Structural links between zeolite-type and clathrate hydrate-type materials: strands of small clusters of water molecules interconnect oligomeric silicate [Si8O18(OH)2]6–anions to generate the 3D host structure of the heteronetwork clathrate [DMPI]6[Si8O18(OH)2]·48.5h2O (DMPI = 1,1-dimethylpiperidinium)

Abstract

The mixed silicate–water host framework, ³ _∞[{[Si₈O₁₈(OH)₂]^6–}₂[H₂O]₉₇], of the title compound contains unprecedented and remarkable structural features, e.g. pseudo-hexagonal layer-like subunits with large circular apertures (free diameter ca. 7.9 Å) that resemble layer-like structural units of large-pore zeolite-type materials; the preparation and X-ray structure of the heteronetwork clathrate are reported.