A Molecular Placeholder Strategy To Access a Family of Transition-Metal-Functionalized Vanadium Oxide Clusters

Reactivity control of nitrate-incorporating octadecavanadates by changing the oxidation state and metal substitution

Clarification and control of the active sites at the atomic/molecular level are important to develop nanocatalysts. The catalytic performance of two oxidation states of nitrate-incorporating octadecavanadates, [V18O46(NO3)]5- (V18) and [V18O46(NO3)]4- (V18ox), and a copper-substituted one, [Cu2V16O44(NO3)]5- (Cu2V16), in selective oxidation was investigated. Both V18 and V18ox possessed the same double-helical structures and one of two tetravalent vanadium sites of V18 was oxidized in V18ox. The comparison of the mobility of the incorporated nitrate reveals that tetravalent vanadium centres show stronger interaction with the incorporated anions than pentavalent ones. The oxidation reaction with V18ox proceeded more smoothly with tert-BuOOH as an oxidant than that with V18. The reactivity and selectivity of the oxidation of 2-cyclohexen-1-ol were different among the derivatives. V18ox showed the higher reactivity with 72% selectivity to epoxide. With V18, reactivity was lower but higher selectivity to epoxide was achieved. In the presence of Cu2V16, 2-cyclohexen-1-one was selectively obtained with 81% selectivity. The order of the reactivity for cyclooctene was V18ox, V18 and Cu2V16. These results shows that the cap part of the double-helix acts as the active site. Even though the vanadium-oxygen species exhibit the same structures, the catalytic properties can be controlled by changing the valence of vanadium and metal substitution.

Reactivity of Organoiridium Tungsten Oxide Clusters with Transition Metal Aquo Cations

Organometallic-polyoxometalate (POM) complexes form a unique class of molecular organometallic oxides characterized by the dynamic behavior of the organometallic cations. Herein, we investigated the reactivity of Cp*Ir-octatungstate clusters (where Cp* represents pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, C5Me5-) with Werner-type transition-metal aquo cations. The addition of Ag+, Co2+, Ni2+, and M3+ (M = Cr, Fe, or In) cations to the aqueous solution of Cp*Ir-octatungstate clusters resulted in the formation of [{Ag(OH2)2}2{Cp*Ir(OH2)}2{Cp*IrW3O12(OH)}2(WO2)2] (1), Co1.5K0.8Na0.2[{trans-Co(OH2)2}{Cp*IrW3O12(OH)}2(WO2)1.3{cis-Co(OH2)2}0.7] (2-Co), Ni0.2K1.4Na0.2[{Ni(OH2)4}2{Cp*IrW3O12(OH)}2(WO2)1.1{cis-Ni(OH2)2}0.9] (2-Ni), and [{M(OH2)4}2{Cp*IrW3O12(OH)}2{cis-M(OH2)2}2](NO3)2 (M = Cr, 3-Cr; Fe, 3-Fe; or In, 3-In), respectively. All clusters share the same cubane-type {Cp*IrW3O12(OH)}5- building block, representing the first examples of organoiridium-POMs functionalized by transition-metal aquo cations. These compounds are insoluble in water, facilitating the evaluation of their heterogeneous water-oxidation properties. Notably, 2-Co generates the highest catalytic water oxidation current. This work provides a new synthetic method to introduce metal-aquo complexes on an organometallic oxide cluster, producing multimetallic molecules that model the catalytic sites of complex oxides.

Coupled reaction equilibria enable the light-driven formation of metal-functionalized molecular vanadium oxides

The introduction of metal sites into molecular metal oxides, so-called polyoxometalates, is key for tuning their structure and reactivity. The complex mechanisms which govern metal-functionalization of polyoxometalates are still poorly understood. Here, we report a coupled set of light-dependent and light-independent reaction equilibria controlling the mono- and di-metal-functionalization of a prototype molecular vanadium oxide cluster. Comprehensive mechanistic analyses show that coordination of a Mg2+ ion to the species {(NMe2H2)2[VV12O32Cl]}3- results in formation of the mono-functionalized {(NMe2H2)[(MgCl)VV12O32Cl]}3- with simultaneous release of a NMe2H2+ placeholder cation. Irradiation of this species with visible light results in one-electron reduction of the vanadate, exchange of the second NMe2H2+ with Mg2+, and formation/crystallization of the di-metal-functionalized [(MgCl)2VIVVV11O32Cl]4-. Mechanistic studies show how stimuli such as light or competing cations affect the coupled equilibria. Transfer of this synthetic concept to other metal cations is also demonstrated, highlighting the versatility of the approach.

