A Homochiral {CoΙΙ16CoΙΙΙ4} Supertetrahedral T4 Cluster from a Racemic Ligand with Ferromagnetic Behavior and High Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

A homochiral mixed-valence cobalt cluster [CoΙΙ16CoΙΙΙ4(μ6-O)4(μ3-OH)12(S-bme)12(OAc)6]Cl6⋅5 CH3OH⋅18 H2O (1, Hbme=1H-(benzimidazol-2-yl)ethanol) was synthesized from a racemic ligand and three cobalt salts of CoCl2⋅6 H2O, Co(Ac)2⋅4 H2O and Co(NO3)2⋅6 H2O in a DMF/MeOH mixed solvent. The enantioselective coordination occurs when a large excess of cobalt ions added in the solution and only the S-configuration of the racemic ligand involved in crystallization. The CD spectra of three crystal samples show identical Cotton signals, indicating the repeatability and the enantiomeric purity of the single crystals. This compound presents a beautiful two-shell Matryoshka-type supertetrahedral T4 cluster constructed by an inner CoΙΙΙ4O4 cubane and four exterior CoΙΙ4O4 cubanes bridged by μ6-O2− and μ3-OH− ions. This highest nuclear chiral cobalt cluster is the first example of enantiopure cobalt cluster separated from a racemic ligand and is the largest supertetrahedral cobalt cluster up to now. The magnetic studies reveal it behaves as a ferromagnet. Photocatalytic properties of 1 show high catalytic activities for the degradation of the highly toxic triphenyl dye crystal violet (CV) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light in aqueous solution. The degradation rate almost reach 100 % at 45 min and can maintain 98.54 % after 8 cycles.