Probing Polyoxometalate–Protein Interactions Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The molecular interactions between the Ce^IV‐substituted Keggin anion [PW₁₁O₃₉Ce(OH₂)₄]^3? ( CeK ) and hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL) were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The analysis of CeK was compared with the Ce^IV‐substituted Keggin dimer [(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂Ce]^10? ( CeK₂ ) and the Zr^IV‐substituted Lindqvist anion [W₅O₁₈Zr(OH₂)(OH)]^3? ( ZrL ) to understand how POM features such as shape, size, charge, or type of incorporated metal ion influence the POM???protein interactions. Simulations revealed two regions of the protein in which the CeK anion interacts strongly: cationic sites formed by Arg21 and by Arg45 and Arg68. The POMs chiefly interact with the side chains of the positively charged (arginines, lysines) and the polar uncharged residues (tyrosines, serines, aspargines) via electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding with the oxygen atoms of the POM framework. The CeK anion shows higher protein affinity than the CeK₂ and ZrL anions, because it is less hydrophilic and it has the right size and shape for establishing interactions with several residues simultaneously. The larger, more negatively charged CeK₂ anion has a high solvent‐accessible surface, which is sub‐optimal for the interaction, while the smaller ZrL anion is highly hydrophilic and cannot efficiently interact with several residues simultaneously.     

Polyoxometalates as a Novel Class of Artificial Proteases: Selective Hydrolysis of Lysozyme under Physiological pH and Temperature Promoted by a Cerium(IV) Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate

Hen‐egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL) is specifically cleaved at the Trp28–Val29 and Asn44–Arg45 peptide bonds in the presence of a Keggin‐type [Ce(α‐PW₁₁O₃₉)₂]^10? polyoxometalate (POM; 1 ) at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The reactivity of 1 towards a range of dipeptides was also examined and the calculated reaction rates were comparable to those observed for the hydrolysis of HEWL. Experiments with α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA), a protein that is structurally highly homologous to HEWL but has a different surface potential, showed no evidence of hydrolysis, which indicates the importance of electrostatic interactions between 1 and the protein surface for the hydrolytic reaction to occur. A combination of spectroscopic techniques was used to reveal the molecular interactions between HEWL and 1 that lead to hydrolysis. NMR spectroscopy titration experiments showed that on protein addition the intensity of the ³¹P NMR signal of 1 gradually decreased due to the formation of a large protein/polyoxometalate complex and completely disappeared when the HEWL/ 1 ratio reached 1:2. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements of HEWL indicate that addition of 1 results in a clear decrease in the signal at λ=208 nm, which is attributed to changes in the α‐helical content of the protein. ¹⁵N–¹H heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR measurements of HEWL in the presence of 1 reveal that the interaction is mainly observed for residues that are located in close proximity to the first site in the α‐helical part of the structure (Trp28–Val29). The less pronounced NMR spectroscopic shifts around the second cleavage site (Asn44–Arg45), which is found in the β‐strand region of the protein, might be caused by weaker metal‐directed binding, compared with strong POM‐directed binding at the first site.     

Multinuclear Diffusion NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Modeling: A Powerful Combination for Unraveling the Mechanism of Phosphoester Bond Hydrolysis Catalyzed by Metal‐Substituted Polyoxometalates

A detailed reaction mechanism is proposed for the hydrolysis of the phosphoester bonds in the DNA model substrate bis(4‐nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) in the presence of the Zr^IV‐substituted Keggin type polyoxometalate (Et₂NH₂)₈[{α‐PW₁₁O₃₉Zr(μ‐OH) (H₂O)}₂] ? 7 H₂O (ZrK 2:2) at pD 6.4. Low‐temperature ³¹P DOSY spectra at pD 6.4 gave the first experimental evidence for the presence of ZrK 1:1 in fast equilibrium with ZrK 2:2 in purely aqueous solution. Moreover, theoretical calculations identified the ZrK 1:1 form as the potentially active species in solution. The reaction intermediates involved in the hydrolysis were identified by means of ¹H/³¹P NMR studies, including EXSY and DOSY NMR spectroscopy, which were supported by DFT calculations. This experimental/theoretical approach enabled the determination of the structures of four intermediate species in which the starting compound BNPP, nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP), or the end product phosphate (P) is coordinated to ZrK 1:1. In the proposed reaction mechanism, BNPP initially coordinates to ZrK 1:1 in a monodentate fashion, which results in hydrolysis of the first phosphoester bond in BNPP and formation of NPP. EXSY NMR studies showed that the bidentate complex between NPP and ZrK 1:1 is in equilibrium with monobound and free NPP. Subsequently, hydrolysis of NPP results in P, which is in equilibrium with its monobound form.     

