A Layer Silicate: Synthesis and Structure of the Zeolite Precursor RUB-15—[N(CH3)4]8[Si24O52(OH)4]·20 H2O

The missing link in the series clathrate hydrates, group silicate hydrates—layer silicate hydrates—porous framework silicas is provided by RUB-15, a new layer silicate hydrate with a three-dimensional bonding network composed of layerlike silicate ions and water molecules linked by hydrogen bonds. A section of the structure of is shown on the right. RUB-15 further illustrates the close relationship between crystalline compounds of water, silica, and mixtures thereof.