New Perspectives for Old Clusters: Anderson–Evans Anions as Building Blocks of Large Polyoxometalate Frameworks in a Series of Heterometallic 3 d–4 f Species

Aminobenzoic Acid Covalently Modified Polyoxotungstates Based on {XW6} Clusters with Proton Conductivity Property

Three cases of aminobenzoic acid hybrid polyoxotungstates, Na3(H3O)2[(HPW6O21) (O2CC6H4NH2)3]·7H2O (1), K2(H3O)4[(AsW6O21)(O2CC6H4NH2)3]·4H2O (2), and [(H2N(CH3)2]3Na2(H3O)[(SbW6O21) (O2CC6H4NH2)3]·7H2O (3), were successfully synthesized. This is the first report of the successful assembly of the hexanuclear {XW6} (X = HPIII, AsIII, or SbIII) clusters and organic carboxylic acid (para aminobenzoic acid) ligands. All three hybrids feature a common {XW6} unit composed of a six-membered {WO6} octahedral ring capped by one {XO3} trigonal pyramid. Furthermore, these hybrids possess an extensive three-dimensional network of hydrogen bonds, which not only provide high thermal stability but also contribute to excellent proton conductive performances. Simultaneously, based on the Hirshfeld partition analysis, combined with the interaction between POMs and water molecules, the proton transport mechanisms of three hybrids were highlighted.

Mixed Carboxylate Ligands Bridging Tetra-Pr3+-Encapsulated Antimonotungstate: Syntheses, Structure, and Catalytic Activity for Imidazoles Synthesis

Multinuclear Pr-containing antimonotungstate [Pr4(H2O)10W6O13(mal)2(OAc)(B-α-SbW9O33)4]21- (Pr-1, mal = malate anion, OAc = acetate anion), bridged by organic carboxylic acid, was synthesized through a one-pot assembly reaction and structurally characterized. Pr-1 is composed of four [B-α-SbW9O33]9- fragments fused together by an organic-inorganic hybrid central [Pr4(H2O)10W6O13(mal)2(OAc)]15+ cluster core through 24 μ2-O atoms. Notably, the central cluster comprises unprecedented decanuclear Pr4(H2O)10W6O13 jointly decorated by two types of carboxylic acid ligands. This integration of rare earth-containing antimonotungstate with mixed organic carboxylate ligands is very rare in POMs chemistry. Pr-1 exhibits excellent catalytic activity in the cyclo-condensation reaction involving benzil, aldehyde, and NH4OAc. A series of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles were synthesized in remarkable yields using iPrOH as a green solvent.

Se-Rich Multinuclear Er-Containing Dawson-type Poly(selenotungstate)

A multinuclear Er-containing Dawson-type poly(selenotungstate) (poly(ST)) [H2N(CH3)2]12Na8Cs6H26 [Er12Se14W12O72(H2O)6(Se2W14O52)6]·78H2O (1) was made by the one-pot assembly with an excess SeO32- source in the reaction system. The polyoxoanion consists of an extremely rare Er12Se14W12O72(H2O)6 ({Er12Se14W12}) cluster core surrounded by six tetravacant Dawson-type Se2W14O52 ({Se2W14}) fragments, representing the most Se-containing Dawson-type structure so far. Notably, the {Er12Se14W12} cluster exhibits an interesting trefoil-shaped configuration, formed by the condensation of a central Er3Se2O6 ({Er3Se2}) cage with three Er3Se4W4O22(H2O)2 ({Er3Se4W4}) clusters. The catalytic performance of 1 was evaluated by the oxidative decontamination of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) into nontoxic 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO), showing remarkable conversion and selectivity, as well as excellent reusability.

