Lanthanide Polyoxocationic Complexes: Experimental and Theoretical Stability Studies and Lewis Acid Catalysis

Three Types of Lanthanide-Containing Polyoxoniobates and Their Luminescence Properties

Fourteen lanthanide (Ln)-containing hetero selenato-phosphato-peroxopolyoxoniobates in three series: (1) Cs₂{[Ln(H₂O)₄][H₄P₂Se₂Nb₆(O₂)₆O₂₂]}₂·nH₂O [Ln = Ce (I-Ce), Pr (I-Pr), Sm (I-Sm), Eu (I-Eu), Gd (I-Gd); I-Ce, I-Pr, I-Eu, I-Gd n = 12; I-Sm n = 16]; (2) Cs₂K₃{[Ln(H₂O)₆][H_2.5P₂Se₂Nb₆(O₂)₆O₂₂]}₂·nH₂O [Ln = Dy (II-Dy), Tm (II-Tm), Yb (II-Yb), Lu (II-Lu); II-Dy n = 14; II-Tm n = 24; II-Yb, II-Lu n = 13]; (3) Cs₅K₂H_m{[Ln(H₂O)₆][P₂Se₂Nb₆(O₂)₆O₂₂]}₂{[Ln_x(H₂O)_y]₂[P₂Se₂Nb₆(O₂)₆O₂₂]}·nH₂O [Ln = Ho (III-Ho), Er (III-Er), Tm (III-Tm), Yb (III-Yb), Lu (III-Lu), III-Ho-III-Yb m = 5, x = 1; y = 5; III-Lu m = 6.5; x = 0.75; y = 4; III-Ho-III-Tm n = 19, III-Yb n = 34; III-Lu n = 31], have been isolated by a one-pot reaction and structurally characterized by various physical and chemical analyses. These compounds represent the first group of Ln-functionalized polyoxoniobates with mixed heteroatoms. In addition, the photoluminescence properties of compounds I-Sm, I-Eu, and II-Dy were measured, and the time-resolved emission spectra showed that the {P₂Se₂Nb₆} segment contributed to the energy transfer from the polyoxoniobate units to the Ln³⁺ center, which effectively promoted the emission of the Ln³⁺ center.

Recent advancements in understanding the self-assembly of macroions in solution via molecular modeling

Macroions fill the gap between simple ions and colloids in size but display a completely different self-assembly behavior in solution.

Oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrazines and diarylamines using a polyoxomolybdate-based iron catalyst

We report an efficient method for the oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrazines and diarylamines in aqueous ethanol using Anderson-type polyoxomolybdate-based iron(iii) as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. A series of azo compounds and tetraarylhydrazines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction conditions and substrate scopes are complementary or superior to those of more established protocols. In addition, the catalyst shows good stability and reusability in water. The preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a radical process is involved in the reaction.

Syntheses, Crystal Structure, Electrocatalytic, and Magnetic Properties of the Monolanthanide-Containing Germanotungstates [Ln(H2O) n GeW11O39]5- (Ln = Dy, Er, n = 4,3)

Two monolanthanide-containing polyanions based on monolacunary Keggin germanotungstates [Ln(H2O) n GeW11O39]5- (Ln = Dy, Er, n = 4,3) have been synthesized in simple one-pot synthetic procedure and compositionally characterized in solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. Electronic absorption and emission spectra of the title compounds in solution were also studied. The [DyIII(H2O)4GeW11O39]5- Keggin POM exhibits a slow relaxation of magnetization. The cyclic voltammetry measurements and mass spectrometry were carried out to check the stability of the compounds in solution. Both polyanions prove efficient in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite. To our knowledge, this observation establishes the first example of electrocatalysis of nitrite reduction by all inorganic monolanthanide-containing germanotungstates family.

Bicapped Keggin polyoxomolybdates: discrete species and experimental and theoretical investigations on the electronic delocalization in a chain compound

Monomeric and 1D reduced Keggin polyoxometalates have been isolated as black crystals soluble in DMSO; DFT calculations allowed the explanation of the magnetic behavior.