Reversible Electrodeposition of Potassium-bridged Molecular Vanadium Oxides: A New Approach Towards Multi-Electron Storage

Molecular metal oxides, so-called polyoxometalates (POMs), have shown outstanding performance as catalysts and lately attracted interest as materials in energy conversion and storage systems due to their capability of storing and exchanging multiple electrons. Here, we report the first example of redox-driven reversible electrodeposition of molecular vanadium oxide clusters, leading to the formation of thin films. The detailed investigation of the deposition mechanism reveals that the reversibility is dependent on the reduction potential. Correlating electrochemical quartz microbalance studies with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data gave insight into the redox chemistry and oxidation states of vanadium in the deposited films in dependence on the potential window. A multi-electron reduction of the polyoxovanadate cluster, which facilitates the potassium (K+ ) cation-assisted reversible formation of potassium vanadium oxide thin films was confirmed. At anodic potentials, re-oxidation of the polyoxovanadate and complete stripping of the thin film is observed for films deposited at potentials more positive than -500 mV vs. Ag/Ag+ , while electrodeposition at more negative cathodic potential reduces the electrochemical reversibility of the process and increases the stripping overpotential. As proof of principle, we demonstrate the electrochemical performance of the deposited films for potential use in potassium-ion batteries.

A General Access Route to High-Nuclearity, Metal-Functionalized Molecular Vanadium Oxides

Molecular metal oxides are key materials in diverse fields like energy storage and conversion, molecular magnetism and as model systems for solid-state metal oxides. To improve their performance and increase the variety of accessible motifs, new synthetic approaches are necessary. Herein, we report a universal, new precursor to access different metal-functionalized polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters. The precursor is synthesized by a novel solid-state thermal treatment procedure. Solution-phase test reactions at room temperature and pressure show that reaction of the precursor with various metal nitrate salts gives access to a range of metal-functionalized POVs. The first nitrate-templated molecular calcium vanadate cluster is reported. We show that this precursor could open new access routes to POV components for molecular magnetism, energy technologies or catalysis.

Modelling local structural and electronic consequences of proton and hydrogen-atom uptake in VO2 with polyoxovanadate clusters

We report the synthesis and characterisation of a series of siloxide-functionalised polyoxovanadate-alkoxide (POV-alkoxide) clusters, [V6O6(OSiMe3)(OMe)12] n (n = 1-, 2-), that serve as molecular models for proton and hydrogen-atom uptake in vanadium dioxide, respectively. Installation of a siloxide moiety on the surface of the Lindqvist core was accomplished via addition of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethylsulfonate to the fully-oxygenated cluster [V6O7(OMe)12]2-. Characterisation of [V6O6(OSiMe3)(OMe)12]1- by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the incorporation of the siloxide group does not result in charge separation within the hexavanadate assembly, an observation that contrasts directly with the behavior of clusters bearing substitutional dopants. The reduced assembly, [V6O6(OSiMe3)(OMe)12]2-, provides an isoelectronic model for H-doped VO2, with a vanadium(iii) ion embedded within the cluster core. Notably, structural analysis of [V6O6(OSiMe3)(OMe)12]2- reveals bond perturbations at the siloxide-functionalised vanadium centre that resemble those invoked upon H-atom uptake in VO2 through ab initio calculations. Our results offer atomically precise insight into the local structural and electronic consequences of the installation of hydrogen-atom-like dopants in VO2, and challenge current perspectives of the operative mechanism of electron-proton co-doping in these materials.

