Modulation of the nuclearity of molecular Mg(II)-phosphates: solid-state structural change involving coordinating solvents

Herein, we report the synthesis and molecular structures of various magnesium(II)-phosphate monoesters. By using a bulky aryl substituted phosphate monoester, ArOPO3H2 (Ar = 2,6-(CHPh2)2-4-tBu-C6H2), we have reproducibly assembled mono-, di-, tetra- (cage and ring), hexa-, and polynuclear magnesium(II)-phosphate monoesters. Interestingly, the hexanuclear magnesium(II)-phosphate monoester encapsulates an open-cage dodecanuclear water cluster.