The First 3‐Connected SrSi2‐Type 3D Chiral Framework Constructed from {Ni6PW9} Building Units

A novel 3‐connected SrSi₂‐type 3D chiral framework constructed from hexa‐Ni^II‐cluster‐substituted polyoxometalate (POM) units [Ni(enMe)₂]₃[WO₄]₃[Ni₆(enMe)₃(OH)₃PW₉O₃₄]₂?9H₂O ( 1 ) (enMe=1,2‐diaminopropane) has been made from a hydrothermal synthetic method. This POM represents the first 3D framework based on {Ni₆PW₉} units and {WO₄} connectors.     

Organoplatinum‐Substituted Polyoxometalate Inhibits β‐amyloid Aggregation for Alzheimer's Therapy

Aggregated β‐amyloid (Aβ) is widely considered as a key factor in triggering progressive loss of neuronal function in Alzheimer's disease (AD), so targeting and inhibiting Aβ aggregation has been broadly recognized as an efficient therapeutic strategy for curing AD. Herein, we designed and prepared an organic platinum‐substituted polyoxometalate, (Me₄N)₃[PW₁₁O₄₀(SiC₃H₆NH₂)₂PtCl₂] (abbreviated as Pt^II‐PW₁₁) for inhibiting Aβ₄₂ aggregation. The mechanism of inhibition on Aβ₄₂ aggregation by Pt^II‐PW₁₁ was attributed to the multiple interactions of Pt^II‐PW₁₁ with Aβ₄₂ including coordination interaction of Pt²⁺ in Pt^II‐PW₁₁ with amino group in Aβ₄₂, electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force. In cell‐based assay, Pt^II‐PW₁₁ displayed remarkable neuroprotective effect for Aβ₄₂ aggregation‐induced cytotoxicity, leading to increase of cell viability from 49 % to 67 % at a dosage of 8 μm . More importantly, the Pt^II‐PW₁₁ greatly reduced Aβ deposition and rescued memory loss in APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice without noticeable cytotoxicity, demonstrating its potential as drugs for AD treatment.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Water Oxidation Mediated by a Mononuclear‐Cobalt(II)‐Substituted Silicotungstate

A mononuclear‐cobalt(II)‐substituted silicotungstate, K₁₀[Co(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂] ? 23 H₂O (POM‐ 1 ), has been evaluated as a light‐driven water‐oxidation catalyst. With in situ photogenerated [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) as the oxidant, quite high catalytic turnover number (TON; 313), turnover frequency (TOF; 3.2 s^?1), and quantum yield (Φ_QY; 27 %) for oxygen evolution at pH 9.0 were acquired. Comparison experiments with its structural analogues, namely [Ni(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 2 ) and [Mn(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 3 ), gave the conclusion that the cobalt center in POM‐ 1 is the active site. The hydrolytic stability of the title polyoxometalate (POM) was confirmed by extensive experiments, including UV/Vis spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cathodic adsorption stripping analysis (CASA). As the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/visible light/sodium persulfate system was introduced, a POM–photosensitizer complex formed within minutes before visible‐light irradiation. It was demonstrated that this complex functioned as the active species, which remained intact after the oxygen‐evolution reaction. Multiple experimental parameters were investigated and the catalytic activity was also compared with the well‐studied POM‐based water‐oxidation catalysts (i.e., [Co₄(H₂O)₂(α‐PW₉O₃₄)₂]^10? (Co₄‐POM) and [Co^IIICo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^7? (Co₂‐POM)) under optimum conditions.     