Effect of Heterometal-Functionalization and Template Exchange on the Redox Chemistry of Molecular Vanadium Oxides

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have emerged as material of interest in many applications such as energy storage and conversion due to their redox activity and molecularly defined structure. However, especially for polyoxovanadates a lack of understanding between structural modifications and physicochemical properties remains. The present study leverages a lacunary dodecavanadate to systematically investigate the electronic effect of heterometal functionalization. While structural distortion affects the stability of the cluster, the redox potentials correlate with the overall cluster charge. Furthermore, we report the first bromide-templated analogue of this cluster family. While the halide anion is crucial for the formation of the cluster, no major effect on the electrochemical properties is observed. By improving the understanding of structure-property relationship in this work, we hope to enable a more predictable tuning of redox-properties of polyoxovandates.

Organo-functionalized polyoxovanadates: crystal architecture and property aspects

Polyoxovanadates (POVs), as one of the most prominent members of polyoxometalates (POMs), have been subject to extensive studies by virtue of their aesthetically intriguing structures and potential applications in catalysis, magnetism, and optics, among others. In recent years, organo-functionalized POVs have received considerable attention due to the combination of the advantages of POVs with the importance of organic species. In this review, the key developments of polyoxovanadates and, particularly, the achievements that are related to polyoxovanadates modified with organic ligands and transition metal-organic ligand are summarized. Herein, we systematically introduce the structural features of organo-functionalized POVs and their main applications involved in the magnetism and catalysis aspects. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects in the design, synthesis, and property investigation of polyoxovanadates are also discussed.

Molecular Vanadium Oxides for Energy Conversion and Energy Storage: Current Trends and Emerging Opportunities

Molecular vanadium oxides, or polyoxovanadates (POVs), have recently emerged as a new class of molecular energy conversion/storage materials, which combine diverse, chemically tunable redox behavior and reversible multielectron storage capabilities. This Review explores current challenges, major breakthroughs, and future opportunities in the use of POVs for energy conversion and storage. The reactivity, advantages, and limitations of POVs are explored, with a focus on their use in lithium and post-lithium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries, and light-driven energy conversion. Finally, emerging themes and new research directions are critically assessed to provide inspiration for how this promising materials class can advance research in sustainable energy technologies.

Atomically precise vanadium-oxide clusters

Polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters are an important subclass of polyoxometalates with a broad range of molecular compositions and physicochemical properties. One relatively underdeveloped application of these polynuclear assemblies involves their use as atomically precise, homogenous molecular models for bulk metal oxides. Given the structural and electronic similarities of POVs and extended vanadium oxide materials, as well as the relative ease of modifying the homogenous congeners, investigation of the chemical and physical properties of pristine and modified cluster complexes presents a method toward understanding the influence of structural modifications (e.g. crystal structure/phase, chemical makeup of surface ligands, elemental dopants) on the properties of extended solids. This review summarises recent advances in the use of POV clusters as atomically precise models for bulk metal oxides, with particular focus on the assembly of vanadium oxide clusters and the consequences of altering the molecular composition of the assembly via organofunctionalization and the incorporation of elemental "dopants".

A protecting group strategy to access stable lacunary polyoxomolybdates for introducing multinuclear metal clusters

Although metal-containing polyoxomolybdates (molybdenum oxide clusters) exhibit outstanding catalytic properties, their precise synthetic method has not yet been developed. This is mainly because the very low stability of the multivacant lacunary polyoxomolybdates limited their use as synthetic precursors. Here, we present a "protecting group strategy" in polyoxometalate synthesis and successfully develop an efficient method for synthesising multinuclear metal-containing polyoxomolybdates using pyridine as a protecting group for unstable trivacant lacunary Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate [PMo₉O₃₄]^9-. Specifically, tetranuclear cubane- and planar-type manganese clusters were selectively synthesised in the polyoxomolybdates using the present method. The importance of this work is that, in addition to being the first practical way of utilizing multivacant lacunary polyoxomolybdates as precursors, this new "protecting group strategy" will make it possible to produce polyoxometalates with unexplored structures and properties.

