Formation of an infinite three-dimensional water network by the hierarchic assembly of bilayer water nanotubes of octamers

A novel three-dimensional water network containing both coordinated and lattice water molecules was obtained in the compound [Co-2(BPTC)(H2O)(6)](n)center dot 11nH(2)O (1). The water network was formed by the hierarchic assembly of bilayer water nanotubes of octamers with crisscross pentamers and helical water chains. A startling feature is the large (H2O)(36) water crowns in the water layer in the [001] plane. Leaving the water molecules from the coordination spheres out of consideration, the water network is a two-dimensional water layer formed by T5(2)5(3) water tapes.