gaur and Mitsuo Abe, J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 1990, 947-951.

The existence of a dodecamolybdoantimonate(v) anion with the Keggin structure would be a highlight of the heteropolyoxometalate chemistry as a whole. However, we could not confirm the existence of ammonium, potassium, rubidium and cesium dodecamolybdoantimonate as claimed by the authors. As a matter of fact, the authors misinterpreted their presented experimental data. Instead of the dodecamolybdoantimonates, the well-known hexagonal molybdenum oxide was prepared. The given misinformation has to be corrected, even 28 years after its publication.

"Hexagonal molybdenum trioxide"--known for 100 years and still a fount of new discoveries.

In 1906, the preparation of "molybdic acid hydrate" was published by Arthur Rosenheim. Over the past 40 years, a multitude of isostructural compounds, which exist within a wide phase range of the system MoO3−NH3−H2O, have been published. The reported molecular formulas of "hexagonal molybdenum oxide" varied from MoO3 to MoO3·0.33NH3 to MoO3·nH2O (0.09 ≤ n ≤ 0.69) to MoO3·mNH3·nH2O (0.09 ≤ m ≤ 0.20; 0.18 ≤ n ≤ 0.60). Samples, prepared by the acidification route were investigated using thermal analysis coupled online to a mass spectrometer for evolved gas analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, magic-angle-spinning 1H- and 15N NMR spectroscopy, and incoherent inelastic neutron scattering. A comprehensive characterization of these samples will lead to a better understanding of their structure and physical properties as well as uncover the underlying relationship between the various compositions. The synthesized polymeric parent samples can be represented by the structural formula (NH4)(x∞)(3)[Mo(y square 1−y)O(3y)(OH)(x)(H2O)(m−n)]·nH2O with 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.14, 0.84 ≤ y ≤ 0.88, and m + n ≥ 3 − x − 3y. The X-ray study of a selected monocrystal confirmed the presence of the well-known 3D framework of edge- and corner-sharing MoO6 octahedra. The colorless monocrystal crystallizes in the hexagonal system with space group P6(3)/m, Z = 6, and unit cell parameters of a = 10.527(1) Å, c = 3.7245(7) Å, V = 357.44(8) Å3, and ρ = 3.73 g·cm(−3). The structure of the prepared monocrystal can best be described by the structural formula (NH4)(0.13∞)(3)[Mo(0.86 square 0.14)O2.58(OH)0.13(H2O)(0.29−n)]·nH2O, which is consistent with the existence of one vacancy (square) for six molybdenum sites. The sample MoO3·0.326NH3·0.343H2O, prepared by the ammoniation of a partially dehydrated MoO3·0.170NH3·0.153H2O with dry gaseous ammonia, accommodates NH3 in the hexagonal tunnels, in addition to [NH4]+ cations and H2O. The "chimie douce" reaction of MoO3·0.155NH3·0.440H2O with a 1:1 mixture of NO/NO2 at 100 °C resulted in the synthesis of MoO3·0.539H2O. This material is of great interest as a host of various molecules and cations.

A mixed-valence V(IV)/V(V) alkoxo-polyoxovanadium cluster series [V6O8(OCH3)11]n+/-: exploring the influence of a mu-oxo ligand in a spin frustrated structure.

The synthesis and structural characterization of the neutral mixed-valence methoxo-polyoxovanadium cluster [V(6)O(8)(OCH(3))(11)] (1) and its single oxidation product in the hexachloroantimonate salt [V(6)O(8)(OCH(3))(11)][SbCl(6)] (2) are presented here. The cluster comprises a hexauclear polyoxovanadate core of the Lindqvist structure, of which all but one of the mu-bridging oxo ligands are substituted by methoxo. As revealed by cyclic voltammetry, the cluster is highly redox active, displaying several further thermodynamically stable V(IV)/V(V) mixed-valence redox derivatives. Furthermore, valence sum calculations performed on the X-ray structural data as well as results from IR and UV-vis spectrometry characterize them as class II mixed-valence compounds. In the present article, we equally present results from cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis spectrometry, and magnetic measurements obtained for members of the previously reported [V(6)O(7)(OCH(3))(12)] cluster series, which, as opposed to 1 and its derivatives, contain exclusively methoxo ligands as mu-bridging moieties. Magnetic measurements performed on the highly reduced cluster species [V(IV)(5)V(V)(1)O(7)(OCH(3))(12)](-) and [V(IV)(6)O(7)(OCH(3))(12)](2-) reveal net antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the d-electrons, which at lower temperatures are in part suppressed for reasons attributed to geometric spin frustration. Among the present results, the comparison of the cyclic voltammograms of 1 and [V(6)O(7)(OCH(3))(12)] has proven to be of considerable interest, showing an unexpectedly pronounced discrepancy in all but one of their corresponding redox potentials. In particular, a detailed analysis of the electrochemical conversions indicates that the observed shift is almost entirely the result of a different degree of d-electron spin-spin interactions in corresponding mixed valence species of the cluster series.

