Stability and structure in alpha- and beta-Keggin Heteropolytungstates, [X(n)(+)W12O40)](8-n)(-), X = p-block cation

beta-[SiW(12)O(40)](4)(-) (C(3)(v) symmetry) is sufficiently higher in energy than its alpha-isomer analogue that effectively complete conversion to alpha-[SiW(12)O(40)](4)(-) (T(d)) is observed. By contrast, beta- and alpha-[AlW(12)O(40)](5)(-) (beta- and alpha-1; C(3)(v) and T(d), respectively) are sufficiently close in energy that both isomers are readily seen in (27)Al NMR spectra of equilibrated (alpha-beta) mixtures. Recently published DFT calculations ascribe the stability of beta-1 to an electronic effect of the large, electron-donating [AlO(4)](5)(-) (T(d)) moiety encapsulated within the polarizable, fixed-diameter beta-W(12)O(36) (C(3)(v)) shell. Hence, no unique structural distortion of beta-1 is needed or invoked to explain its unprecedented stability. The results of these DFT calculations are confirmed by detailed comparison of the X-ray crystal structure of beta-1 (beta-Cs(4.5)K(0.5)[Al(III)W(12)O(40)].7.5H(2)O; orthorhombic, space group Pmc2(1), a = 16.0441(10) A, b = 13.2270(8) A, c = 20.5919(13) A, Z = 4 (T = 100(2) K)) with previously reported structures of alpha-1, alpha- and beta-[SiW(12)O(40)](4)(-), and beta(1)-[SiMoW(11)O(40)](4)(-).     

Syntheses and Characterization of gamma-[SiW(10)M(2)S(2)O(38)](6)(-) (M = Mo(V), W(V)). Two Keggin Oxothio Heteropolyanions with a Metal-Metal Bond

The oxothio polyanions gamma-[SiW(10)M(2)S(2)O(38)](6)(-) (M = Mo(V), W(V)) were obtained through stereospecific addition of the dication [M(2)S(2)O(2)](2+) (M = Mo, W) to the divacant gamma-[SiW(10)O(36)](8)(-) anion in dimethylformamide. These compounds were isolated as crystals and are stable in usual organic solvents and in aqueous medium from pH = 1 to pH = 7. NEt(4)Cs(3)H(2)[SiW(10)Mo(2)S(2)O(38)].6H(2)O (a gamma-isomer derived from the alpha Keggin structure capped by the [Mo(2)S(2)O(2)](2+) fragment containing a metal-metal bond) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 12.050(3) ?, b = 12.695(2) ?, c = 20.111(4) ?, alpha = 74.35(2) degrees, beta = 86.83(2) degrees, gamma = 63.50(2) degrees, Z = 2. NEt(4)Cs(5)[SiW(12)S(2)O(38)].7H(2)O is isostructural and crystallizes in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 12.197(4) ?, b = 12.714(3) ?, c = 20.298(3) ?, alpha = 74.75(1) ?, beta = 86.48(2) degrees, gamma = 61.80(2) degrees, Z = 2. (183)W NMR spectra of Li(+) salts in aqueous solution agree with the solid state structures and reveal 100% purity for both anions. Polarographic, infrared and UV-vis data are also given.     

Photophysical and novel charge-transfer properties of adducts between [RuII(bpy)3]2+ and [S2Mo18O62]4-

The photophysical properties of acetonitrile solutions of [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-) are described. We discuss evidence for ion cluster formation in solution and the observation that despite the strong donor ability of the excited state of [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and its inherent photolability, adducts with [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-) were photostable. Photophysical studies suggest that the quenching of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) excited state by [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-) occurs via a static mechanism and that binding is largely electrostatic in nature. Evidence is provided from difference spectroscopy and luminescence excitation spectroscopy for good electronic communication between [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-) with the presence of a novel, luminescent, inter-ion charge-transfer transition. The identity of the transition is confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy.     