Effect of protonation, composition and isomerism on the redox properties and electron (de)localization of classical polyoxometalates

This publication reviews some relevant features related with the redox activity of two inorganic compounds: [XM12O40]q- (Keggin structure) and [X2M18O62]q- (Wells-Dawson structure). These are two well-known specimens of the vast Polyoxometalate (POM) family, which has been the subject of extensive experimental and theoretical research owing to their unmatched properties. In particular, their redox activity focus a great deal of attention from scientists due to their prospective related applications. POMs are habitually seen as ‘electron sponges’ since many of them accept several electrons without losing their chemical identity. This makes them excellent models to study mechanisms of electrochemical nature. Their redox properties depend on: (i) the type and number of transition metal atoms in the structure, (ii) the basicity of the first reduced species and, occasionally, of the fully oxidized species; (iii) the size of the molecule, (iv) the overall negative charge of the POM, and (v) the size of the central heteroatom. In the last years, important collaboration between the experimental and theoretical areas has been usual on the development of POM science. In the present chapter three of these synergies are highlighted: the influence of the internal heteroatom upon the redox potentials of Keggin anions; the dependence of the redox waves of Fe-substituted Wells-Dawson compounds with pH; and the role of electron delocalization and pairing in mixed-metal Mo/W Wells-Dawson compounds in their ability to accept electrons. In these three cases, a complete understanding of the problem would not have been possible without the mutual benefit of experimental and computational data.

Epoxide hydrolysis and alcoholysis reactions over crystalline Mo–V–O oxide

The new utilization in the hydrolysis and alcoholysis of epoxides for the Mo–V–O material was discovered. It showed a preferable catalytic performance.

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.

Lanthanide-supported molybdenum–vanadium oxide clusters: syntheses, structures and catalytic properties

Three new species, originating from β-[Mo₆V₂O₂₆]⁶⁻ polyoxoanion and lanthanides, as heterogeneous catalysts exhibit good catalytic activities toward the cyanosilylation reaction.

Significant developments in rare-earth-containing polyoxometalate chemistry: synthetic strategies, structural diversities and correlative properties

In this article, the major progress in rare-earth containing polyoxometalates made in the past decade involving synthetic strategies, structural characteristics and some significant properties related to optics, catalysis and magnetism is highlighted and discussed.

An overview of selected current approaches to the characterization of aqueous inorganic clusters

This Perspective highlights several modern characterization techniques used to identify nanoscale inorganic clusters in the context of multiple case studies.

Redox and acidic properties of chalcogenido-substituted mixed-metal polyoxoanions: a DFT study of α-[PW11O39ME]4− (M = Nb, Ta; E = O, S, Se)

Substitution of one O atom by S and Se atoms in POMs enhances the redox and acidic properties.

Intramolecular anion effect in polyoxometalate-based organocatalysts: reactivity enhancement and chirality transfer by a metal oxide-organic cation interaction

An α1 -Dawson polyanion bearing a lateral side chain with a 4-aminopyridine end group was synthesized. This organopolyoxometalate catalyzes the addition of indenyl allyl silanes to cinnamoyl fluorides. The polyanionic framework influences the organocatalyst activity and selectivity. A moderate but nonzero chirality transfer from the chiral inorganic framework to the organic substrate was observed.

An unprecedented (3,4,24)-connected heteropolyoxozincate organic framework as heterogeneous crystalline Lewis acid catalyst for biodiesel production

A novel 3D hexadecanuclear heteropolyoxozincate organic framework, IFMC-200, has been successfully synthesized based on a late transition metal-oxygen cluster. IFMC-200 not only represents the first example of (3,4,24)-connected framework but also contains the first 24-connected single metal cluster in a crystal structure. It exhibits superior thermal stability, good water-stability, and even insensitivity to the existence of acid and base within a certain range of pH values. Furthermore, it performs as a heterogeneous crystalline Lewis acid catalyst with good activity for the conversion of long-chain fatty acids rather than short-chain ones, and high recycling efficiency for esterification reaction of fatty acids with alcohols to produce biodiesel.

Syntheses, structures and electrochemical properties of a class of 1-D double chain polyoxotungstate hybrids [H(2)dap][Cu(dap)(2)](0.5)[Cu(dap)(2)(H2O)][Ln(H(2)O)3(α-GeW(11)O(39))]·3H(2)O