An Innovative SbIII-WVI-Cotemplated Antimonotungstate with Potential in Sensing Paroxetine Electrochemically

Advances in polyoxometalate (POM) self-assembly chemistry are always accompanied by new developments in molecular blocks. The exploration and discovery of uncommon building blocks offer great possibilities for generating unprecedented POM clusters. An intriguing SbIII-WVI-cotemplated antimonotungstate [H2N(CH3)2]11Na[SbW9O33]Er2(H2O)2Sb2[SbWVIW15O57]·22H2O (1) was synthesized, which comprises a classical trivacant Keggin [SbW9O33]9- ({SbW9}) fragment and an unclassical lacunary Dawson-like [SbWVIW15O57]15- ({SbWVIW15}) subunit. Notably, the Dawson-like {SbWVIW15} subunit is the first example of a [SbO3]3- and [WVIO6]6- mixed-heteroatom-directing POM segment. Hexacoordinated [WVIO6]6- can not only serve as the heteroatom function but its additional oxygen sites can also link to lanthanide, main-group metal, and transition-metal centers to form the innovative structure. {SbWVIW15} and {SbW9} subunits are joined by the heterometallic [Er2(H2O)2Sb2O17]22- cluster to give rise to an asymmetric sandwich-type architecture. To further realize its potential application in electrochemical sensing, a conductive 1@rGO composite was obtained by the electrochemical deposition of 1 with graphene oxide (GO). Using a 1@rGO-modified glassy carbon electrode as the working electrode, an electrochemical biosensor for detecting the antidepressant drug paroxetine (PRX) was successfully constructed. This work can provide a viable strategy for synthesizing mixed-heteroatom-directing POMs and demonstrates the application of POM-based materials for the electrochemical detection of drug molecules.

Three Lanthanide-Functionalized Antimonotungstate Clusters with a {Sb4O4Ln3(H2O)8} Core: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties

Three lanthanide (Ln)-functionalized antimonotungstate (AT) clusters with a {Sb₄O₄Ln₃(H₂O)₈} core [H₂N(CH₃)₂]₁₄Na₈H₁₆[Sb₄O₄Ln₃(H₂O)₈W₂O₄(H₂O)₂(B-α-SbW₉O₃₃)₄]₂·87H₂O [Ln = Dy³⁺ (1), Ho³⁺ (2), Y³⁺ (3)] were synthesized in an acidic aqueous solution. Their molecular structural unit comprises two {Sb₄O₄Ln₃(H₂O)₈}-core-incorporated tetrameric [Sb₄O₄Ln₃(H₂O)₈W₂O₄(H₂O)₂ (B-α-SbW₉O₃₃)₄]^19- polyanionic units, each of which is assembled from an unprecedented [Sb₄O₄Ln₃(H₂O)₈W₂O₄(H₂O)₂]¹⁷⁺ heteroatom cluster surrounded by four trivacant [B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- subunits. What is noteworthy is that a tetrahedral {Sb₄O₄} cluster is located at the center of the polyanionic unit, as far as we know, which is very infrequent in multi-Ln-functionalized polyoxometalate chemistry. Solid-state luminescent properties and energy migration of AT ligands to Dy³⁺ and Ho³⁺ cations in 1 and 2 have been intensively probed at ambient temperature. By varying the exciting wavelength from 250 to 450 nm, the emitting color could vary from blue to yellow for 1 and blue to green-yellow for 2, separately. In addition, high catalytic activities and good reusability of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxygenation reaction of sulfides have been systematically performed.

Organoamine-Directed Assembly of 5p-4f Heterometallic Cluster Substituted Polyoxometalates: Luminescence and Proton Conduction Properties

The assembly of heterometallic cluster substituted polyoxometalates (POMs) remains a great challenge for inorganic synthetic chemistry up to now. Herein, a series of 5p-4f heterometallic cluster substituted POMs were successfully isolated by a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction method, namely H₁₇(H₂en)₃[Sb^III₉Sb^VLn₃O₁₄(H₂O)₃][(SbW₉O₃₃)₃(PW₉O₃₄)]·28H₂O(1-Ln, Ln = Ce, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) (en = ethylenediamine). Interestingly, by replacing en with imidazole, another series of 5p-4f heterometallic cluster substituted POMs H₁₃(HIm)₄K₂Na₄(H₂O)₉[Sb^III₉Sb^VLn₃O₁₄(H₂O)₃][(SbW₉O₃₃)₃(PW₉O₃₄)]·26H₂O (2-Ln, Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Im = imidazole) were obtained. Structural analyses indicate that both 1-Ln and 2-Ln are made up of an unprecedented 5p-4f heterometallic {Sb₁₀Ln₃O₁₄(H₂O)₃} cluster stabilized simultaneously by mixed trilacunary heteropolyanions including {A-α-PW₉O₃₄} and {B-α-SbW₉O₃₃}. Impedance measurements indicate that both compounds exhibit different proton conduction properties, and the conductivity of 2 can reach up to 1.64 × 10^-2 S cm^-1 at 85 °C under 98% relative humidity. Moreover, the fluorescence emission behaviors of both compounds have been studied.