Mechanistic analysis of the electrocatalytic properties of dissolved alpha and beta isomers of [SiW12O40]4- and solid [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] on the reduction of nitrite in acidic aqueous media

Voltammetric studies on the reduction of alpha and beta isomers of the Keggin polyoxometalate anion [SiW12O40]4- reveal a series of electrochemically reversible processes in acidic aqueous media. In the presence of NO2-, catalytic current is detected in the potential region of the [SiW12O40]4-/5- process. Electronic spectroscopy and simulation of voltammetric data undertaken at variable [NO2-] and [H+] allow the following mechanism to be postulated, [SiW12O40]4- + e- <-->[SiW12O40]5-, H+ + HNO2 <--> NO+ + H2O, NO+ + [SiW12O40]5- --> NO + [SiW12O40]4-. The second-order rate constant for the rate-determining step is faster for the alpha isomer than for the beta one. This may be attributed to the different reversible potentials of -0.144 V (alpha isomer) and -0.036 V vs Ag/AgCl (beta isomer) and, hence, smaller driving force for an assumed outer sphere electron-transfer reaction in the case of beta isomer. A stable, water-insoluble, thin-film [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] chemically modified electrode was generated electrochemically via ion-exchange of [Ru(bipy)3]2+ with Bu4N+ in the [Bu4N]4[alpha-SiW12O40] solid. The first reduction process with this modified electrode gives rise to the reaction [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40](solid) + H+(soln) + e- <--> H[Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40](solid). The need to transfer a proton from the solution to the solid phase for charge neutralization purposes introduces a hydrogen-ion concentration dependence into this reaction, which is not found in the solution-phase study. Nevertheless, the voltammetric catalytic activity with respect to nitrite reduction is retained with the chemically modified electrode. However, nitrite catalysis with the [Ru(bipy)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40]-modified electrode is now independent of concentration of H+, rather than exhibiting a first-order dependence, and full mechanistic details for this process are unknown.     

Structure,magnetism, and electrochemistry of the multinickel polyoxoanions [Ni6As3W24O94(H2O)2]17-, [Ni3Na(H2O)2(AsW9O34)2]11-, and [Ni4Mn2P3W24O94(H2O)2]17-

The three novel, multi-nickel-substituted heteropolytungstates [Ni(6)As(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)](17)(-) (1), [Ni(3)Na(H(2)O)(2)(AsW(9)O(34))(2)](11)(-) (2), and [Ni(4)Mn(2)P(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)](17)(-) (3) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, electrochemistry, and magnetic studies. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on Na(16.5)Ni(0.25)[Ni(6)As(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)].54H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 17.450(4) A, b = 17.476(4) A, c = 22.232(4) A, alpha = 85.73(3) degrees, beta = 89.74(3) degrees, gamma = 84.33(3) degrees, and Z = 2, Na(11)[Ni(3)Na(H(2)O)(2)(AsW(9)O(34))(2)].30.5H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 12.228(2) A, b = 16.743(3) A, c = 23.342(5) A, alpha = 78.50(3) degrees, beta = 80.69(3) degrees, gamma = 78.66(3) degrees, and Z = 2, and Na(17)[Ni(4)Mn(2)P(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)].50.5H(2)O, which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 17.540(4) A, b = 22.303(5) A, c = 35.067(7) A, beta = 95.87(3) A, and Z = 4. Polyanion 1 consists of two B-alpha-(Ni(3)AsW(9)O(40)) Keggin moieties linked via a unique AsW(6)O(16) fragment, leading to a banana-shaped structure with C(2)(v)() symmetry. The mixed-metal tungstophosphate 3 is isostructural with 1. Polyanion 2 consists of two lacunary B-alpha-[AsW(9)O(34)](9)(-) Keggin moieties linked via three nickel(II) centers and a sodium ion. Electrochemical studies show that 1-3 exhibit a unique and reproducible voltammetric pattern and that all three compounds are stable in a large pH range. An investigation of the magnetic properties of 1-3 indicates that the exchange interactions within the trimetal clusters are ferromagnetic. However, for 1 and 3 intra- and intermolecular interactions between different trinuclear clusters are also present.     

Incorporation of cationic electron donor of Ni-pyridyltetrathiafulvalene with anionic electron acceptor of polyoxometalate

A new salt-[Ni(II)(DMSO)(5)(TTFPy)](2)[α-SiW(12)O(40)] (1)-based on polyoxometalates was prepared by coordinating a cationic electron donor of pyridyltetrathiafulvalene (TTFPy) with Ni(II). Although the TTFPy molecule did not form a salt with the anionic α-[SiW(VI)(12)O(40)](4-) because of the weak charge-transfer (CT) interaction, the coordination of Ni with the pyridyl moiety permitted salt formation driven by electrostatic interaction, giving a single crystal of 1. Crystallographic analysis, UV-vis and IR spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization revealed that the fully oxidized α-[SiW(VI)(12)O(40)](4-) was crystallized with the neutral TTFPy moiety from the acetonitrile solution because of the low electron-withdrawing ability of α-[SiW(VI)(12)O(40)](4-), forming a brown-orange crystal. The crystal colour quickly turned to black by immersing in methanol, due to CT from TTF moiety to α-[SiW(VI)(12)O(40)](4-), which was caused by the solvent effect. Increase in the solvent acceptor number from 18.9 for acetonitrile to 41.3 for methanol resulted in the enhancement of the electron withdrawing ability of α-[SiW(VI)(12)O(40)](4-) by 0.317 V in methanol.     