A series of novel organic-inorganic hybrid 1-D double chain germanotungstates [H2dap][Cu(dap)2]0.5[Cu(dap)2(H2O)][Ln(H2O)3(α-GeW11O39)]·3H2O [Ln = La(III) (1), Pr(III) (2), Nd(III) (3), Sm(III) (4), Eu(III) (5), Tb(III) (6), Er(III) (7)] (dap = 1,2-diaminopropane) have been hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The most prominent structural feature of 1-7 is that the [Ln(H2O)3(α-GeW11O39)](5-) moieties are firstly connected with each other via the W-O-Ln-O-W bridges creating a 1-D {[Cu(dap)2(H2O)][Ln(H2O)3(α-GeW11O39)]}n(3n-) polymeric chain and then two adjacent antiparallel 1-D polymeric chains are linked together through [Cu(dap)2](2+) linkages giving rise to the rare organic-inorganic hybrid 1-D Cu(II)-Ln(III) heterometallic double-chain architectures. To the best of our knowledge, 1-7 represent the first 1-D double-chain Cu(II)-Ln(III) heterometallic germanotungstates. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of 2, 4 and 7 have been investigated. Furthermore, the solid-state electrochemical and electro-catalytic properties of 3 and 4 have been measured in 0.5 mol L(-1) Na2SO4 + H2SO4 aqueous solution by entrapping them in a carbon paste electrode. 3 and 4 display apparent electro-catalytic activities for nitrite, bromate and hydrogen peroxide reduction.

Inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection by polyoxometalates

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects about 2% of the world population. The standard treatment of chronic HCV infection is still discontented because of the low sustained virological response rate. The development of new HCV antivirals is a healthcare imperative. We explored the potentials of polyoxometalates to inhibit HCV infection using newly developed HCVcc cell culture system. We found one polyoxometalate compound (named POM-12) can inhibit HCV infection at the nanomolar range while displayed little cytotoxicity. We showed that POM-12 inhibited pseudotyped HCV infection but had no effect on HCV RNA replication. Furthermore, we showed that POM-12 was virucidal and can disrupt HCV particles. Finally we demonstrated that POM-12 had no effect on the vesicular stomatitis virus infection while had weak inhibitory activity against the influenza virus infection. In conclusion, we identified a potent anti-HCV compound which may provide an attractive drug candidate to cure HCV infection.

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.

Strategic design and refinement of Lewis acid-base catalysis by rare-earth-metal-containing polyoxometalates

Efficient polyoxometalate (POM)-based Lewis acid-base catalysts of the rare-earth-metal-containing POMs (TBA(6)RE-POM, RE = Y(3+), Nd(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+), Tb(3+), or Dy(3+)) were designed and synthesized by reactions of TBA(4)H(4)[γ-SiW(10)O(36)] (TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium) with RE(acac)(3) (acac = acetylacetonato). TBA(6)RE-POM consisted of two silicotungstate units pillared by two rare-earth-metal cations. Nucleophilic oxygen-enriched surfaces of negatively charged POMs and the incorporated rare-earth-metal cations could work as Lewis bases and Lewis acids, respectively. Consequently, cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds with trimethylsilyl cyanide ((TMS)CN) was efficiently promoted in the presence of the rare-earth-metal-containing POMs via the simultaneous activation of coupling partners on the same POM molecules. POMs with larger metal cations showed higher catalytic activities for cyanosilylation because of the higher activation ability of C═O bonds (higher Lewis acidities) and sterically less hindered Lewis acid sites. Among the POM catalysts examined, the neodymium-containing POM showed remarkable catalytic performance for cyanosilylation of various kinds of structurally diverse ketones and aldehydes, giving the corresponding cyanohydrin trimethylsilyl ethers in high yields (13 substrates, 94-99%). In particular, the turnover frequency (714,000 h(-1)) and the turnover number (23,800) for the cyanosilylation of n-hexanal were of the highest level among those of previously reported catalysts.

Electrochemical behavior of α1/α2-[Fe(H2O)P2W17O61](7-) isomers in solution: experimental and DFT studies

The unusual redox behavior displayed by the two isomers of the Wells-Dawson phosphotungstate anion [Fe(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) is presented. The electrochemical measurements have been performed in aqueous media at different pH values from 0.5 up to 8.0. The cyclic voltammetry has also been carried out in organic media to get additional experimental data to establish the effect of the protonation on the redox properties of both isomers. At high pH values (pH ≥ 6) or in an organic medium, the reduction of the Fe center is easier in the case of the alpha-1 isomer, whereas for the alpha-2 isomer such reduction takes place at more negative potentials, as expected. In contrast, at lower pH values (pH ≤ 5), an inversion of this trend is observed, and the reduction of the Fe center becomes easier for the alpha-2 isomer compared to the alpha-1. We were able to highlight the influence of the pH and the pK(a) of the electrolyte on POM-based redox potentials given the pK(a) of the latter. A complementary theoretical study has also been performed to explain the experimental data obtained. In this sense, the results obtained from the DFT study are in good agreement with the experimental data mentioned above and have provided additional information for the electrochemical behavior of both isomers according to their different molecular orbital energies. We have also shown the influence of protonation state of the iron derivative on the relative reduction potentials of both isomers.