Polyoxometalate Ionic Liquids as Self‐Repairing Acid‐Resistant Corrosion Protection

Corrosion is a global problem for any metallic structure or material. Herein we show how metals can easily be protected against acid corrosion using hydrophobic polyoxometalate‐based ionic liquids (POM‐ILs). Copper metal disks were coated with room‐temperature POM‐ILs composed of transition‐metal functionalized Keggin anions [SiW₁₁O₃₉TM(H₂O)]^n? (TM=Cu^II, Fe^III) and quaternary alkylammonium cations (C_nH_{2 n+1})₄N⁺ (n=7–8). The corrosion resistance against acetic acid vapors and simulated “acid rain” was significantly improved compared with commercial ionic liquids or solid polyoxometalate coatings. Mechanical damage to the POM‐IL coating is self‐repaired in less than one minute with full retention of the acid protection properties. The coating can easily be removed and recovered by rinsing with organic solvents.     

Vicinal Dinitridoruthenium‐Substituted Polyoxometalates γ‐[XW10O38{RuN}2]6− (X=Si or Ge)

Reaction of the divacant polyoxometalate K₈[γ‐XW₁₀O₃₆] (X=Si, Ge) with two equivalents of the metal‐nitrido precursor Cs₂[Ru^VINCl₅], at room temperature in water, produces K₂(Me₂NH₂)₂H₂[γ‐XW₁₀O₃₈{RuN}₂], X=Si ( DMA ‐ 1 a ) or Ge ( DMA ‐ 1 b ). The X‐ray crystal structures of both complexes show monomeric complexes with highly unusual vicinal terminal metal‐nitrido units. The Ru?N bond lengths are 1.594(10) and 1.612(11) Å in 1 a and 1 b , respectively. EXAFS studies confirmed the key structural assignments from X‐ray crystallography. The XANES spectrum of DMA‐1 a , diamagnetism, NMR (²⁹Si and ¹⁸³W) chemical shifts, voltammetric behavior, reductive titrations with [PW₁₂O₄₀]^4?, and computational data are all consistent with d² Ru^VI centers in these complexes. The FT‐IR and Raman spectra show the expected vibrational modes of the {γ‐XW₁₀} unit and the Ru?N stretch at 1080 cm^?1, respectively. Interestingly, reduction of DMA‐1 a by 4 equivalents of [PW₁₂O₄₀]^4? produces NH₃ in nearly quantitative yield. Cyclic voltammetry versus pH and calculations provide the energetics for the possible two‐electron reduction and two‐proton addition processes in this reaction.     

Mechanism of the Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides Catalyzed by Cobalt‐Substituted 12‐Tungstenphosphate

Co^II‐substituted α‐Keggin‐type 12‐tungstenphosphate [(n‐ C₄H₉)₄N]₄H[PW₁₁Co(H₂O)O₃₉]‐ (PW₁₁Co) is synthesized and used as a single‐component, solvent‐free catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction is investigated using DFT calculations, which provides the first computational study of the catalytic cycle of polyoxometalate‐catalyzed CO₂ coupling reactions. The reaction occurs through a single‐electron transfer from the doublet Co^II catalyst to the epoxide and forms a doublet Co^III–carbon radical intermediate. Subsequent CO₂ addition forms the cyclic carbonate product. The existence of radical intermediates is supported by free‐radical termination experiments. Finally, it is exhilarating to observe that the calculated overall reaction barrier (30.5 kcal mol^?1) is in good agreement with the real reaction rate (83 h^?1) determined in the present experiments (at 150 °C).     

