Molybdophanes

Molybdophanes is a term that appears in a limited set of inorganic chemistry publications to describe cage- or phane-like assemblies that contain molybdenum centers. The term is not part of a standardized nomenclature, and its exact meaning varies between sources. Broadly, it refers to molybdenum-containing clusters or organometallic frameworks in which multiple Mo atoms are linked by bridging ligands (for example chalcogenides or multidentate organic ligands) to form a closed, three-dimensional structure reminiscent of cyclophanes or phane cages.

The structural motifs are not fixed; reported examples encompass different stoichiometries and bridging modes, but common features include polyhedral Mo cores and ligand-enforced confinement. Oxidation states of molybdenum range typically from Mo(IV) to Mo(VI), with properties that depend on ligand field and bridging ligands.

Synthesis and characterization: molybdophanes are typically prepared by high-temperature or solvothermal methods from molybdenum precursors and multidentate ligands; characterization is usually by X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and sometimes EPR. Stability depends on ligands and oxidation state.

Usage: the term is largely of niche interest and there is no widely adopted application; research focuses on understanding bonding, geometry, redox properties, and potential catalytic or materials roles.

See also: cyclophane, molybdenum cluster, polyoxometalate, organomolybdenum.

References: because molybdophane terminology is not standardized, consult primary literature in niche inorganic chemistry journals for mentions.