From Cubane to Supercubane: The Design, Synthesis, and Structure of a Three-Dimensional Open Framework Based on a Ln4O4 Cluster

An extended network, {[Dy4(OH)4(asp)3(H2O)8](ClO4)2⋅10 H2O}n, having three-dimensional channels with a spacing of 11.78 Å (see picture) has been prepared by mixing Dy(ClO4)3 and L-aspartic acid in aqueous solution, and subsequently adjusting the pH values to about 6.5 using aqueous NaOH solution. This open-framework compound is representative for the assembly of discrete lanthanide cubanes into supercubanes.