A Chiral 60-Metal Sodalite Cage Featuring 24 Vertex-Sharing Er4(μ3-OH)4 Cubanes

A chiral, cagelike, high-nuclearity lanthanide hydroxide cluster containing 60 Er(III) ions is reported. The cluster core possesses a fascinating sodalite-like structure with 24 vertex-sharing cubane-like Er(4)(mu(3)-OH)(4)(8+) units. The hexagonal face of the sodalite cage features a templating mu(6)-CO(3)(2-) ion. Magnetic studies revealed weak antiferromagnetic interactions.