Tricarboxylic-Ligand-Decorated Lanthanoid-Inserted Heteropolyoxometalates Built by Mixed-Heteroatom-Directing Polyoxotungstate Units: Syntheses, Structures, and Electrochemical Sensing for 17β-Estradiol

Organic-inorganic hybrid metal-oxide clusters have been pursued for many years, benefiting from their abundant structures and prominent performances. Upon our exploration, a family of unusual mixed-heteroatom (Sb^III, P^III)-directing lanthanoid (Ln)-inserted heteropolyoxotungstates (Ln-HPOTs), [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂Na₇H₃[Ln₄(HP^III)W₈(H₂O)₁₂(H₂ptca)₂O₂₈][Sb^IIIW₉O₃₃]₂·27H₂O [Ln = Ce³⁺ (1), La³⁺ (2), Pr³⁺ (3)], functionalized by 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid (H₃ptca) was achieved. The intriguing trimeric [Ln₄(HP^III)W₈(H₂O)₁₂(H₂ptca)₂O₂₈][Sb^IIIW₉O₃₃]₂^12- polyanion was established by two trivacant [B-α-Sb^IIIW₉O₃₃]^9- segments mounted on both sides and one rare [HP^IIIW₄O₁₈]^8- segment at the bottom, which are bridged via an organic-inorganic hybrid [W₄Ln₄(H₂O)₁₂O₁₀(H₂ptca)₂]¹⁴⁺ central moiety. Such Ln-HPOTs involving dual-heteroatom-directing mixed building blocks, and even simultaneously modified by tricarboxylic ligands, are rather unseen in polyoxometalate chemistry. Moreover, the detection of 17β-estradiol through a 1-based electrochemical biosensor has been explored, demonstrating a low detection limit (7.08 × 10^-14 M) and considerable stability.

{HPO3} and {WO4} Simultaneously Induce the Assembly of Tri-Ln(III)-Incorporated Antimonotungstates and Their Photoluminescence Behaviors

A double template agent strategy has been adopted to prepare a group of triacetate-adorned tri-Ln(III)-incorporated trimeric antimonotungstates (AMTs) K₃Na₂₁H[Ln₃(CH₃COO)₃(HPO₃)(WO₄)][B-α-SbW₉O₃₃]₃·36H₂O [Ln = Eu³⁺ (1), Dy³⁺ (2), Ho³⁺ (3), or Er³⁺ (4)] in a CH₃COOH-CH₃COONa buffer system. Therein, H₃PO₃ and Na₂WO₄·2H₂O have been, respectively, transformed into the capped {HPO₃} and {WO₄} tetrahedra during the assembly process, which are situated at the center of polyoxoanions of 1-4 and simultaneously perform as structure-directing templates to induce the assembly of 1-4. The hexahedral configuration supramolecular stacking is the same as the shape of a crystal of 1, which illustrates that the supramolecular stacking mode plays a significant role in forming the crystal shape of 1-4. Under the Ln³⁺ f-f excitation, the photoluminescence behaviors involving the emission spectrograms and fluorescence decay curves of 1-4 were systematically researched. The modulation of the excitation wavelength has realized the emission color tuning from blue to red, blue to green, blue to yellow, and green to yellow for 1-4. On the basis of the excitation of O → W charge transfer (OWCT), the energy-transfer procedure from AMT units to Eu³⁺ centers in 1 is mainly accomplished in the form of energy reabsorption. This work proposes a typical case for the construction of a new type of AMT clusters by using the double template agent strategy and confirms the great potential of Ln-containing AMTs in optic applications.

Isolation of heterometallic cerium(iii) complexes with a multidentate nitrogen–phosphorus ligand

Heterobimetallic clusters containing a rare-earth metal and transition metals were constructed by a multidentate nitrogen–phosphorus ligand.

