23-Electron Octahedral Molybdenum Cluster Complex [{Mo6I8}Cl6]

Photoactive transition metal compounds that are prone to reversible redox reactions are important for myriad applications, including catalysis, optoelectronics, and sensing. This article describes chemical and electrochemical methods to prepare cluster complex (Bu4N)­[{Mo6I8}­Cl6], a rare example of a 23 e– cluster complex within the family of octahedral clusters of Mo, W, and Re. The low temperature and room temperature crystal structures; electronic structure; and the magnetic, optical, and electrochemical properties of this complex are described.