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the sulfite-based polyoxometalate cluster redox series: alpha- and beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](4-/5-/6-)

The synthesis, isolation and structural characterization of the sulfite polyoxomolybdate clusters alpha-(D(3h))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN and beta-(D(3d))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN is presented. Voltammetric studies in acetonitrile (0.1 M Hx(4)NClO(4), Hx(4)N=tetra-n-hexylammonium) reveal the presence of an extensive series of six one-electron reduction processes for both isomers. Under conditions of bulk electrolysis, the initial [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](4-/5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-/6-) processes produce stable [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](6-) species, respectively, and the same reduced species may be produced by photochemical reduction. Spectroelectrochemical data imply that retention of structural form results upon reduction, so that both alpha and beta isomers are available at each of the 4-, 5-, and 6-redox levels. However, the alpha isomer is the thermodynamically favored species in both the one- and two-electron-reduced states, with beta-->alpha isomerization being detected in both cases on long time scales (days). EPR spectra also imply that increasing localization of the unpaired electron occurs over the alpha- and beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) frameworks as the temperature approaches 2 K where the EPR spectra show orthorhombic symmetry with different g and hyperfine values for the alpha and beta isomers. Theoretical studies support the observation that it is easier to reduce the alpha cluster than the beta form and also provide insight into the driving force for beta-->alpha isomerization in the reduced state. Data are compared with that obtained for the well studied alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(4))(2))](4-) sulfate cluster.     

Cation-directed synthesis of tungstosilicates. 1. Syntheses and structures of K10A-alpha-[SiW9O34].24H2O,of the sandwich-type complex K10.75[Co(H2O)6]0.5[Co(H2O)4Cl]0.25A-alpha-[K2(Co(H2O)2)3(SiW9O34)2].32H2O and of Cs15[K(SiW11O39)2].39H2O

The influence of the nature of alkali metal cations on the structure of the species obtained from the trivacant precursor A-alpha-[SiW(9)O(34)](10-) has been studied. Starting from the potassium salt 1, K(10)A-alpha-[SiW(9)O(34)].24H(2)O, the sandwich-type complex 2, K(10.75)[Co(H(2)O)(6)](0.5)[Co(H(2)O)(4)Cl](0.25)A-alpha-[K(2)(Co(H(2)O)(2))(3)(SiW(9)O(34) )(2)].32H(2)O, has been obtained. The crystal structures of these two compounds consist of two A-alpha-[SiW(9)O(34)](10-) anions linked by a set of potassium (1) or cobalt plus potassium cations (2), and the relative orientation of the two half-anions is the same. Attempts to link two A-alpha-[SiW(9)O(34)](10-) anions by tungsten atoms instead of cobalt failed whatever the alkali metal cation. Moreover, the nondisordered structure of Cs(15)[K(SiW(11)O(39))(2)].39H(2)O is described. Two [SiW(11)O(39)](8-) anions are linked through a potassium cation with a "trans-oid" conformation, and the potassium occupies a cubic coordination site.     

Electronic properties of polyoxometalates: electron and proton affinity of mixed-addenda Keggin and Wells-Dawson anions

A series of systematic DFT calculations were conducted on Keggin [SiW(9)M(3)O(40)](n-), M = Mo, V, and Nb; and Wells-Dawson anions [P(2)M(18)O(62)],(6-) M = W and Mo; [P(2)M(15)M(3)'O(62)](m-), M = W and Mo, M' = W, Mo, and V to analyze the redox properties and the basicity of the external oxygen sites in polyoxometalates with nonequivalent addenda metals. The energy and composition of the lowest unoccupied orbitals, formally delocalized over the addenda atoms, determine the redox properties of a polyoxometalate. When a Mo(6+) substitutes one W(6+) in the 1:12 tungstate, the energy of the LUMO decreases and the cluster is more easily reduced. The tungstoniobates behave differently because the niobium orbitals insert into the tungsten band and the reduction of [SiW(9)Nb(3)O(40)](7-) yields the blue species SiW(9)Nb(3) 1e and not the cluster SiW(9)Nb(2)Nb(IV). In Wells-Dawson structures, the polar and equatorial sites have different electron affinities and the reduction preferentially occurs in the equatorial sites. Inserting ions with larger electron affinities into the polar sites can modify this traditional conduct. Hence, the trisubstituted [P(2)W(15)V(3)O(62)](9-) anion is reduced in the vanadium polar sites. By means of molecular electrostatic potential maps and the relative energy of the various protonated forms of [SiW(9)V(3)O(40)](7-) and [SiW(9)Mo(3)O(40)](4-), we established the basicity scale: OV(2) > OMo(2) > OW(2) > OV > OW > OMo. Finally, a continuum model for the solvent enabled us to compare anions with different total charges.     