Krebs-Type {M2(WO2)2[B-β-SbW9O33]2}n- (M = SbIII, (WO3)) Tungstoantimonate Possessing Unique Pseudo-Seesaw Sb-O Structure

Two new Krebs-type tungstoantimonates (H₂en)₈H₆{[Sb₂(WO₂)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂][(WO₂)₂(WO₃)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]}·22H₂O (1) and (H₂en)₇[(WO₂)₂(WO₃)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]·12H₂O (2) were synthesized and characterized. Notably, crystal 1 possesses a specific pseudo-seesaw SbO₄ subunit in the central metal belt of [Sb₂(WO₂)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]^12- species, which is rare in reported Krebs-type polyoxometalates. One of the structural features is that there are two kinds of Krebs-type polyanionic clusters in crystal 1 labeled as {(WO₂)₂(WO₃)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂} (part A) and {Sb₂(WO₂)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂} (part B), respectively. The subunits A and B are alternately connected through Sb-O-W bonds into a chain-like structure of inorganic clusters. Moreover, the catalytic property of crystals 1 and 2 for electron-transfer reaction were investigated by transferring K₃[Fe(CN)₆] into K₄[Fe(CN)₆].

Two rare Cr–Ln (Ln = Dy, Tb) heterometallic cluster substituted polyoxometalates featuring hexameric aggregates: hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic studies

Two hexameric Cr–Ln cluster substituted POMs have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. They represent the first examples of 3d–4f heterometallic cluster substituted POMs incorporating Cr–Ln clusters.

Synthesis and characterization of self-assembled inorganic-organic hybrid arsenotungstates

A series of 12 inorganic-organic hybrid 4f-substituted arsenotungstates decorated with 3d-based complexes along with acetate bridging, viz. {[Cu₂(H₂O)(1,10-phen)₂(μ-CH₃COO)₂]₄[Ln₂(H₂O)₂(μ-CH₃COO)₂(α-AsW₁₁O₃₉)₂]}^2- (Ln^III = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), have been synthesized. These compounds were isolated using a one-pot synthetic strategy with copper, lanthanoid, trilacunary arsenotungstate and 1,10-phenanthroline as precursors. They were characterized using various analytical techniques, such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), powder XRD (PXRD), Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In all these compounds, a dinuclear Ln₂(ac)₂ moiety is sandwiched between two monolacunary [AsW₁₁O₃₉]^7- polyoxometalates (POMs), where the Ln₂(ac)₂ moiety is comprised of two acetate ligands in a μ-κO,O':κO fashion. Moreover, the anion is decorated by a copper-phenanthroline-acetate complex through a terminal O atom of the polyanion.

Synergistic Effect between Different Coordination Geometries of Lanthanides and Various Coordination Modes of 2-Picolinic Acid Ligands Tuning Three Types of Rare 3d-4f Heterometallic Tungstoantimonates

