Nucleation Mechanisms of Molecular Oxides: A Study of the Assembly-Dissassembly of [W6O19]2−by Theory and Mass Spectrometry

POMSimulator: An open-source tool for predicting the aqueous speciation and self-assembly mechanisms of polyoxometalates

Elucidating the speciation (in terms of concentration versus pH) and understanding the formation mechanisms of polyoxometalates remains a significant challenge, both in experimental and computational domains. POMSimulator is a new methodology that tackles this problem from a purely computational perspective. The methodology uses results from quantum mechanics based methods to automatically set up the chemical reaction network, and to build speciation models. As a result, it becomes possible to predict speciation and phase diagrams, as well as to derive new insights into the formation mechanisms of large molecular clusters. In this work we present the main features of the first open-source version of the software. Since the first report [Chem. Sci. 2020, 11, 8448-8456], POMSimulator has undergone several improvements to keep up with the growing challenges that were tackled. After four years of research, we recognize that the source code is sufficiently stable to share a polished and user-friendly version. The Python code, manual, examples, and install instructions can be found at https://github.com/petrusen/pomsimulator.

Modern Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Techniques for the Characterization of Supramolecules and Coordination Compounds

Mass spectrometry is routinely used for myriad applications in clinical, industrial, and research laboratories worldwide. Developments in the areas of ionization sources, high-resolution mass analyzers, tandem mass spectrometry, and ion mobility have significantly extended the repertoire of mass spectrometrists; however, for coordination compounds and supramolecules, mass spectrometry remains underexplored and arguably underappreciated. Here, the reader is guided through different tools of modern electrospray ionization mass spectrometry that are suitable for larger inorganic complexes. All steps, from sample preparation and technical details to data analysis and interpretation are discussed. The main target audience of this tutorial is synthetic chemists as well as technicians/mass spectrometrists with little experience in characterizing labile inorganic compounds.

Cavity-Directed Synthesis of Labile Polyoxometalates for Catalysis in Confined Spaces

The artificial microenvironments inside coordination cages have gained significant attention for performing enzyme-like catalytic reactions by facilitating the formation of labile and complex molecules through a "ship-in-a-bottle" approach. Despite many fascinating examples, this approach remains scarcely explored in the context of synthesizing metallic clusters such as polyoxometalates (POMs). The development of innovative approaches to control and influence the speciation of POMs in aqueous solutions would greatly advance their applicability and could ultimately lead to the formation of elusive clusters that cannot be synthesized by using traditional methods. In this study, we employ host-guest stabilization within a coordination cage to enable a novel cavity-directed synthesis of labile POMs in aqueous solutions under mild conditions. The elusive Lindqvist [M6O19]2- (M=Mo or W) POMs were successfully synthesized at room temperature via the condensation of molybdate or tungstate building blocks within the confined cavity of a robust and water-soluble Pt6L4(NO3)12 coordination cage. Importantly, the encapsulation of these POMs enhances their stability in water, rendering them efficient catalysts for environmentally friendly and selective sulfoxidation reactions using H2O2 as a green oxidant in a pure aqueous medium. The approach developed in this paper offers a means to synthesize and stabilize the otherwise unstable metal-oxo clusters in water, which can broaden the scope of their applications.

Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry for Large Synthetic Molecules: Expanding the Analytical Toolbox

Understanding the composition, structure and stability of larger synthetic molecules is crucial for their design, yet currently the analytical tools commonly used do not always provide this information. In this perspective, we show how ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS), in combination with tandem mass spectrometry, complementary techniques and computational methods, can be used to structurally characterize synthetic molecules, make and predict new complexes, monitor disassembly processes and determine stability. Using IM-MS, we present an experimental and computational framework for the analysis and design of complex molecular architectures such as (metallo)supramolecular cages, nanoclusters, interlocked molecules, rotaxanes, dendrimers, polymers and host-guest complexes.

Multi-Time-Scale Simulation of Complex Reactive Mixtures: How Do Polyoxometalates Form?