Supramolecular assembly of a hierarchically structured 3D potassium vanadate framework

The hierarchical assembly of 3D-polyoxovanadate frameworks using host–guest interactions is reported.

Synthesis of a phosphomolybdate with a tetranuclear vanadium core by installing vanadium atoms in a lacunary template using the protecting group strategy

Vanadium-containing phosphomolybdates have outstanding catalytic and electrochemical properties. However, their traditional one-pot synthesis in aqueous media generates a mixture of randomly distributed isomers and undesirable impurities, which has hampered the in-depth study of the catalysis and reaction mechanism of these compounds. Here, the selective synthesis of a tetranuclear vanadium-containing phosphomolybdate, [PV3Mo9O40(VO)]3-, was achieved for the first time by using a pyridine-protected [A-α-PMo9O31(py)3]3- (py = pyridine) as the template.

Redox-inactive ions control the redox-activity of molecular vanadium oxides

Polyoxometalates are key materials for energy conversion and storage due to their unique chemical tunability and electrochemical reactivity. Herein, we report that functionalization of molecular vanadium oxides, polyoxovanadates, with redox-inert Ca2+ cations leads to a significant increase in their electron storage capabilities. The electrochemical performance of the Ca2+-functionalized dodecavanadate [Ca2V12O32Cl(DMF)3]2- (={Ca 2 V 12 }) was thus compared with that of the precursor compound (H2NMe2)2[V12O32Cl]3- (={V 12 }). {Ca 2 V 12 } can store up to five electrons per cluster, while {V 12 } only shows one reversible redox transition. In initial studies, we demonstrated that {Ca 2 V 12 } can be used as an active material in lithium-ion cathodes. Our results show how redox-inert cations can be used as structural and electrostatic stabilizers, leading to major changes in the redox-chemistry of polyoxovanadates.

Beyond Charge Balance: Counter-Cations in Polyoxometalate Chemistry

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are molecular metal-oxide anions applied in energy conversion and storage, manipulation of biomolecules, catalysis, as well as materials design and assembly. Although often overlooked, the interplay of intrinsically anionic POMs with organic and inorganic cations is crucial to control POM self-assembly, stabilization, solubility, and function. Beyond simple alkali metals and ammonium, chemically diverse cations including dendrimers, polyvalent metals, metal complexes, amphiphiles, and alkaloids allow tailoring properties for known applications, and those yet to be discovered. This review provides an overview of fundamental POM-cation interactions in solution, the resulting solid-state compounds, and behavior and properties that emerge from these POM-cation interactions. We will explore how application-inspired research has exploited cation-controlled design to discover new POM materials, which in turn has led to the quest for fundamental understanding of POM-cation interactions.

Photo-assisted synthesis of inorganic polyoxovanadate

We report a photo-assisted synthesis of inorganic mixed-valence polyoxovanadate, [C₉H₁₄N]₆[V₁₅O₃₆Cl], and reveal the kinetics of oxovanadate formation and the dynamics of crystal growth under photo irradiation.

Solid-state-stabilization of molecular vanadium oxides for reversible electrochemical charge storage

The solid-state stabilization of a molecular vanadium oxide cluster using molecular crystal engineering is reported together with its performance in electrochemical energy storage.

Mechanistic insights into polyoxometalate self-assembly in organic solvent: conversion of a cyclic polyoxovanadate-ethoxide to its Lindqvist congener

We report the synthesis of a cyclic hexavanadate polyoxovanadate-alkoxide cluster, [VO(OC2H5)2]6, and its conversion, under solvothermal conditions, to an oxygen-deficient Lindqvist assembly, [V₆O₆(OC₂H₅)₁₂]ⁿ (n = 1−, 0).

Solvent-Controlled Polymerization of Molecular Strontium Vanadate Monomers into 1D Strontium Vanadium Oxide Chains

We report the polymerization of a solvent-stabilized molecular strontium vanadium oxide monomer into infinite 1D chains. Supramolecular polymerization is triggered by controlled solvent-exchange, which leads to oligomer and polymer formation. Mechanistic insights into the chain formation were obtained by solid-state, solution, and gas-phase studies. The study shows how reactivity control of molecular metal oxides can be used to assemble complex inorganic polymeric structures.

