MONODISPERSE METAL-CLUSTERS 10-ANGSTROMS IN DIAMETER IN A POLYMERIC HOST - THE MONOMER-AS-SOLVENT APPROACH

A general methodology is presented for the dispersion of an inorganic compound within an organic polymer host through the use of solubilizin g and polymerizable ligands. The dispersion of metal cluster cations 1 0 angstroms in diameter within a polymer host is achieved by free-radi cal polymerization of the hexafunctional metal cluster [Mo6Cl8(NVI)6]( triflate), with bound polymerizable ligands in N-vinylimidazole (NVI) solutions. Copolymerization of the activated cluster-bound ligands wit h the surrounding medium probably plays a key role in preventing aggre gation and produces near monodisperse molecular clusters within the po lymer matrix.