Phthalocyaninate und Tetraphenylporphyrinate von hochkoordiniertem ZrIV/HfIV mit Hydroxo‐, Chloro‐, (Di)Phenolato‐, (Hydrogen)Carbonato‐ sowie (Amino)Carboxylato‐Liganden

Phthalocyaninates and Tetraphenylporphyrinates of High Co‐ordinated Zr^IV/Hf^IV with Hydroxo, Chloro, (Di)Phenolato, (Hydrogen)Carbonato, and (Amino)Carboxylato Ligands Crystals of tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium cis‐tri(phenolato)phthalocyaninato(2‐)zirconate(IV) ( 2 ) and ‐hafnate(IV) ( 1 ), di(tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium) cis‐di(tetrachlorocatecholato(O, O')phthalocyaninato(2‐)zirconate(IV) ( 3 ), and cis‐(di(μ‐alaninato(O, O')di(μ‐hydroxo))di(phthalocyaninato(2‐)zirconium(IV)) ( 12 ) have been isolated from tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium hydroxide solutions of cis‐di(chloro)phthalocyaninato(2‐)zirconium(IV) and ‐hafnium(IV), respectively, and the corresponding acid in polar organic solvents. Similarly, with cis‐di(chloro)tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV), ^cis[Zr(Cl)₂tpp] as precursor crystalline tetra(n‐butyl)ammoniumcis‐tetrachlorocatecholato(O, O')hydrogentetrachlorocatecholato(O)tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconate(IV) ( 4 ), cis‐hydrogencarbonato(O, O')phenolatotetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) ( 6 ), cis‐di(benzoato(O, O'))tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) ( 11 ), and cis‐tetra(μ‐hydroxo)di(tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV)) ( 13 ) with a cis‐arrangement of the symmetry equivalent μ‐hydroxo ligands, and from di(acetato)tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) the corresponding trans‐isomer ( 14 ) have been prepared. The endothermic dehydration at 215 °C of 13/14 yields μ‐oxodi(μ‐hydroxo)di(tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV)) ( 15 ). 15 also precipitates on dilution of a solution of ^cis[Zr(X)₂tpp] (X = Cl, OAc) in dmf/(ⁿBu₄N)OH with water, while on prolonged standing of this solution on air tri(tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium) cis‐(^nido〈di(carbonato(O, O'))undecaaquamethoxide〉tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconate(IV) ( 7 ) crystallizes, in which Zr^IV coordinates a supramolecular nestlike ^nido〈(O₂CO)₂(H₂O)₁₁OCH₃〉^5— cluster anion stabilised by hydrogen bonding in a nanocage of surrounding (ⁿBu₄N)⁺ cations. On the other hand, ^cis[Zr(Cl)₂pc] forms with (Et₄N)₂CO₃ in dichloromethane di(tetraethylammonium) cis‐di(carbonato(O, O')phthalocyaninato(2‐)zirconate(IV) ( 5 ). ^cis[Zr(Cl)₂tpp] dissolves in various O‐donor solvents, from which cis‐di(chloro)dimethylformamidetetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) ( 8 ), cis‐di(chloro)dimethylsulfoxidetetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) ( 9 ), and a 1:1 mixture ( 10 ) of cis‐di(chloro)dimethylsulfoxidetetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) ( 10a ) and cis‐chlorodi(dimethylsulfoxide)tetraphenylporphyrinato(2‐)zirconium(IV) chloride ( 10b ) crystallize. All complexes contain solvate molecules in the solid state, except 3 . Zr^IV/Hf^IV is directed by ∼1Å out of the plane of the tetrapyrrolic ligand (pc, tpp) towards the mutually cis‐coordinated axial ligands. In the more concavely distorted phthalocyaninates, Zr^IV is mainly eight‐coordinated and in the tetraphenylporphyrinates seven‐coordinated. The octa‐coordinated Zr atom is in a distorted quadratic antiprism, and the hepta‐coordinated one is in a square‐base‐trigonal‐cap cooordination polyhedron. In most tpp complexes, the Zr atom is displaced by up to 0.3Å out of the centre of the coordination polyhedron towards the tetrapyrrolic ligand. In 13/14 , both antiprisms are face shared by an O₄ plane, and in 12 they are shared by an O₂ edge and the O atoms of the bridging aminocarboxylates, the dihedral angle between the O₄ planes of both antiprisms being 50.1(1)°. The mean Zr‐N_p distance is 0.05Å longer in the pc complexes than in the tpp complexes (d(Zr‐N_p)_pc = 2.31Å). In the monophenolato complexes, the mean Zr‐O distance (∼2.00Å) is shorter than in the complexes with other O‐donor ligands (d(Zr‐O)_pc = 2.18Å; d(Zr‐O)_tpp = 2.21Å); the Zr‐Cl distances vary between 2.473(1) and 2.559(2)Å (d(Zr‐Cl)_tpp = 2.51Å). d(C‐O_exo) = 1.494(4)Å in the bidentate hydrogencarbonato ligand in 6 is 0.26Å longer than in the bidentate carbonato ligands in 5 and 7 . 9 and 10a are rotamers slightly differing by the orientation of the axial ligands with respect to the tpp ligand. In 1—4, 6 , and 11 the phenolato, catecholato, and benzoato ligands, respectively, are in syn‐ and/or anti‐conformations with respect to the plane of the macrocycle. π‐Dimers with modest overlap of the neighbouring macrocyclic rings are observed in 5, 6, 8, 9, 10b, 12 , and 14 . The common UV/Vis spectroscopical and vibrational properties of the new phthalocyaninates and tetraphenylporphyrinates scarcely reflect their rich structural diversity.     