Understanding the dynamics of reactive mixtures still challenges both experiments and theory. A relevant example can be found in the chemistry of molecular metal-oxide nanoclusters, also known as polyoxometalates. The high number of species potentially involved, the interconnectivity of the reaction network, and the precise control of the pH and concentrations needed in the synthesis of such species make the theoretical/computational treatment of such processes cumbersome. This work addresses this issue relying on a unique combination of recently developed computational methods that tackle the construction, kinetic simulation, and analysis of complex chemical reaction networks. By using the Bell-Evans-Polanyi approximation for estimating activation energies, and an accurate and robust linear scaling for correcting the computed pKa values, we report herein multi-time-scale kinetic simulations for the self-assembly processes of polyoxotungstates that comprise 22 orders of magnitude, from tens of femtoseconds to months of reaction time. This very large time span was required to reproduce very fast processes such as the acid/base equilibria (at 10-12 s), relatively slow reactions such as the formation of key clusters such as the metatungstate (at 103 s), and the very slow assembly of the decatungstate (at 106 s). Analysis of the kinetic data and of the reaction network topology shed light onto the details of the main reaction mechanisms, which explains the origin of kinetic and thermodynamic control followed by the reaction. Simulations at alkaline pH fully reproduce experimental evidence since clusters do not form under those conditions.

Metal-metal bonds in polyoxometalate chemistry

Half a century ago, F. Albert Cotton emphasized the relevance of metal-metal bonding in the constitution of cluster materials. Based on his description, nanoscale polyoxometalates (POMs) normally would not be regarded as cluster materials. One reason is that metal-metal bonding is typically associated with inorganic systems featuring metal centres in low oxidation states, a feature that is not common for POMs. However, over the past decades, there have been increasing reports on POMs integrating different types of metal-metal bonding. This article conceptualises and reviews the area of metal-metal bonded POMs, and their preparation and physicochemical properties. Attention is given to the changes in the electronic structure of POMs, the emergence of covalent dynamics and its impact on the development of applications in catalysis, nanoswitches, donor-acceptor systems, electron storage materials and nanoelectronics (i.e., "POMtronics").

Unlocking Phase Diagrams for Molybdenum and Tungsten Nanoclusters and Prediction of their Formation Constants

Understanding and controlling aqueous speciation of metal oxides are key for the discovery and development of novel materials, and challenge both experimental and computational approaches. Here we present a computational method, called POMSimulator, which is able to predict speciation phase diagrams (Conc. vs pH) for multispecies chemical equilibria in solution, and which we apply to molybdenum and tungsten isopolyoxoanions (IPAs). Starting from the MO₄ monomers, and considering dimers, trimers, and larger species, the chemical reaction networks involved in the formation of [H₃₂Mo₃₆O₁₂₈]^8- and [W₁₂O₄₂]^12- are sampled in an automatic manner. This information is used for setting up ∼10⁵ speciation models, and from there, we generate the speciation phase diagrams, which show an insightful picture of the behavior of IPAs in aqueous solution. Furthermore, we predict the values of 107 formation constants for a diversity of molybdenum and tungsten molecular oxides. Among these species, we could include several pentagonal-shaped species and very reactive tungsten intermediates as well. Last but not least, the calibration employed for correcting the density functional theory (DFT) Gibbs energies is remarkably similar for both metals, which suggests that a general rule might exist for correcting computed free energies for other metals.

A Modular Programmable Inorganic Cluster Discovery Robot for the Discovery and Synthesis of Polyoxometalates

