Copper-complex-linked polytungsto-bismuthate (-antimonite) chain containing sandwich Cu(II) ions partially modified with imidazole ligand.

Two sandwich-type complexes Na9n(Cu(im)4(H2O)2)1.5n(Cu(im)4(H2O))n[{Cu(im)4}{Na(H2O)2}3{Cu3(im)2(H2O)}(XW9O33)2]2n .(xH2O)n (im=imidazole, X=Bi (1), Sb(2), x=42.5 (1), 40 (2)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Basic frameworks of 1 and 2 are built from sandwich-type [{Na(H2O) 2} 3{Cu3(im)2(H2O)}(XW9O33)2](9-) (X=Bi or Sb) anions and [Cu(im) 4](2+) cations. The Cu(2+) and Na(+) ions in the central belt are coordinated by alpha-[XW9O33](9-) units, im, and water molecules to form {CuO4(im)}, {CuO4(H2O)}, and {NaO4(H2O)2} groups in which Cu (2+) ions are partially modified with im ligands. These groups connect alternately forming a six-membered ring including six alpha-[XW9O 33](9-) units. Neighboring anions are further linked by [Cu(im) 4](2+) cations to display an unprecedented anionic chain, which is first observed in sandwich-type tungsto-bismuthate (-antimonite) system. Two kinds of isolated copper complexes and sodium ions are located as counterions, which cause three-dimensional packings of 1 and 2 to present interesting cage structures. The magnetic properties for 1 and 2 both indicate dominant antiferromagnetic interactions among trinuclear Cu(II) clusters.