Hydrogen bonded H3O+, H2O, HF, F- in fluoride metalates (Al, Cr, Fe, Zr, Ta) templated with tren (tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine)

The environment of H3O+, H2O, HF and F- species (non-bonded to metals) is considered in fluoride metalates which crystallise from the (Al(OH)(3), Cr(OH)(3), FeF3, ZrF4, Ta2O5-tren-HFaq-ethanol systems (microwave heating at 190 degrees C during 1 h). The presence of (H3O)(H2O)(6)(+) clusters or H3O+ cations, of isolated or associated H2O molecules, of (HF2)(-) and F- anions is evidenced. The thermal stability of the solids depends strongly on the nature of the hydrogen-bonded species associated with the preceding cations or anions and on the formation of water ribbons or layers. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.