Exchange interactions and electron delocalization in the mixed-valence cluster V(4)(IV)V(2)(V)O(7)(OC(2)H(5))(12).

The mixed-valence cluster compound V4IVV2VO7(OC2H5)12 was studied by X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in the temperature range of 4.2-293 K. According to X-ray diffraction study, the crystal structure of the compound was described by a R3m space group at 295 K (four d1 electrons are equally delocalized on all vanadium ions) and changed to a P21/n space group on cooling the crystals to 173 K (the electrons are preferably localized on the four equatorial vanadium ions). The EPR spectra originate from the S = 1 total spin states with the fine structure averaged to a single Lorentzian line and from the S = 2 total spin states with fine structure partly averaged in the temperature range of 295-200 K and well averaged below 45-50 K. The states of S = 1 and S = 2 of comparable energy (DeltaE approximately 2 cm(-1); ES=1 < ES=2) were shown to be the lowest ones. The VIV <--> VV unpaired electron transfers together with isotropic Heisenberg exchange were shown to determine the total spin states composition and the intracluster dynamics of the compound. Two types of electron transfers were assumed: the single-jump transfer leading to the averaged configurations of the V4IVV2V <--> V3IVVV VIVVV type and to the splitting of the total spin states by intervals comparable in magnitude with the isotropic exchange parameter J approximately 100 cm-1 and the double-jump transfer resulting in dynamics. Temperature dependence of the transition rates nutr was observed. In the range of 295-210 K, the value of nutr = (0.5-0.6) x 10(10) s(-1) is sufficient for averaging the fine structure of the S = 1 states, and below 45 K the value of nutr approximately 1.5 x 10(10) s(-1) also averages the fine structure of the S = 2 state. A change in the localization plane of the VIV ions in the temperature range of 40-50 K was discovered.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic studies of oxo-centered trinuclear chromium(III) complexes: [Cr(3)(mu(3)-O)(mu(2)-PhCOO)(6)(H(2)O)(3)]NO(3). 4H(2)O.2CH(3)OH, a case of spin-frustrated system, and [Cr(3)(mu(3)-O)- (mu(2)-PhCOO)(2)(mu(2)-OCH(2)CH(3))(2)(bpy)(2)(NCS )(3)], a new type of [Cr(3)O] core.

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of two trinuclear oxo-centered carboxylate complexes are reported and discussed: [Cr3(mu3-O)(mu2-PhCOO)6(H2O)3]NO3.4H2O.2CH3OH (1) and [Cr3(mu3-O)(mu2-PhCOO)2(mu2-OCH2CH3)2(bpy)2(NCS)3] (2). For both complexes the crystal system is monoclinic, with space group C2/c for 1 and P1/n for 2. The structure of complex 1 consists of discrete trinuclear cations, associated NO3- anions, and lattice methanol and water molecules. The structure of complex 2 is built only by neutral discrete trinuclear entities. The most important feature of 2 is the unusual skeleton of the [Cr3O] core due to the lack of peripheral bridging ligands along one side of the triangular core, which is unique among the structurally characterized (mu3-oxo)trichromium(III) complexes. Magnetic measurements were performed in the 2-300 K temperature range. For complex 1, in the high-temperature region (T > 8 K), experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model, H = -2J12S1S2 - 2J13S1S3 - 2J23S2S3 (J12 = J13 = J23) with Jij = -10.1 cm(-1), g = 1.97, and TIP = 550 x 10(-6) emu mol(-1). The antisymmetric exchange interaction plays an important role in the magnetic behavior of the system, so in order to fit the experimental magnetic data at low temperature, a new magnetic model was used where this kind of interaction was also considered. The resulting fitting parameters are the following: Gzz = 0.25 cm(-1), delta = 2.5 cm(-1), and TIP = 550 x 10(-6) emu mol(-1). For complex 2, the experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model, H = -2J1(S1S2 + S1S3) - 2J2(S2S3) with J1 = -7.44 cm(-1), J2 = -51.98 cm(-1), and g = 1.99. The magnetization data allows us to deduce the ground term of S = 1/2, characteristic of equilateral triangular chromium(III) for complex 1 and S = 3/2 for complex 2, which is confirmed by EPR measurements.