The exploration of complex multicomponent chemical reactions leading to new clusters, where discovery requires both molecular self-assembly and crystallization, is a major challenge. This is because the systematic approach required for an experimental search is limited when the number of parameters in a chemical space becomes too large, restricting both exploration and reproducibility. Herein, we present a synthetic strategy to systematically search a very large set of potential reactions, using an inexpensive, high-throughput platform that is modular in terms of both hardware and software and is capable of running multiple reactions with in-line analysis, for the automation of inorganic and materials chemistry. The platform has been used to explore several inorganic chemical spaces to discover new and reproduce known tungsten-based, mixed transition-metal polyoxometalate clusters, giving a digital code that allows the easy repeat synthesis of the clusters. Among the many species identified in this work, the most significant is the discovery of a novel, purely inorganic W₂₄Fe^III-superoxide cluster formed under ambient conditions. The modular wheel platform was employed to undertake two chemical space explorations, producing compounds 1-4: (C₂H₈N)₁₀Na₂[H₆Fe(O₂)W₂₄O₈₂] (1, {W₂₄Fe}), (C₂H₈N)₇₂Na₁₆[H₁₆Co₈W₂₀₀O₆₆₀(H₂O)₄₀] (2, {W₂₀₀Co₈}), (C₂H₈N)₇₂Na₁₆[H₁₆Ni₈W₂₀₀O₆₆₀(H₂O)₄₀] (3, {W₂₀₀Ni₈}), and (C₂H₈N)₁₄[H₂₆W₃₄V₄O₁₃₀] (4, {W₃₄V₄}), along with many other known species, such as simple Keggin clusters and 1D {W₁₁M²⁺} chains.

Nucleation mechanisms and speciation of metal oxide clusters

The self-assembly mechanisms of polyoxometalates (POMs) are still a matter of discussion owing to the difficult task of identifying all the chemical species and reactions involved. We present a new computational methodology that identifies the reaction mechanism for the formation of metal-oxide clusters and provides a speciation model from first-principles and in an automated manner. As a first example, we apply our method to the formation of octamolybdate. In our model, we include variables such as pH, temperature and ionic force because they have a determining effect on driving the reaction to a specific product. Making use of graphs, we set up and solved 2.8 × 105 multi-species chemical equilibrium (MSCE) non-linear equations and found which set of reactions fitted best with the experimental data available. The agreement between computed and experimental speciation diagrams is excellent. Furthermore, we discovered a strong linear dependence between DFT and empirical formation constants, which opens the door for a systematic rescaling.

O-coordinated W-Mo dual-atom catalyst for pH-universal electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) maximize the utility efficiency of metal atoms and offer great potential for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Bimetal atom catalysts are an appealing strategy in virtue of the synergistic interaction of neighboring metal atoms, which can further improve the intrinsic HER activity beyond SACs. However, the rational design of these systems remains conceptually challenging and requires in-depth research both experimentally and theoretically. Here, we develop a dual-atom catalyst (DAC) consisting of O-coordinated W-Mo heterodimer embedded in N-doped graphene (W₁Mo₁-NG), which is synthesized by controllable self-assembly and nitridation processes. In W₁Mo₁-NG, the O-bridged W-Mo atoms are anchored in NG vacancies through oxygen atoms with W─O─Mo─O─C configuration, resulting in stable and finely distribution. The W₁Mo₁-NG DAC enables Pt-like activity and ultrahigh stability for HER in pH-universal electrolyte. The electron delocalization of W─O─Mo─O─C configuration provides optimal adsorption strength of H and boosts the HER kinetics, thereby notably promoting the intrinsic activity.

Assembly, disassembly and reassembly: a "top-down" synthetic strategy towards hybrid, mixed-metal {Mo10Co6} POM clusters

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are commonly prepared using a "bottom-up" synthetic procedure. The alternative "top-down" approach of disassembling a pre-formed POM unit to generate new synthetic intermediates is promising, but relatively comparatively underused. In this paper, a rationale for the top-down method is provided, demonstrating that this approach can generate compounds that are fundamentally inaccessible from simple bottom-up assembly. We demonstrate this principle through the synthesis of a series of 10, new, mixed-metal, hybrid compounds with the general formula [TBA]2[MoVI10CoII6O30(RpPO3)6(RcCOO)2(L)x(H2O)6] (TBA = tetrabutylammonium, Rp = phosphonate moiety, Rc = carboxylate moiety, L = pyridyl ligand, and x = 2-4), including a one-dimensional polyoxometalate-based coordination polymer. We propose that these structures are generated from {MoxO3x-1} fragments that cannot be accessed from bottom-up assembly alone. The POM clusters are stabilised by three distinct classes of organic ligand - organophosphonate, carboxylate and pyridyl ligands - which can each be substituted independantly, thus providing a controlled route to ligand functionalisation.

