Template-Controlled Formation of Cluster Shells or a Type of Molecular Recognition: Synthesis of [HV22O54(ClO4)]6− and [H2V18O44(N3)]5−†

Anions as templates for ''host'' anions determine the shape of molecular cavities (cluster shells) which form from differently coupled tetragonal-pyramidal OVO4 building blocks. For example, in the case of the cluster anions [HV22O54(ClO4)]6- and [H2V18O44(N3)]5- (depicted on the right) the construction of the cluster shells are achieved by ''recognition'' of the (O-O)2- or N(N)N units.