Methoxide of an Anderson-type polyoxometalate and its conversion to a new type of species, [IMo9O32(OH)(OH2)3]4-

A totally new type of polyoxometalate, [IMo(9)O(32)(OH)(OH(2))(3)](4)(-), has been synthesized by reacting [IMo(6)O(22)(OMe)(2)](3)(-) with water. The [IMo(9)O(32)(OH)(OH(2))(3)](4)(-) anion further transforms into [(IMo(7)O(26))(2)](6)(-), a molecular oxide that has a rutile core, in dry acetonitrile, while it stays intact for several hours in wet acetonitrile.     

About the Keggin isomers: crystal structure of [N(C4H9)4]-gamma-[SiMo2W10O40]n- (n= 4 or 6)

The tetrabutylammonium gamma-dodecatungstosilicate has been crystallized in a 6/1 acetonitrile/water solvent. An X-ray single-crystal analysis was carried out on [N(C4H9)4]4-gamma-[SiW12O40] which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 19.0881(3) A, b = 21.4435(3) A, c = 26.0799(1) A, V = 10674.9(2) A3, Z = 4, and rho(calcd) = 2.392 g/cm3. The idealized C2v arrangement of the anion results from the rotation of 60 degrees of two trigonal [W3O13] groups in the Keggin anion. Taking as reference the geometrical characteristics of the Keggin anion, it appears that the bond lengths and bonds angles within the four [W3O13] groups are not significantly modified while the mu-oxo junctions between the two rotated groups and those between the two unrotated groups involve more acute and opened W-O-W angles, respectively. The syntheses and 183W NMR characterizations of the mixed gamma-[SiW10Mo2O40]n- compounds corresponding to the oxidized (Mo(VI); n = 4) and to the two electron-reduced (Mo(V); n = 6) anions are reported. Structural analysis by 183W NMR has proved unambiguously that the C2v structure of the gamma-[SiW10O36]8- subunit is retained in both the compounds. The electronic behavior of the series gamma-[SiW10M2E2O36]6- (M = Mo or W; E = O or S) is examined, compared and related to 183W NMR data.     

A novel zirconium polyoxometalate complex that contains both a coordinated saturated anion, [PMo12O40]3-, and a coordinated unsaturated anion, [PMo11O39]7-

The novel 8-coordinate zirconium compound (NH(4))(6)[Zr(PMo(12)O(40))(PMo(11)O(39))].26H(2)O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and vibrational and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. It is the first example of a metal complex containing both parent, [PMo(12)O(40)](3)(-), and monovacant lacunary, [PMo(11)O(39)](7)(-), anions. Furthermore, this is the first crystallographic determination of the [PMo(11)O(39)](7)(-) anion.     

Sensitization of photo-reduction of the polyoxometalate anions [S(2)M(18)O(62)](4-) (M = Mo, W) in the visible spectral region by the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) cation

