Building blocks as disposition in solution: [{(MoO3)-O-VI(H2O)}(10){(VO)-O-IV(H2O)}(20){(Mo-VI/(Mo5O21)-O-VI)(H2O)(3)}(10)({(MoO2)-O-VI(H2O)(2)}(5/2))(2) ({NaSO4}(5))(2)](20-), a giant spherical cluster with unusual structural features of interest for supramolecular and magneto chemistry

The unique polyoxometalate compound Na-20[{(MoO3)-O-VI- (H2O)}(10){(VO)-O-I V(H2O)}(20){(Mo-VI/(Mo5O21)-O-VI)(H2O)(3)}(10)({Mo-VI- O-2(H2O)(2)}(5/2))(2 ) ({NaSO4}(5))(2)]. xH(2)O 1 (x approximate to 170) shows remarkable struct ural features: e.g. (i) {Mo-VI/Mo-5(VI)}-type pentagons as building blocks (being present in the relevant reaction medium as disposition), (ii) a 'mag netic ring-shaped band' built up by ten linked {V-3(IV)} triangles having c ommon corners and (iii) two {NaSO4}(5) rings encapsulated inside the cavity of an icosidodecahedron formed by twenty triangular and twelve pentagonal faces built up by ten Mo-VI and twenty V-IV centres, respectively.