Gas-phase infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of tetravanadiumoxo and oxo-methoxo cluster anions.

The infrared spectra of the binary vanadium oxide cluster anions V(4)O(9)(-) and V(4)O(10)(-) and of the related methoxo clusters V(4)O(9)(OCH(3))(-) and V(4)O(8)(OCH(3))(2)(-) are recorded in the gas phase by photodissociation of the mass-selected ions using an infrared laser. For the oxide clusters V(4)O(9)(-) and V(4)O(10)(-), the bands of the terminal vanadyl oxygen atoms, nu(V-O(t)), and of the bridging oxygen atoms, nu(V-O(b)-V), are identified clearly. The clusters in which one or two of the oxo groups are replaced by methoxo ligands show additional absorptions which are assigned to the C-O stretch, nu(C-O). Density functional calculations are used as a complement for the experimental studies and the interpretation of the infrared spectra. The results depend in an unusual way on the functional employed (BLYP versus B3LYP), which is due to the presence of both V-O(CH(3)) single and V=O double bonds as terminal bonds and to the strong multireference character of the latter.

Trinuclear thiocyanate-bridged compounds of the type [ML]2[Mn(NCS)4](ClO4)2 (where M = Cu(II), Ni(II); L = N-dl-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene).

The complexes of general formula [ML]2[Mn(NCS)4](ClO4)2 (where M = Cu(II), Ni(II); L = N-dl-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene) were obtained and the crystal structures of both heteronuclear compounds were determined at 173 K. Complex [CuL]2[Mn(NCS)4](ClO4)2 (1) crystallizes in a monoclinic space group, C2/c, with a = 41.297(9) A, b = 7.571(2) A, c = 16.417(4) A, beta = 96.97(15) degrees, Z = 8, whereas complex [NiL]2[Mn(NCS)4](ClO4)2.H2O (2) crystallizes in a monoclinic space group, P2/c, with a = 21.018(5) A, b = 7.627(2) A, c = 16.295(4) A, beta = 104.47(1) degrees, Z = 4. The magnetic behaviour of (1) and (2) has been investigated over the temperature range 1.8-300 K. Complex (1) displays ferromagnetic coupling inside the trinuclear core of CuMnCu and compound (2) behaves like a mononuclear Mn(II) system. The magnetic properties of the second compound (2) with a similar trinuclear structure shows that Ni(II) ions have a diamagnetic character and a rather weak zero-field splitting at the central Mn(II) ion occurs. Finally, the magnitudes of the Cu(II)-M(II) interactions with M = Ni and Mn have been compared and qualitatively justified.

A new, efficient and stereoselective synthesis of tricyclic and tetracyclic compounds by samarium diiodide induced cyclisations of naphthyl-substituted arylketones--an easy access to steroid-like skeletons.

In this report, we present the application of samarium diiodide induced cyclisations of naphthyl-substituted ketones towards an easy and stereoselective access to tri- and tetracyclic-functionalised compounds. Typical naphthalene derivatives were studied to investigate the scope and limitations of this novel cyclisation process. The model substrates studied demonstrate that the samarium ketyl cyclisations are essentially restricted to the formation of six-membered rings. The diastereoselectivity of these reactions is strongly influenced by the connection of the alkyl side chain to the naphthalene core. Gamma-naphth-1-yl-substituted ketones furnished cyclisation products, such as 17 or 22-26, as single diastereomers, whereas gamma-naphth-2-yl-substituted precursors gave mixtures of diastereomers--as demonstrated by the conversion of model compound 10 into tricyclic products 18 a/18 b, or that of cyclohexanone derivative 33 into tetracyclic diastereomers 34 a/34 b. Cyclic ketones as ketyl precursors furnished steroid-like tetracyclic skeletons; however, due to the cis/cis fusion of rings B/C and C/D these products have an "unnatural" bowl-like shape. Several of the cyclisation products have been identified by X-ray analyses, which not only proved the constitutions, but also the relative configurations and the preferred conformations. Steroid analogue 23 was subjected to subsequent transformations, which demonstrate that the styrene-like double bond of such compounds can be used for further structural diversification. First attempts to synthesise related azasteroids by incorporating nitrogen atoms into the ketone moiety are also reported. Thus, pyrrolidine derivatives 44 and 47 as well as piperidine derivatives 50 and 52 were subjected to samarium diiodide induced cyclisations. The expected tetracyclic products 48, 49 a/49 b, 51 and 53 a/53 b were obtained in moderate to good yields. The stereoselectivities observed follow the rules already established for the all-carbon precursors. The resulting products, bearing a nitrogen atom in ring D, are interesting azasteroid analogues with "unnatural" configuration.

