Polymetallic Cobalt and Manganese Cages with Phosphinate and Phosphonate Ligands

Addition of a coligand in reactions of phosphonates with salts of late 3d metals can lead to more soluble and tractable materials, such as the {Co13} cage shown (Co: green; P: purple). The structure contains two central PhPO32− ligands, surrounded by a hexanuclear cobalt helix, capped by seven further cobalt sites.