A new β-octamolybdate(VI) salt based on 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane

The title compound, bis[2,2′-dimethyl-3,3′-(butane-1,4-diyl)diimidazol-1-ium] β-octamolybdate(VI), (C12H20N4)2[Mo8O26], was produced by hydrothermal reaction of an acidified aqueous solution of Na2MoO4 and 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane (hereafter L). The structure of the title compound consists of the β-octamolybdate anions having a center of symmetry, and protonated [H2L]2+ cations, which link the β-octamolybdate anions, generating a supramolecular chain via hydrogen bonds.