Voltammetric, photo-physical and photo-electrochemical properties of the Dawson polyoxometalate anions alpha-[S(2)M(18)O(62)](4-) (M = Mo, W) are presented, both in the presence and absence of a series of [Ru(II)L(n)](+/2+) cations [L(n) = (bpy)(3), (bpy)(2)(Im)(2), (bpy)(2)(dpq), (bpy)(2)(box) and (biq)(2)(box)]. Electrochemical processes for both the anion and Ru(II/III) couples were detected in solutions of the salts [Ru(II)L(n)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] in dimethylformamide (0.1 M Bu(4)NPF(6)) by both cyclic and hydrodynamic voltammetries. Responses were also detected when the solid salts were adhered to the surface of a glassy carbon electrode in contact with an electrolyte in which they are insoluble (CH(3)CN; 0.1M Bu(4)NPF(6)). Photolysis experiments were performed on solutions of the salts [R(4)N](4)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] (R = n-butyl or n-hexyl) and [Ru(II)L(n)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)] at 355 and 420 nm in dimethylformamide and acetonitrile in the presence and absence of benzyl alcohol (10% v/v). When associated with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+), the molybdate anion exhibited a large increase in the quantum yield for photo-reduction at 420 nm. The quantum yield for the tungstate analogue was lower but the experiments again provided clear evidence for sensitization of the photo-reduction reaction in the visible spectral region. The origin of this sensitization is ascribed to the new optical transition observed around 480 nm in static ion clusters {[Ru(bpy)(3)][S(2)M(18)O(62)]}(2-) and {[Ru(bpy)(3)](2)[S(2)M(18)O(62)]} present in solution. Measurable photocurrents resulted from irradiation of solutions of the anions with white light in the presence of the electron donor dimethylformamide. Evidence is also presented for possible quencher-fluorophore interactions in the presence of certain [Ru(II)L(n)](+) cations.     

Phenylimido Functionalization of alpha-[PW12O40]3-

A synthetic route of potentially wide scope is reported herein for the organoimido functionalization of polyoxotungstates. This report focuses on the reaction between the monovacant lacunary polyoxotungstate, alpha-((n-C4H9)4N)4H3[PW11O39], and W(NC6H5)Cl4 in anhydrous acetonitrile. Evidence from 1H, 31P, 183W, and 1H-183W HMQC NMR spectroscopy, as well as cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption, and elemental analysis, is presented for the formation of alpha-[PW12O39(NC6H5)]3- (2) of Cs symmetry, which is structurally related to Td alpha-[PW12O40]3- (3) by formal oxide substitution. The electronic structure of 2 is significantly perturbed from 3 with significant arylimido-->tungsten charge transfer, primarily localized to the W(NC6H5) fragment with secondary charge delocalization onto the remaining W and corner-shared bridging O atoms. This is consistent with the approximately 800 ppm downfield 183W NMR shift for the phenylimido-tungsten, modest cathodic shifts in reversible redox potentials, electronic and IR spectra, and density functional theory calculations.     

Ionic liquid-enhanced photooxidation of water using the polyoxometalate anion [P2W18O62](6-) as the sensitizer

Simple polyoxometalate anions are known to be photoreduced in molecular solvents in the presence of 2-propanol or benzyl alcohol. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as the solvent is now reported to also allow the photooxidation of water to be achieved. In particular, the photochemistry of the classic Dawson polyoxometalate salt K(6)[P(2)W(18)O(62)] has been studied in detail when water is present in the aprotic IL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF(4)]) and the protic IL, diethanolamine hydrogen sulfate (DEAS). In these and other ILs, irradiation with white light (wavelength 275-750 nm) or UV light (wavelength 275-320 nm) leads to overall reduction of the [P(2)W(18)O(62)](6-) anion to [P(2)W(18)O(62)](7-) and concomitant oxidation of water to dioxygen and protons. The modified structure of bulk water present in ILs appears to facilitate its oxidation. Analogous results were obtained in aqueous solutions containing the protic IL as an electrolyte. The photoproducts (reduced polyoxometalate anion, dioxygen, and protons) were identified by, respectively, voltammetry, a Clark electrode, and monitoring of pH. The formal reversible potentials E(0)(F) for [P(2)W(18)O(62)](6-/7-/8-/9-/10-) couples are much more positive than in molecular solvents. The [P(2)W(18)O(62)](8-) and more reduced anions, if formed as intermediates, would efficiently reduce photoproducts H(+) or dioxygen to produce [P(2)W(18)O(62)](7-), rather than reform to [P(2)W(18)O(62)](6-). Thus, under photoirradiation conditions [P(2)W(18)O(62)](7-) acts as a kinetic sink so that in principle indirect splitting of water to produce dioxygen and dihydrogen can be achieved. The equivalent form of photooxidation does not occur in liquid water or in molecular solvents such as MeCN and MeCN/CH(2)Cl(2) containing added water, but does occur for solid K(6)[P(2)W(18)O(62)] in contact with water vapor.     