Reply to Comment on Stabilization of Low-Valent Iron(I) in a High-Valent Vanadium(V) Oxide Cluster

The authors of the Communication "Stabilization of Low-Valent Iron(I) in a High-Valent Vanadium(V) Oxide Cluster" reply to a Comment by Dr. Sproules, who offered an alternative interpretation of the metal oxidation states in the two electron reduced iron vanadate (NH₂ Me₂ )[(FeCl)V₁₂ O₃₂ Cl]^4- .

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.

Redox active mixed-valence hexamanganese double-cubane complexes supported by tetravanadates

A double-cubane-type hexamanganese complex that is reminiscent of the structure of an oxygen evolution center was synthesized using a polyoxovanadate ligand.

Synthesis and structural characterization of tube-type tetradecavanadates

By the reaction of ammonium perchlorate with anion-incorporated bowl-type dodecavanadates, viz. [V12O32(X)]5− [X = N3 − (1), OCN− and NO3 −], tube-type tetradecavanadates, viz. (NH4)7[V14O38(X)] [X = N3 − (2), OCN− (3) and NO3 − (4)] were synthesized. The crystal structures of penta(tetraethylammonium) azidododecavanadate nitromethane monosolvate, (C8H20N)5[V12O32(N3)]·CH3NO2, 1, heptaammonium azidotetradecavanadate dimethyl sulfoxide hexasolvate, (NH4)7[V14O38(N3)]·6C2H6OS, 2, heptaammonium cyanatotetradecavanadate dimethyl sulfoxide hexasolvate, (NH4)7[V14O38(OCN)]·6C2H6OS, 3, and heptaammonium nitratotetradecavanadate dimethyl sulfoxide hexasolvate, (NH4)7[V14O38(NO3)]·6C2H6OS, 4, were determined. The tube consists of two layers of V7 rings with a guest anion at the centre. The distances between the incorporated anions and the nearest V atoms are 3.058 (3), 3.039 (6) and 2.811 (9) Å for 2, 3 and 4, respectively, showing that the incorporated anions are stabilized via noncovalent interactions. Two ammonium cations cap both ends of the tube to stabilize the structures via hydrogen-bonding interactions. Linear OCN− and N3 − anions sit on the twofold rotation axes of the tube frameworks and the triangular plane of the NO3 − anion deviates from the equatorial plane of the tube by ca 30°.

Nitric oxide activation facilitated by cooperative multimetallic electron transfer within an iron-functionalized polyoxovanadate-alkoxide cluster

Cooperative multimetallic electron transfer to accommodate substrate binding.

A series of NO-bound, iron-functionalized polyoxovanadate–alkoxide (FePOV–alkoxide) clusters have been synthesized, providing insight into the role of multimetallic constructs in the coordination and activation of a substrate. Upon exposure of the heterometallic cluster to NO, the vanadium-oxide metalloligand is oxidized by a single electron, shuttling the reducing equivalent to the {FeNO} subunit to form a {FeNO}⁷ species. Four NO-bound clusters with electronic distributions ranging from [VV3VIV2]{FeNO}⁷ to [VIV5]{FeNO}⁷ have been synthesized, and characterized via¹H NMR, infrared, and electronic absorption spectroscopies. The ability of the FePOV–alkoxide cluster to store reducing equivalents in the metalloligand for substrate coordination and activation highlights the ultility of the metal-oxide scaffold as a redox reservoir.

Tuning the redox profiles of polyoxovanadate-alkoxide clusters via heterometal installation: toward designer redox Reagents

Herein, we describe a rational synthetic approach for tuning the electrochemical profiles of a series of Lindqvist polyoxovanadate-alkoxide clusters through heterometal functionalization. Synthetic procedures for group(IV) functionalization of the mixed-valent POV-alkoxide cluster, [V₆O₇(OCH₃)₁₂], are established, resulting in the heterometallic species, [NBu₄][V₅O₆(OCH₃)₁₂MOCH₃] (M = Ti, Zr, Hf). We demonstrate that these d⁰, heterometallic dopants anodically shift the potential of the electrochemical processes associated with the cluster, making the molecule more resistant to oxidation. Conversely, incorporation of electron rich heterometals yields a more readily oxidized molecule, with redox processes shifted cathodically. The predictable tuning and remarkable electrochemical profiles of this family of heterometal-functionalized polyoxometalates highlights their potential use as designer redox agents.

