Ivy-like extended structure based on Ni mono-substituted Keggin polymolybdophosphate: Self-assembly, structure, catalytic and magnetic properties

The first example of ivy-like extended structure based on Ni mono-substituted Keggin polyoxomolybdate has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. The distorted organic bicapped Keggin POM modified by uncoordinated 4,4΄-bpys serves as an unprecedented synthon for the supramolecular assembly of 3-D frameworks through strong π⋯π stacking interactions. The compound could serve as a potential catalyst in the oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde.