The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A molybdenum-based molecular cage reported in 2020 contains 1,000 non-hydrogen atoms: 240 molybdenum, 740 oxygen and 20 sulfur. The authors described it as the highest-nuclearity hollow-opening dodecahedral cage known to them at the time—not as the largest molecule of every kind.
What the 1,000-atom molecule is
The cage, called Mo240·g or compound 1·g in the paper, is an inorganic polymolybdate cluster. Its stated 1,000-atom count covers the cage skeleton’s non-hydrogen atoms: 240 Mo, 740 O and 20 S. It does not include solvent or counterions associated with the crystallized material. The structure was reported by Lin and coauthors in the Journal of the American Chemical Society in 2020 (primary paper).
How the cage is built
The cluster forms a nearly regular pentagonal dodecahedron. Its framework combines 20 tripod-shaped {Mo6} units and 30 cubane-type {Mo4} units. Together they define a hollow interior and 12 open pentagonal windows.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Free cavity diameter: approximately 1.84 nm.
- Window diameter: approximately 5.5 Å.
These dimensions describe the reported structure; they do not by themselves establish which molecules can enter or leave the cavity under particular conditions.
#1 Best Overall
- FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
- CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
- EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
- If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
How strong is the “largest” claim?
The authors wrote, “To the best of our knowledge, cage 1 is the highest nuclearity and symmetry hollow opening dodecahedra synthesized thus far.” That is a qualified, category-specific claim about hollow-opening dodecahedral cages known when the work appeared in 2020. It is not a current, comprehensive ranking across all molecular cage designs, and comparisons can change depending on whether atom counts include hydrogen, solvent or counterions.
How it was made and identified
The researchers obtained dark red crystals using a hydrothermal reaction involving ammonium heptamolybdate, cobalt sulfate, hydrazine dihydrochloride, water and a trace of dilute sulfuric acid. They reported that other sulfates could replace cobalt sulfate in synthesis trials. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, alongside additional analytical methods, was used to determine the structure and composition. This establishes a laboratory synthesis and characterization, not an independently replicated or generally easy-to-make procedure.
Rank #2
- Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- 444 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 136 atoms,158 bonds, and 150 fullerene model parts, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
- Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
- Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable Snap-Lock design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
- Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
What its proton-conductivity measurements show
The team measured proton conductivity in crystalline powder samples under high humidity. The reported bulk values were:
| Temperature | Relative humidity | Reported bulk conductivity |
|---|---|---|
| 25 °C | 98% | 3.33 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ |
| 80 °C | 98% | 1.03 × 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ |
The authors characterized these results as among the highest reported for polyoxometalate crystalline proton conductors under analogous conditions. They are laboratory measurements on powder, not evidence of a working commercial electrolyte or device. The paper discusses possible relevance to proton transport and cage design, while leaving further study of solution properties and applications for future work (Lin et al., 2020 paper).
Rank #3
- UNLOCK YOUR CHEMISTRY POTENTIAL: Our comprehensive molecular model kit includes 238 pieces, featuring 84 atoms, 153 bonds and a remover tool. Suitable for chemistry learners from beginners to advanced levels. Manufacturer recommended age: 15 years and up
- ORGANIZED STORAGE AND EASY LOCATING: Experience hassle-free organization with our storage box, complete with divided compartments and labeled sections. Say goodbye to clutter and quickly find the components you need
- EXTRA LEARNING MATERIALS FOR EXCELLENCE: Enhance your studies with our bonus 6-page learning guide and stencils. From grade 9 to college, from organic to inorganic, finish and master your assignments faster and create numerous molecular structures with ease
- IMMERSIVE 3D VISUAL LEARNING: Explore chemistry in a captivating way with our 3D visual learning approach. The universal color-coded Atomic Balls provide a better understanding of molecular structure, boosting your chemistry knowledge. It's also a perfect gift for someone who are going to learn those complex molecule
- EASY-TO-USE DESIGN: Crafted from smooth, burr-free plastic, our molecular science kit ensures easy assembly. With the included remover tool, disassembling is a breeze
What to take from the result
This is a remarkable, precisely characterized molecular architecture: a 1,000-non-hydrogen-atom dodecahedral cage with a nanometre-scale cavity, 12 openings and measured proton conductivity under specified hot, humid conditions. Its “largest” status should be read narrowly—as the authors’ qualified 2020 claim for hollow-opening dodecahedral cages—rather than as an unbounded record covering every molecular cage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- 240 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 86 atoms and 154 bonds, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
- Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
- Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
- Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
Rank #4
- ADVANCED LEARNING SCIENCE EDUCATION KIT --- Perfect chemistry model kit for modeling simple and small to more advanced and complex chemical structures for schools and college level, students of all ages, researchers and enthusiasts. Fun and interactive early learning molecular set for kids of all years and for use in the classroom.
- HIGH QUALITY --- Made from high quality durable materials designed for easy construction and perfect fit. These Molecular Model Kit pieces are color coded to national standards for easy ID. Organic Chemistry Model Kit includes box for easy storage and transport with your other textbooks, notes, and books. Excellent for the classroom.
- POWERFUL FUNCTIONS --- This Molecular Model Kit has a total of 136 pieces including short link remover tool. Super easy to build models for organic and inorganic chemistry, This model contains C, H, O, N, S and a variety of single and double bonds, Can be put high school, university chemistry in most of the organic or inorganic molecular structure model for the study of experimental operation.
- QUICK AND EASY ASSEMBLY OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES --- Atoms and bonds that are perfectly suited to being connected and disconnected easily without making your fingers hurt. We've also included a link remover to make the task of easy.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE --- The pieces come in a slim plastic box for convenient storage. See the pictures on this listing for a full understanding of what's inside
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