Investigating the Formation of Giant {Pd72}Prop and {Pd84}Gly Macrocycles Using NMR, HPLC, and Mass Spectrometry

The formation of giant polyoxometalate (POM) species is relatively underexplored, as their self-assembly process is complex due to the rapid kinetics. Polyoxopalladates (POPds) are a class of POMs based on Pd, the largest of which is the {Pd₈₄}^Ac wheel, and its slower kinetics mean the system is more amenable to systematic study. Here, we show that it is possible to follow the assembly of two types of Pd wheels, {Pd₈₄}^Gly and the smaller {Pd₇₂}^Prop, formed using glycolate and propionate ligands, respectively. We analyzed the formation of {Pd₇₂}^Prop and {Pd₈₄}^Gly using mass spectrometry (SEC-HPLC-MS and preparative desalting followed by MS). This was accompanied by studies that followed the chemical shift differences between the outer/inner ligands and the free ligand in solution for the {Pd₈₄}^Ac, {Pd₇₂}^Prop, and {Pd₈₄}^Gly species using NMR, which showed it was possible to track the formation of the wheels. Our findings confirm that the macrocycles assemble from smaller building blocks that react together to form the larger species over a period of days. These findings open the way for further structural derivatives and exploration of their host-guest chemistry.

Gas-Phase Chemistry of Arylimido-Functionalized Hexamolybdates [Mo6O19]2

The gas-phase fragmentations of a series of arylimido derivatives of hexamolybdate [Mo₆O₁₈(NC₆H_5-nR _n )]^2- (2-10, where R = CH₃, i-C₃H₇, OCH₃, NO₂; n = 1 or 2) versus the parent species [Mo₆O₁₉]^2- (1) were systematically studied using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI). Fragmentation of 1 generates two molybdate fragments only, [Mo₃O₁₀]^2- and [Mo₄O₁₃]^2-, whereas decomposition of 2-10 went through two dissociation pathways in which path A generates a variety of molybdate fragments via breaking the Mo-N bond followed by the cleavages of the multiple Mo-O bonds, whereas path B produces a range of molybdate fragments with arylimido group via breaking the multiple Mo-O bonds on POM framework. Moreover, the presences of mixed-oxidation-state molybdate fragments are characteristic for the fragmentation. The gas-phase stability order obtained by energy-variable collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiment reveals that 2-10 are generally less stable than 1 and substitution on the benzene ring exerts a considerable effect on the stabilization of the hybrid clusters. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Self-Assembly through Noncovalent Preorganization of Reactants: Explaining the Formation of a Polyfluoroxometalate

High-order elementary reactions in homogeneous solutions involving more than two molecules are statistically improbable and very slow to proceed. They are not generally considered in classical transition-state or collision theories. Yet, rather selective, high-yield product formation is common in self-assembly processes that require many reaction steps. On the basis of recent observations of crystallization as well as reactions in dense phases, it is shown that self-assembly can occur by preorganization of reactants in a noncovalent supramolecular assembly, whereby directing forces can lead to an apparent one-step transformation of multiple reactants. A simple and general kinetic model for multiple reactant transformation in a dense phase that can account for many-bodied transformations was developed. Furthermore, the self-assembly of polyfluoroxometalate anion [H₂ F₆ NaW₁₈ O₅₆ ]^7- from simple tungstate Na₂ WO₂ F₄ was demonstrated by using 2D ¹⁹ F-¹⁹ F NOESY, 2D ¹⁹ F-¹⁹ F COSY NMR spectroscopy, a new 2D ¹⁹ F{¹⁸³ W} NMR technique, as well as ESI-MS and diffusion NMR spectroscopy, and the crucial involvement of a supramolecular assembly was found. The deterministic kinetic reaction model explains the reaction in a dense phase and supports the suggested self-assembly mechanism. Reactions in dense phases may be of general importance in understanding other self-assembly reactions.

Synthetic strategies, diverse structures and tuneable properties of polyoxo-titanium clusters

A review of polyoxo-titanium clusters (PTCs), with an emphasis on synthetic methodologies, diverse structures, tuneable optical properties and potential applications.

