A keplerate magnetic cluster featuring an icosidodecahedron of Ni(II) ions encapsulating a dodecahedron of La(III) ions

A structurally fascinating Keplerate magnetic cluster featuring an icosidodecahedron of Ni(II) ions encapsulating a dodecahedron of La(III) ions was assembled under hydrothermal conditions starting with La(NO3)(3), Ni(NO3)(2), and iminodiacetic acid. The cage-like arrangement of the two distinct sets of metal ions manifests the beauty of symmetry as both ideally possess icosahedral (I-h) symmetry, the highest possible symmetry for molecules. The cluster constitutes a framework of Ni(II) centers with an unusual spin topology. Interesting ferromagnetic interactions between the Ni(II) ions upon lowering the temperature from 300 to 2 K were revealed.