Dehydrogenation of methanol by vanadium oxide and hydroxide cluster cations in the gas phase.

Bare vanadium oxide and hydroxide cluster cations, V(m)O(n)+ and V(m)O(n-1) (OH)+ (m = 1-4, n = 1-10), generated by electrospray ionization, were investigated with respect to their reactivity toward methanol using mass spectrometric techniques. Several reaction channels were observed, such as abstraction of a hydrogen atom, a methyl radical, or a hydroxymethyl radical, elimination of methane, and adduct formation. Moreover, dehydrogenation of methanol to generate formaldehyde was found to occur via four different pathways. Formaldehyde was released as a free molecule either upon transfer of two hydrogen atoms to the cluster or upon transfer of an oxygen atom from the cluster to the neutral alcohol concomitant with elimination of water. Further, formaldehyde was attached to V(m)O(n)+ upon loss of H2 or neutral water to produce the cation V(m)O(n)(OCH(2))+ or V(m)O(n-1) (OCH(2))+, respectively. A reactivity screening revealed that only high-valent vanadium oxide clusters are reactive with respect to H2 uptake, oxygen transfer, and elimination of H2O, whereas smaller and low-valent cluster cations are capable of dehydrogenating methanol via elimination of H2. For comparison, the reactivity of methanol with the corresponding hydroxide cluster ions, V(m)O(n-1) (OH)+, was studied also, for which dominant pathways lead to both condensation and association products, i.e., generation of the ions V(m)O(n-1) (OCH(3))+ and V(m)O(n-1) (OH)(CH(3)OH)+, respectively.

Neutral and cationic V(IV)/V(V) mixed-valence alkoxo-polyoxovanadium clusters [V6O7(OR)12]n+ (R = -CH3, -C2H5): structural, cyclovoltammetric and IR-spectroscopic investigations on mixed valency in a hexanuclear core.

The alkoxo-polyoxovanadium clusters [V6O7(OR)12]n+ (R = -CH3, -C2H5) are fully alkylated polyoxometalate derivatives comprising a hexavanadate core with the vanadium ions organized in an octahedral fashion, a classic isopolyoxometalate structure (Lindqvist) which as an entity is not known for vanadium. The clusters are highly redox-active compounds, displaying a large number of thermodynamically stable redox isomers of which the chemical syntheses and structural characterization of the neutral and cationic V(IV)/V(V) mixed-valence species [V(IV)(4-n)V(V)(2+n)O7(OR)12]n+ [SbCl6]n (R = -CH3, n = 0, 1; R = -C2H5, n = 0, 1, 2) are presented here. Neutral and positively charged clusters remain exceptional in the field of polyoxometalate chemistry. Results obtained from cyclic voltammetry, infrared spectroscopy, and from valence sum calculations conducted on X-ray structural data classify these clusters as class II mixed-valence compounds. Their highly symmetrical molecular structures make them particularly interesting as model compounds for the investigation of intervalence charge transfer and electron delocalization in the hexanuclear core. Furthermore, the large number of isostructural redox isomers affords a high variability in d-electron content. Accordingly, a dependency could clearly be established between the extent of electron delocalization and the V(IV)/V(V) ratio in a cluster species. A further interesting observation concerns the neutral ethoxo compound [V(IV)4V(V)2O7(OC2H5)12] (3) which exhibits a crystallographic phase transition accompanied by the conversion from a structure at 173 K with fully localized valencies to a room-temperature modification displaying complete d-electron delocalization.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and solution stability of Keggin-type heteropolytungstates (NH4)6NiII0.5[alpha-FeIIIO4W11O30NiIIO5(OH2)].nH2O, (NH4)7Zn0.5[alpha-ZnO4W11O30ZnO5(OH2)].nH2O, and (NH4)7NiII0.5[alpha-ZnO4W11O30NiIIO5(OH2)].nH2O (n approximately 18).