Structure, solution assembly, and electroconductivity of nanosized argento-organic-cluster/framework templated by chromate

In view of elucidating potential structures and assembly mechanism of silver clusters and silver cluster-based metal-organic frameworks, we prepared four argento-organic-clusters/frameworks where the structures were directed by chromate in the presence of different thiolates. All four structures with ^tBuC₆H₄S^-, SⁱBu^-, and SⁱPr^- consist of three core-shells, an inner CrO₄^2-, an intermediate Ag-S aggregate and finally the protective organic moieties. {(HNEt₃)₃[Ag(CrO₄)₄@Ag₄₆(SC₆H₄^tBu)₂₄(CF₃COO)₁₈(DMF)₄]} (1) is a supertetrahedron with an inner Ag(CrO₄)₄ tetrahedron shelled by four fused Ag_11.5S₆ lobes. [(CrO₄)₅@Ag₄₀(SⁱBu)₂₇(CF₃COO)₃]_n (2) is an undulated snake-like tube housing the infinite CrO₄^2- tetrahedra. [(CrO₄)₂@Ag₄₁(SⁱBu)₃₀(NO₃)₃(CN)₄]_n (3) forms an uncommon 7-connected kwh network incorporating hexagonal layers of Ag₁₉(SⁱBu)₁₅ balls with a single inner CrO₄^2- connected by another Ag atom. Both enantiomeric chiral qtz frameworks of [CrO₄@Ag₂₀(SⁱPr)₁₀(Cr₂O₇)₂(COOCF₃)₄(DMF)₄]_n (4) were structurally characterized. In 4, Cr₂O₇^2- connects the Ag₂₀(SⁱPr)₁₀ clusters with a trapped CrO₄^2- into a 3D quartz (qtz) structure, where the spherical cluster acts like oxygen and Cr₂O₇^2- takes the place of Si in SiO₂. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis of the reaction solutions of 1-4 clearly indicated that (i) the Ag(CrO₄)₄@Ag₄₆ core of 1 can retain its molecular structure in the solution and (ii) the chromate-templated polynuclear silver-thiolate species in solution are important building blocks to construct the 1D or 3D motif for 2-4. The electrochemistry in sulfuric acid and enhancement of the electrical conductivity upon I₂ doping have also been reported.

Investigating the Transformations of Polyoxoanions Using Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Dynamics

The reactions of [γ-SiW10O36](8-) represent one of the most important synthetic gateways into a vast array of polyoxotungstate chemistry. Herein, we set about exploring the transformation of the lacunary polyoxoanion [β2-SiW11O39](8-) into [γ-SiW10O36](8-) using high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, density functional theory, and molecular dynamics. We show that the reaction proceeds through an unexpected {SiW9} precursor capable of undertaking a direct β → γ isomerization via a rotational transformation. The remarkably low-energy transition state of this transformation could be identified through theoretical calculations. Moreover, we explore the significant role of the countercations for the first time in such studies. This combination of experimental and the theoretical studies can now be used to understand the complex chemical transformations of oxoanions, leading to the design of reactivity by structural control.

Catalysis of "outer-phase" oxygen atom exchange reactions by encapsulated "inner-phase" water in {V15Sb6}-type polyoxovanadates

Antimonato polyoxovanadate (POV) cluster compounds {M(en)3}3[V15Sb6O42(H2O) x ]·nH2O (M = FeII, CoII, NiII and x = 0 or 1) obtained under solvothermal conditions exhibit unusual high water solubility making these compounds promising synthons for generation of new POV structure types. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry provides evidence (i) for a water molecule encapsulated inside the cavity of a fraction of the spherical cluster shells, (ii) for a post-functionalization in water, namely a slow exchange of VO against Sb2O, (iii) for the inner-phase reactivity of the encapsulated water that is capable of opening an oxo-bridge, and (iv) for a significant acceleration of the 16O/18O exchange reactions of oxygen atoms in the cluster periphery with surrounding H218O, when encapsulated water is present. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in polyoxovanadate chemistry for the transduction of inner-phase reactivity of an encapsulated guest molecule into changes in the outer-phase reactivity of the cluster. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reflect the individual contributions of the frustrated {V15} spin polytope and the {M(en)3}2+ complexes, with very weak coupling between these groups.

