Two Rh(III)-substituted polyoxoniobates and their base-induced transformation: [H2RhNb9O28](6-) and [Rh2(OH)4Nb10O30](8-)

Computational exploration of heterometal substitution into the decaniobate framework, [Nb10O28]6

The factors governing the substitution of group 4B-12B metals into the decaniobate framework are explored using density functional theory in order to ascertain whether (1) recently isolated [MNb9O28]x- clusters are kinetic or thermodynamic products, (2) density functional theory is a sufficient level of theory to accurately predict substitution patterns in polyoxometalates where ion pairing and other effects may operate, and (3) it can be used to guide future synthetic efforts. Computations using restricted, unrestricted and open-shell density functional theory at PBE0/def2-tzvp were found to correctly predict substitution patterns in known clusters, and were subsequently used to calculate the relative energies of a large series of [MNb9O28]x- clusters, to reveal trends and suggest potential synthetic approaches. OPBE/def2-tzvp correctly predicted favoured spin states of known substituted decametalates.

Trinuclear ruthenium core-containing polyoxometalate-based hybrids: preparation, characterization and catalytic behavior

Two ruthenium-containing polyoxometalate-based hybrids (Ru-POMs), KH8[Ru3O(Trz)6Cl3]2[(NaO6)W6(H2O)6(AsW9O33)4]·28H2O (1) and H3[Ru3O(Trz)6Cl3]2[(WO)2W(OH)(AsW9O33)2]·6H2O (2), (Trz = 1,2,4-triazole), were successfully isolated by a one-step hydrothermal method under different acidic conditions and further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and elemental analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal two polyanions comprised of four/two identical trivacant Keggin-type polyanion building blocks, leading to the formation of tetrameric/dimeric assembly stabilized by additional metal-oxo cores, respectively. ESI-MS shows that the polyanion units [(NaO6)W6(H2O)6(AsW9O33)4]11- and [(WO)2W(OH)(AsW9O33)2]5- are intact in mixed solvent. Moreover, the two heterogeneous catalysts with trinuclear ruthenium cations were further investigated, and 1 was found to exhibit much higher yield (94.1%)/conversion (95.1%) and better selectivity (>99%) towards the oxidation of thioanisole to sulfoxide than 2.

Soluble Hetero-Polyoxovanadates and Their Solution Chemistry Analyzed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are an intriguing class of compounds due to their tremendous structural variety and the wide spectrum of resulting properties, which make them interesting for applications in fields such as catalysis, material science or nanotechnology. Their ability to form large supramolecular architectures by self-assembly offers an entry to complex, functional systems. After an introduction into the structure and synthesis of POMs of the early transition metals, recently discovered water-soluble antimonato polyoxovanadates (Sb-POVs) and the investigation of their chemical reactivity are discussed. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is presented as an analytical technique suitable to investigate the structure of complex POM assemblies in solution and to probe the underlying reactivity and formation mechanisms. This Minireview highlights the first studies on the soluble Sb-POVs and how the knowledge of their reactivity obtained by ESI-MS has fostered the syntheses of numerous novel Sb-POV compounds.

Synthesis, structure, and luminescent properties of a family of lanthanide-functionalized peroxoniobiophosphates

Eight new lanthanide derivatives containing 6-peroxoniobio-4-phosphate building block, [LnIII(H2O)6]2[H4(NbO2)6P4O24]·nH2O [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2), Tb (3), Dy (4), Ho (5), Er (6), Tm (7), Yb (8), 1-5, 7, 8 n = 12; 6 n = 9], have been successfully obtained using an in-situ strategy and fully characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, TG-MS, PXRD. Structural analyses indicate that these isostructural polyanions 1-8 consist of one [P4(NbO2)6O24]10- (P 4 (NbO 2 ) 6 ) clusters and two pendant Ln3+ cations. In these compounds, P 4 (NbO 2 ) 6 clusters are connected by lanthanide cations to form extended two-dimensional architectures. The approach takes advantage of the ability of in-situ formed P 4 (NbO 2 ) 6 cluster to build frameworks by using it as ligands to lanthanide ions. The photoluminescence (PL) and lifetime decay behaviors of 1, 3 and 4 in solid state have been performed at room temperature. The PL emission of 1, 3 and 4 is mainly derived from the characteristic 5D0→7FJ (J = 1, 2, 3, 4), 5D4→7FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) and 4F9/2→6H J (J = 15/2, 13/2, 11/2) transitions of the EuIII, TbIII and DyIII cations, respectively.

A luminescent polyoxoniobate lanthanide derivative {Eu3(H2O)9[Nb48O138(H2O)6]}27−

An Eu-containing polyoxoniobate (CN₃H₆)₇K₃H₁₇{Eu₃(H₂O)₉Nb₄₈O₁₃₈(H₂O)₆}·40H₂O is obtained under the protection of citric acid, which is a triangular cylindrical entity and displays red emission.

Titanium-Substituted Polyoxotantalate Clusters Exhibiting Wide pH Stabilities: [Ti2 Ta8 O28 ](8-) and [Ti12 Ta6 O44 ](10.)

Two new substituted polyoxotantalate clusters, [Ti2 Ta8 O28 ](8-) and [Ti12 Ta6 O44 ](10-) , considerably expand the pH range where tantalates persist in aqueous solution. The structures of [Ti2 Ta8 O28 ](8-) and [Ti12 Ta6 O44 ](10-) are reported as tetramethylammonium salts after synthesis at hydrothermal conditions in aqueous solution. These Ti-substituted polyoxotantalate clusters have analogues among recently discovered niobates, but are slightly larger and more persistent in solution. Most importantly, they exhibit a much wider range of pH stability than the familiar hexatantalate cluster, which is the only other tantalate known to be stable at highly basic pH conditions. These molecules are kinetically stable to near-neutral pH, making them excellent synthons for further development into materials and catalysts, and an significant advance in adapting tantalates for use in aqueous solutions.