One‐pot synthesis of trifluoromethylated benzimidazolines catalyzed by phosphotungstic acid with a low catalyst loading

The inexpensive Keggin‐type polyoxometalate, i.e. H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ was found to be an effect catalyst for the condensation‐cyclization reaction of 1,2‐phenylenediamines and trifluoromethyl ketones to synthesize trifluoromethylated heterocycles, including benzimidazolines, benzoxazolines and benzothiazolines. Only 1 mol% of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ was required in this work, and the synergistic effect of proton and polyanion was vital for the reaction. Significantly, the POM catalyst could be easily recovered by using a biphasic solvent system (H₂O/toluene, V/V = 1:5), and reused at least for four times without significant loss in activity.     

Epoxidation of cyclohexene with H2O2 over efficient water‐tolerant heterogeneous catalysts composed of mono‐substituted phosphotungstic acid on co‐functionalized SBA‐15

A series of Keggin‐type heteropolyacid‐based heterogeneous catalysts (Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15) were synthesized via immobilized transition metal mono‐ substituted phosphotungstic acids (Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM) on octyl‐amino‐co‐functionalized mesoporous silica SBA‐15 (octyl‐NH₂‐SBA‐15). Characterization results indicated that Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM units were highly dispersed in mesochannels of SBA‐15, and both types of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites existed in Co‐/Fe‐/Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 catalysts. Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance in H₂O₂‐mediated cyclohexene epoxidation with 83.8% of cyclohexene conversion, 92.8% of cyclohexene oxide selectivity, and 98/2 of epoxidation/allylic oxidation selectivity. The order of catalytic activity was Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 > Fe‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 > Cu‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15. In order to obtain insights into the role of ‐octyl moieties during catalysis, an octyl‐free catalyst (Co‐POM‐NH₃‐SBA‐15) was also synthesized. In comparison with Co‐POM‐NH₃‐SBA‐15, Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 showed enhanced catalytic properties (viz. activity and selectivity) in cyclohexene epoxidation. Strong chemical bonding between ‐NH₃⁺ anchored on the surface of SBA‐15 and heteropolyanions resulted in excellent stability of Co‐POM‐octyl‐NH₃‐SBA‐15 catalyst, and it could be reused six times without considerable loss of activity.     