A Bowl-Type Dodecavanadate as a Halide Receptor

The dodecavanadate framework, [V₁₂O₃₂]^4-, exhibits a unique bowl-type structure with an open molecular oxide cage having a cavity diameter of 4.4 Å, and different synthetic paths were required to construct the bowl-type structure with a different guest. A new dodecavanadate, {(n-C₄H₉)₄N}₄[V₁₂O₃₂(CH₃NO₂)] (1), is synthesized with a nitromethane guest, which is stacked above the entrance of the hemisphere rather than fully occupying the cavity, and it enables a guest-capturing reaction, while retaining the anionic cage structure. Compound 1 is a good precursor for halide-centered dodecavanadates, {(C₂H₅)₄N}₅[V₁₂O₃₂(X)] (X = Cl^- (2), Br^- (3), and I^- (4)). The position of the halide inside the cavity correlates with the ionic radius of the guest; the small chloride ion sat at the far bottom, and the large iodide floated at the entrance. The inclusion reaction rates were estimated through ⁵¹V NMR time-course measurements in nitromethane. The reaction rates increase in the order I^- < Br^- < Cl^-.

Instantaneous formation of polyoxometalate-based cerium vanadium oxide gels

The instantaneous formation of cerium vanadium oxide gels starting from polyoxovanadates is reported together with their application in pollutant removal and controlled acid release.

Functional polyoxometalates from solvothermal reactions of VOSO4 with tripodal alkoxides – a study on the reactivity of different “tris” derivatives

A facile synthetic procedure for functional polyoxovanadates is reported. Furthermore, this study shows different possible binding modes of amino functionalised tris(hydroxymethyl)methane derivatives on polyoxovanadates.

Distinct Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Subsets Mediate Anti-HER2 Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer

Targeted inhibitors of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), such as trastuzumab and lapatinib, are among the first examples of molecularly targeted cancer therapy and have proven largely effective for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancers. However, approximately half of those patients either do not respond to these therapies or develop secondary resistance. Although a few signaling pathways have been implicated, a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying HER2 inhibitor drug resistance is still lacking. To address this critical question, we undertook a concerted approach using patient expression data sets, HER2-positive cell lines, and tumor samples biopsied both before and after trastuzumab treatment. Together, these methods revealed that high expression and activation of a specific subset of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) was strongly associated with poor clinical prognosis and the development of resistance. Mechanistically, these RTKs are capable of maintaining downstream signal transduction to promote tumor growth via the suppression of cellular senescence. Consequently, these findings provide the rationale for the design of therapeutic strategies for overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer via combinational inhibition of the limited number of targets from this specific subset of RTKs.

Visible-Light-Driven Water Oxidation by a Molecular Manganese Vanadium Oxide Cluster

Photosynthetic water oxidation in plants occurs at an inorganic calcium manganese oxo cluster, which is known as the oxygen evolving complex (OEC), in photosystem II. Herein, we report a synthetic OEC model based on a molecular manganese vanadium oxide cluster, [Mn4 V4 O17 (OAc)3 ](3-) . The compound is based on a [Mn4 O4 ](6+) cubane core, which catalyzes the homogeneous, visible-light-driven oxidation of water to molecular oxygen and is stabilized by a tripodal [V4 O13 ](6-) polyoxovanadate and three acetate ligands. When combined with the photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) and the oxidant persulfate, visible-light-driven water oxidation with turnover numbers of approximately 1150 and turnover frequencies of about 1.75 s(-1) is observed. Electrochemical, mass-spectrometric, and spectroscopic studies provide insight into the cluster stability and reactivity. This compound could serve as a model for the molecular structure and reactivity of the OEC and for heterogeneous metal oxide water-oxidation catalysts.