Trapping of Ag into a Perfect Six-Coordinated Environment: Structural Analysis, Quantum Chemical Calculations and Electrochemistry.

Self-assembly of (BuN)[β-MoO], AgNO, and 2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imino]acenaphthene (dpp-bian) in DMF solution resulted in the (BuN)[β-{Ag(dpp-bian)}MoO] () complex. The complex was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), diffuse reflectance (DR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and elemental analysis. Comprehensive SCXRD studies of the crystal structure show the presence of Ag in an uncommon coordination environment without a clear preference for Ag-N over Ag-O bonding. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to qualify the nature of the Ag-N/Ag-O interactions and to assign the electronic transitions observed in the UV-Vis absorption spectra. The electrochemical behavior of the complex combines POM and redox ligand signatures. Complex demonstrates catalytic activity in the electrochemical reduction of CO.