Three types of N-heterocyclic aromatic acid decorated 3d-4f heterometallic Keggin-type tungstoantimonates: Na₄[Ln(H₂O)₅]₂[Fe₄(H₂O)₂(pic)₄(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]·26H₂O [Ln³⁺ = La³⁺ (1), Pr³⁺ (2), Nd³⁺ (3), Sm³⁺ (4), Eu³⁺ (5)], Na₆H₄[Fe₂W₄O₉(H₂O)₂(Hpic)₄ (B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂][Ln(H₂O)₈]₂[Fe₄W₂O₇(H₂O)₄(pic)₂(Hpic)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]·38H₂O [Ln³⁺ = Gd³⁺ (6), Dy³⁺ (7)], and Na₂H₂{[Ln(H₂O)₆]₂[Fe₄(H₂O)₂(Hpic)₂(pic)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]}₂·44H₂O [Ln³⁺ = Ho³⁺ (8), Er³⁺ (9), Hpic = 2-picolinic acid] have been prepared. 1-5 comprise a quadripic-inserted Krebs-type [Fe₄(H₂O)₂(pic)₄(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]^10- moiety supported by two [Ln(H₂O)₅]³⁺ groups on both sides where it can be considered that four pic ligands replace eight aqua ligands located on the original Krebs-type [Fe₄(H₂O)₁₀(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]^10- fragment to form the [Fe₄(H₂O)₂(pic)₄(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]^10- moiety. Remarkably, the quadripic-inserted subunits are further concatenated through the coordination role of the pic ligands to create a 3-D heterometallic framework. In contrast, the molecular units of 6-7 contain two kinds of non-Krebs-type quadripic-inserted [Fe₂W₄O₉(H₂O)₂(Hpic)₄(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]^6- and {[Ln(H₂O)₈]₂[Fe₄W₂O₇(H₂O)₄(pic)₂(Hpic)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]}^4- moieties. The molecular units of 8-9 contain two identical quadripic-inserted Krebs-type {[Ln(H₂O)₆]₂[Fe₄(H₂O)₂(Hpic)₂(pic)₂(B-β-SbW₉O₃₃)₂]}^2- moieties, and both display a 1-D heterometallic double chain. For all we know, 1-9 stand for the first 3d-4f heterometallic tungstoantimonate hybrids functionalized by pic ligands. Particularly, the solid-state NIR photoluminescence (PL) spectrum in the range of 800-1450 nm of 3 and the solid-state visible PL spectra in the range of 500-750 nm of 4, 5, 7, and 8 at room temperature display the featured fluorescence emission bands stemming from Ln³⁺ cations. In the PL emission procedures of 5 and 7, energy transfer from [B-β-SbW₉O₃₃]^9- fragments and pic ligands to Ln³⁺ ions has been observed. Additionally, the correlated color temperatures of 4, 5, 7, and 8 are indexed to 2731, 2020, 4557, and 1685 K, respectively.

An unprecedented {CuII14TeIV10} core incorporated in a 36-tungsto-4-silicate polyoxometalate with visible light-driven catalytic hydrogen evolution activity

The first tellurous copper cluster embedded within tungstosilicate exhibiting visible light-driven catalytic H₂ evolution activity has been obtained.

Dimethyltin-functionalized cyclic selenotungstates based on {Se2W12} units

Two dimethyltin-functionalized cyclic selenotungstates based on {Se₂W₁₂} units were obtained, where (CH₃)₂Sn²⁺ moieties were first introduced into “pure” POMs wheels.

Lanthanoid Template Isolation of the α-1,5 Isomer of Dicobalt(II)-Substituted Keggin Type Phosphotungstates: Syntheses, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties

A new series of heterometallic 3d-4f sandwich type phosphotungstates, [Ln{PCo2W10O38(H2O)2}2](11-) (Ln = Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III), Tm(III), Yb(III), and Lu(III), denoted 1a-10a, respectively), have been synthesized by a one-pot reaction procedure on reacting the dilacunary K14[P2W19O69(H2O)]·24H2O precursor with Ln(NO3)3·nH2O and Co(NO3)2·6H2O in an aqueous potassium chloride solution. All the compounds were isolated as potassium salts and further characterized with different analytical techniques such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, magnetic measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the compounds reveals that all these compounds are isostructural and crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system in space group Iba2. The polyanions contain the α-1,5 isomer of dicobalt-substituted α-Keggin phosphotungstate, which sandwiched lanthanoid cation and formed novel heterometallic dimer species. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities of 1a, 2a, 4a, and 7a-10a indicate the dominant contribution of the ferromagnetic interaction between Co(II) and Co(II) within the cluster, while the antiferromagnetic interaction between Co(II) and Ln(III) dominates for 3a, 5a, and 6a. The isothermal magnetizations of 1a-10a show a gradual increase in magnetization at low fields and do not reach saturation even at 50 kOe.

Systematic Studies on 3 d- and 4 f-Metal Containing Polyoxometalates Suitable for Organic Derivatization

Premium polyoxometalates! The organic functionalization of 3 d-metalsubstituted polyoxometalates and the synthesis of new metal-oxo clusters with accessible 3 d- and 4 f-metal centers suitable for organic derivatization are discussed in this thesis. A total number of 39 compounds were structurally characterized, and their luminescent and magnetic properties analyzed. The solution behavior was studied by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and light-scattering techniques.