Effect of vanadium valence state on the solution chemistry and the stability of vanadium substituted polyoxometalates

ESI-MS combined with DFT calculation revealed that the vanadium valence state and the vanadium substitution degrees can substantially affect the stabilities of vanadium-substituted POMs.

Synthesis, structures, and theoretical investigation of three polyoxomolybdate-based compounds: self-assembly, fragment analysis, orbital interaction, and formation mechanism

Three [Mo₈O₂₆]⁴⁻ and [(SiO₄)(Mo₁₂O₃₆)]⁴⁻-based polyoxoanion compounds were synthesized, together with fragment and orbital interaction analyses to explain the self-assembling mechanism of the polyoxoanions.

Bridging the opposite chemistries of tantalum and tungsten polyoxometalates

Reaction of Ta peroxometalate and tungstate affords the first systematic series of Ta/W isopolyoxometalates. An analogous reaction system yields a Nb/W cluster. The electronic structure and stability of these clusters varies as a function of the group V metal content, as inferred from spectroscopic, electrochemical and mass-spectrometry analysis and confirmed by DFT calculations.

Architectural control of urea in supramolecular 1D strontium vanadium oxide chains

The critical effects of small organic ligands such as urea on the assembly of 1D strontium vanadium oxide chains using the principles of molecular self-assembly are discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of multinuclear manganese-containing tungstosilicates

The five manganese-containing, Keggin-based tungstosilicates [Mn(II)3(OH)3(H2O)3(A-α-SiW9O34)](7-) (1), [Mn(III)3(OH)3(H2O)3(A-α-SiW9O34)](4-) (2), [Mn(III)3(OH)3(H2O)3(A-β-SiW9O34)](4-) (3), [Mn(III)3Mn(IV)O3(CH3COO)3(A-α-SiW9O34)](6-) (4), and [Mn(III)3Mn(IV)O3(CH3COO)3(A-β-SiW9O34)](6-) (5) were synthesized in aqueous medium by interaction of [A-α-SiW9O34](10-) or [A-β-SiW9O34H](9-) with either MnCl2 (1) or [Mn(III)8Mn(IV)4O12(CH3COO)16(H2O)4] (2-5) under carefully adjusted reaction conditions. The obtained salts of these polyanions were analyzed in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The salts of polyanions 1, 2, and 4 were further characterized in the solid state by magnetic studies, as well as in solution by electrochemistry.

Aqueous solutions: state of the art in ab initio molecular dynamics

The simulation of liquids by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) has been a subject of intense activity over the last two decades. The significant increase in computational resources as well as the development of new and efficient algorithms has elevated this method to the status of a standard quantum mechanical tool that is used by both experimentalists and theoreticians. As AIMD computes the electronic structure from first principles, it is free of ad hoc parametrizations and has thus been applied to a large variety of physical and chemical problems. In particular, AIMD has provided microscopic insight into the structural and dynamical properties of aqueous solutions which are often challenging to probe experimentally. In this review, after a brief theoretical description of the Born-Oppenheimer and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics formalisms, we show how AIMD has enhanced our understanding of the properties of liquid water and its constituent ions: the proton and the hydroxide ion. Thereafter, a broad overview of the application of AIMD to other aqueous systems, such as solvated organic molecules and inorganic ions, is presented. We also briefly describe the latest theoretical developments made in AIMD, such as methods for enhanced sampling and the inclusion of nuclear quantum effects.

Gas-phase synthesis of singly and multiply charged polyoxovanadate anions employing electrospray ionization and collision induced dissociation