Hybrid Coordination Networks Constructed from ɛ‐Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates and Rigid Imidazole‐Based Bridging Ligands as New Carriers for Noble‐Metal Catalysts

Three hybrid coordination networks that were constructed from ?‐Keggin polyoxometalate building units and imidazole‐based bridging ligands were prepared under hydrothermal conditions, that is, H[(Hbimb)₂(bimb){Zn₄PMo^V8Mo^VI₄O₄₀}] ? 6 H₂O ( 1 ), [Zn(Hbimbp)(bimbp)₃{Zn₄PMo^V8Mo^VI₄O₄₀}] ? DMF ? 3.5 H₂O ( 2 ), and H[Zn₂(timb)₂(bimba)₂Cl₂{Zn₄PMo^V8Mo^VI₄O₄₀}] ? 7 H₂O ( 3 ) (bimb=1,4‐bis(1‐imidazolyl)benzene, bimbp=4,4′‐bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl, timb=1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl)benzene, bimba=3,5‐bis(1‐imidazolyl)benzenamine). All three compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The mixed valence of the Mo centers was analyzed by XPS spectroscopy and bond‐valence sum calculations. In all three compounds, the ?‐Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) units acted as nodes that were connected by rigid imidazole‐based bridging ligands to form hybrid coordination networks. In compound 1 , 1D zigzag chains extended to form a 3D supramolecular architecture through intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Compound 2 consisted of 2D curved sheets, whilst compound 3 contained chiral 2D networks. Because of the intrinsic reducing properties of ?‐Keggin POM species, noble‐metal nanoparticles were loaded onto these POM‐based coordination networks. Thus, compounds 1 – 3 were successfully loaded with Ag nanoparticles, and the corresponding composite materials exhibited high catalytic activities for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol.     

Supramolecular networks supported by the anion…π linkage of Keggin‐type heteropolyoxotungstates

Anion…π interactions are newly recognized weak supramolecular forces which are relevant to many types of electron‐deficient aromatic substrates. Being less competitive with respect to conventional hydrogen bonding, anion…π interactions are only rarely considered as a crystal‐structure‐defining factor. Their significance dramatically increases for polyoxometalate (POM) species, which offer extended oxide surfaces for maintaining dense aromatic/inorganic stacks. The structures of tetrakis(caffeinium) μ₁₂‐silicato‐tetracosa‐μ₂‐oxido‐dodecaoxidododecatungsten trihydrate, (C₈H₁₁N₄O₂)₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·3H₂O, (1), and tris(theobrominium) μ₁₂‐phosphato‐tetracosa‐μ₂‐oxido‐dodecaoxidododecatungsten ethanol sesquisolvate, (C₇H₉N₄O₂)₃[PW₁₂O₄₀]·1.5C₂H₅OH, (2), support the utility of anion…π interactions as a special kind of supramolecular synthon controlling the structures of ionic lattices. Both caffeinium [(HCaf)⁺ in (1)] and theobrominium cations [(HTbr)⁺ in (2)] reveal double stacking patterns at both axial sides of the aromatic frameworks, leading to the generation of anion…π…anion bridges. The latter provide the rare face‐to‐face linkage of the anions. In (1), every square face of the metal–oxide cuboctahedra accepts the interaction and the above bridges yield flat square nets, i.e. {(HCaf⁺)₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4?}_n. Two additional cations afford single stacks only and they terminate the connectivity. Salt (2) retains a two‐dimensional (2D) motif of square nets, with anion…π…anion bridges involving two of the three (HTbr)⁺ cations. The remaining cations complete a fivefold anion…π environment of [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3?, acting as terminal groups. This single anion…π interaction is influenced by the specific pairing of (HTbr)⁺ cations by double amide‐to‐amide hydrogen bonding. Nevertheless, invariable 2D patterns in (1) and (2) suggest the dominant role of anion…π interactions as the structure‐governing factor, which is applicable to the construction of noncovalent linkages involving Keggin‐type oxometalates.     

