Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the one-dimensional bimetallic oxide [Cu(terpy)Mo2O7]

The hydrothermal reaction of Cu(CH3CO2)2·H2O, Na2MoO4 and terpyridine at 140 °C for 48 h yields [Cu(terpy)Mo2O7] (1), a bimetallic one-dimensional oxide. The structure consists of ruffled chains of edge- and corner-sharing {MoO5} square pyramids, decorated with {CuN3O2} ‘4+1’ axially distorted square pyramids. The Cu(II) polyhedra are disposed so as to produce an alternating pattern of Cu–Cu distances across the {Mo2O2} rhombi of the chain of 6.25 and 6.82 Å. This structural feature is reflected in the magnetic properties which are characteristic of a dimer rather than a linear chain, consistent with an alternating antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain.