Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Photocatalytic Properties of a Supramolecular Assembly Based on Keggin Polyoxotungstate

A new supramolecular compound (4,4’-bipyH)4[SiW12O40](4,4’-bipy) (4,4’-bipy = 4,4’-bipyridine) was synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and IR spectrum. The crystallography analysis for the title compound reveals that the crystal crystallizes in monoclinic, space group C2/m with a = 22.2767(12), b = 21.1879(11), c = 15.6942(8) , β = 97.068(3)°, V = 7351.3(7) 3, C50H44N10O40SiW12, Mr = 3659.24, Z = 4, Dc = 3.306 g/cm3, F(000) = 6544, GOOF = 1.137, R = 0.0577 and wR = 0.1579. The title compound consists of a discrete Keggin-type [SiW12O40]4- anion, one 4,4’-bipy and four protonated (4,4’-bipyH)+ cations. The [SiW12O40]4- anion and protonated 4,4’-bipy are connected to form a supramolecular structure by hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the title compound exhibits good photocatalytic activity for color degradation of Rhodamine-B dye solution under visible-light irradiation.