Reaction of acidified (pH approximately 7) sodium tungstate solutions with transition metal cations (Fe(3+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Co(2+)) leads to the formation of transition-metal-disubstituted Keggin-type heteropolytungstates with 3d-metal ions distributed over three different positions. A detailed investigation of the synthesis conditions confirmed that the complexes could equally be obtained using aqueous solutions of either Na(2)WO(4).2H(2)O (sodium monotungstate) at pH approximately 7, Na(6)[W(7)O(24)]. approximately 14H(2)O (sodium paratungstate A), or Na(10)[H(2)W(12)O(42)].27H(2)O (sodium paratungstate B) as starting materials. Three complexes, (NH(4))(6)Ni(II)(0.5)[alpha-Fe(III)O(4)W(11)O(30)Ni(II)O(5)(OH(2))].18H(2)O, (NH(4))(7)Zn(0.5)[alpha-ZnO(4)W(11)O(30) ZnO(5)(OH(2))].18H(2)O, and (NH(4))(7)Ni(II)(0.5)[alpha-ZnO(4)W(11)O(30)Ni(II)O(5)(OH(2))].18H(2)O were isolated in crystalline form. X-ray single-crystal structure analysis revealed that the solid-state structures of the three compounds consist of four main structural fragments, namely [MO(4)W(11)O(30)M'O(5)(OH(2))](n-) (Keggin-type, alpha-isomer) heteropolytungstates, hexaquo metal cations, [M''(OH(2))(6)](2+), ammonium-water cluster ions, [(NH(4)(+))(8)(OH(2))(12)], and additional ammonium cations and water molecules. The 3d metals occupy the central (tetrahedral, M) and the peripheral (octahedral, M') positions of the Keggin anion, as well as cationic sites (M'') outside of the polyoxotungstate framework. UV-vis spectroscopy, solution ((1)H, (183)W) and solid-state ((1)H) NMR, and also chemical analysis data provided evidence that the 3d-metal-disubstituted Keggin anions do not exist in solution but are being formed only during the crystallization process. Investigations in the solid state and in solution were completed by ESR, IR, and Raman measurements.

Phenylene alkylene dendrons with site-specific incorporated fluorescent pyrene probes.

This report deals with the synthesis and the spectroscopic properties of two second generation (G2) dendrons with site-specific incorporated phenyl pyrene derivatives as solvatochromic fluorescent probes. The generations that do not carry the probe are equipped with volume dummies, pyrene moieties that do not show a solvatochromic effect. Two complementary G2 phenylene alkylene dendrons were synthesized using Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling. Most of the reactions used in the 10-step sequence generating the target compounds proceeded in good yields. The incorporated probes can be selectively photoexcited and show solvatochromic shifts that are of the same magnitude as for the free probes in a homogeneous solvent environment. In addition to the charge-transfer fluorescence, a broad emission band is observed that is assigned to an intramolecular exciplex formation between the aryl pyrene chromophores.

A new color of the synthetic chameleon methoxyallene: synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted pyridinol derivatives: an unusual reaction mechanism, a remarkable crystal packing, and first palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions.

Addition of lithiated methoxyallene to pivalonitrile afforded after aqueous workup the expected iminoallene 1 in excellent yield. Treatment of this intermediate with silver nitrate accomplished the desired cyclization to the electron-rich pyrrole derivative 2 in moderate yield. Surprisingly, trifluoroacetic acid converted iminoallene 1 to a mixture of enamide 3 and trifluoromethyl-substituted pyridinol 4 (together with its tautomer 5). A plausible mechanism proposed for this intriguing transformation involves addition of trifluoroacetate to the central allene carbon atom of an allenyl iminium intermediate as crucial step. Enamide 3 is converted to pyridinol 4 by an intramolecular aldol-type process. A practical direct synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted pyridinols 4, 10, 11, and 12 starting from typical nitriles and methoxyallene was established. Pyridinol 10 shows an interesting crystal packing with three molecules in the elementary cell and a remarkable helical supramolecular arrangement. Trifluoromethyl-substituted pyridinol 4 was converted to the corresponding pyridyl nonaflate 13, which is an excellent precursor for palladium-catalyzed reactions leading to pyridine derivatives 14-16 in good to excellent yields. The new synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted pyridines disclosed here demonstrates a novel reactivity pattern of lithiated methoxyallene which is incorporated into the products as the unusual tripolar synthon B.

