Interdigitated architectures assembled from α-metatungstates and lanthanide–organic complexes

Two new compounds were constructed by isopolyanions and lanthanide–organic units, [Hdpdo]Ln(Hdpdo)2(H2O)6[H2W12O40]·nH2O (Ln = Ce and n = 17 for 1, Ln = Nd and n = 18 for 2, dpdo = 4,4′-dipyridine-N,N′-dioxide) were synthesized at room temperature and characterized by IR and UV spectra, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, and in their stacking architectures there exist poly-pendant wave-like layers formed by discrete {Ln(Hdpdo)2(H2O)6[H2W12O40]}− fragments via π ⋯ π interactions, in which the [H2W12O40]6 − (W12) clusters as pendants are orderly appended to wave crests, by covalent bonds between Ln cations of Ln(Hdpdo)2 and terminal oxygen atoms of W12. Adjacent layers mutually engage in a zipper-like pattern to result in a novel 3D interdigitated architecture, in which overhanging W12 clusters act as teeth. Furthermore, the electrochemical studies show that 1 has a good electrocatalytic activity toward reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) molecules.