Synthesis of an Aluminum Hydroxide Octamer through a Simple Dissolution Method. Issue 34 (16th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perkins, Cory K.; Eitrheim, Eric S.; Fulton, Brantly L.; Fullmer, Lauren B.; Colla, Christopher A.; Park, Deok‐Hie; Oliveri, Anna F.; Hutchison, James E.; Nyman, May; Casey, William H.; Forbes, Tori Z.; Johnson, Darren W.; Keszler, Douglas A.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 56:Issue 34(2017)
• Page Start: 10161
• Page End: 10164
• Publication Date: 2017-05-16
• Subjects: aluminum clusters -- mineral dissolution -- NMR -- polyoxo cations -- X-ray scattering; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201702318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Multimeric oxo‐hydroxo Al clusters function as models for common mineral structures and reactions. Cluster research, however, is often slowed by a lack of methods to prepare clusters in pure form and in large amounts. Herein, we report a facile synthesis of the little known cluster Al8 (OH)14 (H2 O)18 (SO4 )5 (Al8 ) through a simple dissolution method. We confirm its structure by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and show by 27 Al NMR spectroscopy, electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry, and small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering that it also exists in solution. We speculate thatAl8 may form in natural water systems through the dissolution of aluminum‐containing minerals in acidic sulfate solutions, such as those that could result from acid rain or mine drainage. Additionally, the dissolution method produces a discrete Al cluster on a scale suitable for studies and applications in materials science. Abstract : Super 8 : The octameric aluminum hydroxide cluster [Al8 (OH)14 (H2 O)18 ] 10+ is readily synthesized and isolated through the dissolution of aluminum hydroxide in sulfuric acid and subsequent crystal growth. Structural studies reveal the existence of the cluster in solution. Al red, O green, H blue (Image by Dr. Anna Oliveri).