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) combined with in-source fragmentation and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments were used to generate a wide range of singly and multiply charged vanadium oxide cluster anions including VxOy(n-) and VxOyCl(n-) ions (x = 1-14, y = 2-36, n = 1-3), protonated clusters, and ligand-bound polyoxovanadate anions. The cluster anions were produced by electrospraying a solution of tetradecavanadate, V14O36Cl(L)5 (L = Et4N(+), tetraethylammonium), in acetonitrile. Under mild source conditions, ESI-MS generates a distribution of doubly and triply charged VxOyCl(n-) and VxOyCl(L)((n-1)-) clusters predominantly containing 14 vanadium atoms as well as their protonated analogs. Accurate mass measurement using a high-resolution LTQ/Orbitrap mass spectrometer (m/Δm = 60,000 at m/z 410) enabled unambiguous assignment of the elemental composition of the majority of peaks in the ESI-MS spectrum. In addition, high-sensitivity mass spectrometry allowed the charge state of the cluster ions to be assigned based on the separation of the major from the much less abundant minor isotope of vanadium. In-source fragmentation resulted in facile formation of smaller VxOyCl((1-2)-) and VxOy ((1-2)-) anions. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments enabled systematic study of the gas-phase fragmentation pathways of the cluster anions originating from solution and from in-source CID. Surprisingly simple fragmentation patterns were obtained for all singly and doubly charged VxOyCl and VxOy species generated through multiple MS/MS experiments. In contrast, cluster anions originating directly from solution produced comparatively complex CID spectra. These results are consistent with the formation of more stable structures of VxOyCl and VxOy anions through low-energy CID. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that solution-phase synthesis of one precursor cluster anion combined with gas-phase CID is an efficient approach for the top-down synthesis of a wide range of singly and multiply charged gas-phase metal oxide cluster anions for subsequent investigations of structure and reactivity using mass spectrometry and ion spectroscopy techniques.

Selective production of electrostatically-bound adducts of alkyl cations/polyoxoanions by the collision-induced fragmentations of their quaternary ammonium counterparts

Solutions of the quaternary ammonium salts of a set of classic polyoxometalates (POMs) (Keggin [XM12O40](n-), Dawson [P2W18O62](6-), and Lindqvist [M6O19](2-) (X = P, Si; M = W, Mo) were characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The gas-phase fragmentations of a series of quaternary ammonium-associated clusters were investigated by their collision-induced dissociations to elucidate their fragmentation mechanisms. It was found that the quaternary ammonium-associated clusters had distinctive dissociation characteristics. Moreover, the mono-quaternary ammonium-associated clusters, {NR4[POMs]}((n-1)-), shared a common fragmentation feature, that is, they decomposed exclusively into their respective alkyl cation-bound clusters irrespective of the different cation sizes and the different natures of the polyoxoanions. The optimized geometries and the binding energies of the mono cation-bound Lindqvist POM-based clusters were obtained by calculations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the gas-phase fragmentations of these noncovalent complexes between organic amines and inorganic POM anions by a combination of theory and mass spectrometry.

The self-assembly mechanism of the Lindqvist anion [W6O19]2- in aqueous solution: a density functional theory study

The formation mechanism is always a fundamental and confused issue for polyoxometalate chemistry. Two formation mechanisms (M1 and M2) of the Lindqvist anion [W(6)O(19)](2-) have been adopted to investigate it's self-assembly reaction pathways at a density functional theory (DFT) level. The potential energy surfaces reveal that both the mechanisms are thermodynamically favorable and overall barrierless at room temperature, but M2 is slightly dominant to M1. The formation of the pentanuclear species [W(5)O(16)](2-) and [W(5)O(15)(OH)](-) are recognized as the rate-determining steps in the whole assembly polymerization processes. These two steps involve the highest energy barriers with 30.48 kcal mol(-1) and 28.90 kcal mol(-1), respectively, for M1 and M2. [W(4)O(13)](2-) and [W(4)O(12)(OH)](-) are proved to be the most stable building blocks. In addition, DFT results reveal that the formation of [W(3)O(10)](2-) experiences a lower barrier along the chain channel.

Structure, properties and reactivity of polyoxometalates: a theoretical perspective

In the thematic review dedicated to polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry published in Chemical Reviews in 1998, no contribution was devoted to theory. This is not surprising because computational modelling of molecular metal-oxide clusters was in its infancy at that time. Nowadays, the situation has completely changed and modern computational methods have been successfully applied to study the structure, electronic properties, spectroscopy and reactivity of POM clusters. Indeed, the progress achieved during the past decade has been spectacular and herein we critically review the most important papers to provide the reader with an almost complete perspective of the field.