A stereoselective and short total synthesis of the polyhydroxylated gamma-amino acid (-)-detoxinine, based on stereoselective preparation of dihydropyrrole derivatives from lithiated alkoxyallenes.

Based on our earlier results employing lithiated methoxyallene 2 as C(3) building block and imines 3 for the synthesis of dihydropyrrole derivatives 5, we have investigated chiral imines 6, 10, and 15 as electrophilic components. Combined with lithiated alkoxyallenes, these imines provide the corresponding primary adducts and finally the dihydropyrrole derivatives 8, 12, 17, 20, and 22 in good yields and with high to excellent syn selectivities. This stereochemical outcome is interpreted as a result of alpha-chelate control. Treatment with hydrochloric acid converted syn-8 and syn-12 into bicyclic compounds 9 and 13, whereas under more mildly acidic conditions adduct syn-17 was transformed into diol syn-18. The total synthesis of the uncommon gamma-amino acid (-)-detoxinine could be achieved by starting from (S)-malic acid, which was converted into imine 15 in four steps. Lithiated benzyloxyallene added to imine 15 and efficiently furnished the crucial dihydropyrrole derivative syn-22. The hydrogenolysis of this compound did not directly provide the protected triol 29 as anticipated, but a stepwise protocol made the triol available in a fairly satisfactory manner. A second crucial step of the synthesis was the selective oxidation of 29, which could be achieved by employing platinum dioxide and oxygen. The resulting bicyclic lactone 30 was smoothly transformed into enantiopure (-)-detoxinine. Thus, a fairly short synthesis of this natural product based on a lithiated alkoxyallene could be performed, demonstrating the potential of these intermediates for syntheses of interesting functionalized heterocyclic compounds.

Solvothermal Synthesis of a 24-Nuclear, Cube-Shaped Squarato-oxovanadium(IV) Framework: [N(nBu)4 ]8 [V24 O24 (C4 O4 )12 (OCH3 )32 ].

Polydentate bridging ligands can be used to link small polyoxo-alkoxo-metalate units to form supramolecular clusters. In the title compound, twelve µ4 -bridging squarato groups connect eight trinuclear methoxo-oxo-vanadate units to form a tetradodecanuclear cubic framework, in whose cavity six n-butyl groups of the tetra-n-butylammonium cations are anchored.

Halogenated Carboxonium Salts: Preparation and Structural Analysis.

We have studied the preparation and isolation of the halogenated alkylidene oxonium salts CH(3)OCHX(+)MF(6)(-) (X = Cl, F; M = As, Sb). Addition of dichloromethylmethylether at -78 degrees C to the superacidic media HF/MF(5) resulted in the formation of the chlorine compounds CH(3)OCHCl(+)MF(6)(-), whereas at -65 degrees C the fluorinated salts CH(3)OCHF(+)MF(6)(-) are formed by a chlorine/fluorine exchange. The salts are characterized by their low-temperature IR and Raman spectra. Additionally, the crystal structures of the hexafluoroantimonates are presented. The structures of the cations turned out to be different in some points. The salt CH(3)OCHF(+)SbF(6)(-) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with 4 molecules in the unit cell and a = 9.942(2), b = 7.454(2), and c = 10.297(3) Å; beta = 111.27(2) degrees. The salt CH(3)OCHCl(+)SbF(6)(-) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with 4 formula in the unit cell and a = 5.970(3), b = 12.019(5), and c = 10.994(5) Å; beta = 92.59(3) degrees.

The Crystal Structures of Peroxonium Hexafluoroantimonate H3 O2 SbF6 and Bis(dihydrogenperoxo)hydrogen Hexafluoroantimonate H5 O4 SbF6.

Protonated hydrogen peroxide is produced from the reaction of antimony pentafluoride with bis(trimethylsilyl)peroxide in the presence of hydrogen fluoride. Depending on the stoichiometry of the reaction mixture, the compounds H3 O2 SbF6 and H5 O4 SbF6 are formed, which are stable up to room temperature and have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The structure of the H3 O2+ ion is shown on the right.