Dynamic properties of a hexadecamolybdenum wheel: studies in solution and density functional theory calculations

Tuning the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction promoted by [Mo2O2S2]-based molybdenum cycles in aqueous medium

We report the syntheses and characterizations, in the solid state and in solution, of three new cyclic polyoxothiomolybdates self-assembled around 2,5-dimethylterephthalate (DMT) and 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)terephthalate (DFMT) ligands, namely [Mo12DMT](2-), [Mo12DFMT](2-) and [Mo16DFMT](2-). A series of these two Mo12-compounds completed by the two Mo12-compounds obtained with 2,3,5,6-tetramethylterephthalate and trimesate ligands offer the opportunity to compare their electro-catalytic properties for reduction of protons into hydrogen. The ability of these compounds to promote the reduction of protons into hydrogen in aqueous medium is evidenced and the influence of the embedded ligand is highlighted, thus allowing proposal of a mechanism for the hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by these clusters.

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.