Facile synthesis of the tridecameric [Al.sub.13] nanocluster [Al.sub.13][([[mu].sub.3]-OH).sub.6][([[mu].sub.2]-OH).sub.18][([H.sub.2]O).sub.24][(N[O.sub.3]).sub.15]

A simple synthetic method to obtain two different single-crystal forms of the [Al.sub.13] cation with two varying counterion composition is described. The inorganic nanoclusters could be used as molecular mimics or single-source precursors for thin film oxide materials.