Crystal Structures and Proton Conductivities of a MOF and Two POM–MOF Composites Based on CuII Ions and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic Acid

We have succeeded in constructing a metal–organic framework (MOF), [Cu(bpdc)(H₂O)₂]_n (H₂bpdc=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic acid, 1 ), and two poly‐POM–MOFs (POM=polyoxometalate), {H[Cu(Hbpdc)(H₂O)₂]₂[PM₁₂O₄₀] ? n H₂O}_n (M=Mo for 2 , W for 3 ), by the controllable self‐assembly of H₂bpdc, Keggin‐anions, and Cu²⁺ ions based on electrostatic and coordination interactions. Notably, these three compounds all crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, and the Hbpdc^? and bpdc^2? ions have the same coordination mode. Interestingly, in compounds 2 and 3 , Hbpdc^? and the Keggin‐anion are covalently linked to the transition metal copper at the same time as polydentate organic ligand and as polydentate inorganic ligand, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 represent new and rare examples of introducing the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks into POMs, thereby, opening a pathway for the design and the synthesis of multifunctional hybrid materials based on two building units. The Keggin‐anions being immobilized as part of the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks not only enhance the thermal stability of compounds 2 and 3 , but also introduce functionality inside their structures, thereby, realizing four approaches in the 1D hydrophilic channel used to engender proton conductivity in MOFs for the first time. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit good proton conductivity (10^?4 to ca. 10^?3 S cm^?1) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35 to about 98 %.     

Photochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Catalyzed by a Ruthenium‐Substituted Polyoxometalate

A polyoxometalate of the Keggin structure substituted with Ru^III, ⁶Q₅[Ru^III(H₂O)SiW₁₁O₃₉] in which ⁶Q=(C₆H₁₃)₄N⁺, catalyzed the photoreduction of CO₂ to CO with tertiary amines, preferentially Et₃N, as reducing agents. A study of the coordination of CO₂ to ⁶Q₅[Ru^III(H₂O)SiW₁₁O₃₉] showed that 1) upon addition of CO₂ the UV/Vis spectrum changed, 2) a rhombic signal was obtained in the EPR spectrum (g_x=2.146, g_y=2.100, and g_z=1.935), and 3) the ¹³C NMR spectrum had a broadened peak of bound CO₂ at 105.78 ppm (Δ_1/2=122 Hz). It was concluded that CO₂ coordinates to the Ru^III active site in both the presence and absence of Et₃N to yield ⁶Q₅[Ru^III(CO₂)SiW₁₁O₃₉]. Electrochemical measurements showed the reduction of Ru^III to Ru^II in ⁶Q₅[Ru^III(CO₂)SiW₁₁O₃₉] at ?0.31 V versus SCE, but no such reduction was observed for ⁶Q₅[Ru^III(H₂O)SiW₁₁O₃₉]. DFT‐calculated geometries optimized at the M06/PC1//PBE/AUG‐PC1//PBE/PC1‐DF level of theory showed that CO₂ is preferably coordinated in a side‐on manner to Ru^III in the polyoxometalate through formation of a Ru? O bond, further stabilized by the interaction of the electrophilic carbon atom of CO₂ to an oxygen atom of the polyoxometalate. The end‐on CO₂ bonding to Ru^III is energetically less favorable but CO₂ is considerably bent, thus favoring nucleophilic attack at the carbon atom and thereby stabilizing the carbon sp² hybridization state. Formation of a O₂C–NMe₃ zwitterion, in turn, causes bending of CO₂ and enhances the carbon sp² hybridization. The synergetic effect of these two interactions stabilizes both Ru–O and C–N interactions and probably determines the promotional effect of an amine on the activation of CO₂ by [Ru^III(H₂O)SiW₁₁O₃₉]^5?. Electronic structure analysis showed that the polyoxometalate takes part in the activation of both CO₂ and Et₃N. A mechanistic pathway for photoreduction of CO₂ is suggested based on the experimental and computed results.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and magnetic properties of the banana-shaped tungstophosphates: [M6(H2O)2(PW9O34)2(PW6O26)]17− (MII=NiII,CoII)

