A hexanuclear cerium(IV) cluster with mixed coordination environment

Synthesis and structure of a modified intermediate derived from ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate for oxidative reactions as a hexanuclear cerium(IV) complex that has cerium ions in two different coordination environment is reported. The complex having ability to oxidise three moles of catechol to corresponding quinone has a composition NH4[Ce6(µ3-O)5(µ3-OH)3(µ2-C6H5COO)9(NO3)3(DMF)3].DMF.H2O is prepared under room temperature and is characterised by X-ray crystallography.