Synthesis, crystal structure, and photochromism of novel two-dimensional supramolecular networks based on Keggin-type polyoxoanion and lanthanide coordination cations.

Three new compounds [Ln(NMP)(4)(H(2)O)(4)][H(x)()GeMo(12)O(40)].2NMP.3H(2)O (Ln = Ce(IV) (1), Pr(IV) (2), x = 0; Ln = Nd(III) (3), x = 1; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) have been prepared in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, and TG analyses. The single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that all three compounds are isostructural. In their structures, an interesting two-dimensional supramolecular network is constructed by the GeMo(12)O(40)(-) anion and Ln(NMP)(4)(H(2)O)(4) cation building blocks via hydrogen-bonding interactions, exhibiting the porous structure. Upon irradiation with UV light, the crystals of 1-3 show photochromic behavior.