Two new banana-shaped tungstophosphates [M₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]^{17 ?} (M^II?=?Ni^II, Co^II) incorporating two types of lacunary polyoxometalate units have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and UV spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses show that Na₆H₁₁[Ni₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]?·?32H₂O (1) and Na₇H₁₀[Co₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]?· 31H₂O (2) are generated from two tri-M^II substituted B-α-[(MOH₂)M₂PW₉O₃₄] Keggin units connected by a hexavacant [PW₆O₂₆]^11? Keggin fragment, leading to the M^II-containing banana-shaped tungstophosphates. Magnetic properties of 2 show decrease of the molar magnetic susceptibility at higher temperatures results from spin-orbit coupling of Co^II and antiferromagnetic interactions whereas the maximum at the lower temperatures is indicative of the ferromagnetic interactions within the trinuclear Co^II spin cluster in the sandwich belt.     

Keggin‐type Polyoxometalates [PW11O39MCl]5– with Noble Metals (M = Rh and Ir): Novel Synthetic Entries and ESI‐MS Directed Reactivity Screening

A new synthetic entry to iridium Keggin‐type polyoxometalate complexes from [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7– and K₃[IrCl₆] under harsh conditions is reported. The complex [PW₁₁O₃₉IrCl]^5– ( 1 ^5–) featuring an IrCl functionality was obtained in high yield and characterized by NMR spectroscopic and ESI‐MS techniques. The presence of Li⁺ (3–4 M) is essential for a quantitative yield of 1 ^5–. The reactivities of 1 ^5– and its rhodium analogue [PW₁₁O₃₉RhCl]^5– in ligand substitution at the noble metal site were studied. Thiocyanate coordination successfully yielded (Bu₄N)₅[PW₁₁O₃₉M(SCN)] [M = Rh ( 2a ), Ir, ( 3a )]. In both cases, the SCN ligands are coordinated by sulfur atoms, according to ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopic data. Gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of compounds 2a and 3a were also investigated by collision‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments. Reaction of [PW₁₁O₃₉RhCl]^5– with NaN₃ resulted in Cl^– to OH^– replacement accompanied by the liberation of the RhCl fragment, whereas 1 ^5– proved unreactive with NaN₃. Attempts to coordinate NO₂^– are adversely affected by competing noble metal excision with formation of free [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7–.     

Expanding the Scope of Polyoxometalates as Artificial Proteases towards Hydrolysis of Insoluble Proteins

Despite the enormous importance of insoluble proteins in biological processes, their structural investigation remains a challenging task. The development of artificial enzyme-like catalysts would greatly facilitate the elucidation of their structure since currently used enzymes in proteomics largely lose activity in the presence of surfactants, which are necessary to solubilize insoluble proteins. In this study, the hydrolysis of a fully insoluble protein by polyoxometalate complexes as artificial proteases in surfactant solutions is reported for the first time. The hydrolysis of zein as a model protein was investigated in the presence of Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs), (Et₂NH₂)₁₀[M(α-PW₁₁O₃₉)₂] (M = Zr or Hf), and different concentrations of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Selective hydrolysis of the protein upon incubation with the catalyst was observed, and the results indicate that the hydrolytic selectivity and activity of the POM catalysts strongly depends on the concentration of surfactant. The molecular interactions between the POM catalyst and zein in the presence of SDS were explored using a combination of spectroscopic techniques which indicated competitive binding between POM and SDS towards the protein. Furthermore, the formation of micellar superstructures in ternary POM/surfactant/protein solutions has been confirmed by conductivity and Dynamic Light Scattering measurements.     

An Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Based on Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate and Hypoxanthine: Synthesis,Structure, Stability,and Electrochemistry Properties

The organic‐inorganic hybrid H₅[Ag₂(hyp)₂]₂[BW₁₂O₄₀] · 9H₂O ( 1 ) (hpy = hypoxanthine), based on Keggin‐type polyoxometalate and hypoxanthine, was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry. The title compound has a two‐dimensional layer structure constructed by Keggin‐type [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5– anion, silver, and the biomolecule hyp. In addition, compound 1 exhibited excellent stability and superior activity in the electro‐catalytic oxidation of glucose.