Electrochemical, spectroscopic, structural, and magnetic characterization of the reduced and protonated alpha-Dawson anions in [Fe(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(2)](5)[HS(2)Mo(18)O(62)].3HCONMe(2).2Et(2)O and [NBu(4)](5)[HS(2)Mo(18)O(62)].2H(2)O(1)

Reaction of excess Fe(cp)(2) (cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) dissolved in Et(2)O with [NHex(4)](4)[S(2)Mo(18)O(62)] in acetonitrile, followed by recrystallization of the precipitated solid from N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF), leads to isolation of the complex [Fe(cp)(2)](5)[HS(2)Mo(18)O(62)].3DMF.2Et(2)O. The solid has been characterized by microanalysis, by voltammetric analysis, by (1)H NMR, diffuse reflectance infrared, EPR, and M?ssbauer spectroscopies, and by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements. The data are consistent with the presence of a paramagnetic [Fe(cp)(2)](+) cation and a diamagnetic two-electron-reduced [HS(2)Mo(18)O(62)](5-) anion. The related salt [NBu(4)](5)[HS(2)Mo(18)O(62)].2H(2)O crystallizes in space group C2/c with a = 25.1255(3) A, b = 15.4110(2) A, c = 35.8646(4) A, beta = 105.9381(4), V = 13353.3(3) A(3), and Z = 4. The (2 e(-), 1 H(+))-reduced anion exists as the alpha-Dawson isomer, and its structure may be compared with those of the oxidized and (4 e(-), 3 H(+))-reduced anions as they exist in [NEt(4)](4)[S(2)Mo(18)O(62)].MeCN and [NBu(4)](5)[H(3)S(2)Mo(18)O(62)].4MeCN, respectively. Overall, the anion expands significantly upon the addition of two and then four electrons. However, the Mo...Mo distances along the bonds which connect the two equatorial belts decrease in the order 3.801, 3.780, and 3.736 A, making these distances the shortest for the three inequivalent sets of corner-sharing octahedra in each anion. This is consistent with the two or four added electrons localizing essentially in molecular orbitals which are bondiing with respect to interactions between the belts.     

Structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic characterization of a redox pair of sulfite-based polyoxotungstates: alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]4- and alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5-

The synthesis, isolation, and structural characterization of the fully oxidized sulfite-based polyoxotungstate cluster (Pr4N)4{alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]}.2CH3CN and the one-electron reduced form (Pr4N)5{alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]}.2CH3CN has been achieved. alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5- was obtained as a Pr4N+ salt by reducing the "Trojan Horse" [W18O56(SO3)2(H2O)2]8- cluster via a template orientation transformation. Acetonitrile solutions of pure alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5- also were prepared electrochemically by one-electron bulk reductive electrolysis of alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]4-. Cyclic voltammetry of alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]4- and alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5- in CH3CN (0.1 M Hx4NClO4) produces evidence for an extensive series of reversible one-electron redox processes, that are associated with the tungsten-oxo framework of the polyoxometalate cluster. Hydrodynamic voltammograms in CH3CN exhibit the expected sign and magnitude of the steady-state limiting current values for the alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]4-/5-/6- series and confirm the existence of a stable one-electron reduced species, alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5-. Employment of the Randles-Sevcik (cyclic voltammetry) and Levich (rotating disk electrode) equations at a glassy carbon electrode (d=3 mm) enable diffusion coefficient values of 3.7 and 3.8x10(-6) cm2 s-1 to be obtained for alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]4- and alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5-, respectively. The tungsten polyoxometalates are highly photoactive, since measurable photocurrents and color changes are detected for both species upon irradiation with white light. EPR spectra obtained from both acetonitrile solution and solid samples, down to temperatures as low as 2.3 K, of the chemically and electrochemically prepared one-electron reduced species provided evidence that the unpaired electron in alpha-[W18O54(SO3)2]5- is delocalized over a number of atoms in the polyoxometalate structure, even at very low temperatures.     

N-centered hexazirconium chloride clusters: excision and redox chemistry

The tightly cross-linked solid Zr(6)Cl(15)N yields [(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)](3-) upon heating with bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride (PPNCl), in MeCN at 90 degrees C. Purple solutions containing [(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)](3-) were obtained and characterized with (15)N NMR. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements on the series of [(Zr(6)ZCl(12))Cl(6)](n-) cluster ions (Z = Be, B, C, and N) in acetonitrile reveal that these cluster ions exhibit multiple reversible redox waves at potentials that can be systematically understood, including a reversible redox wave corresponding to the [(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)](3-/4-) couple. Preparation of the reduced cluster ion, [(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)](4-), (with 15 cluster-bonding electrons) was achieved by reduction of [(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)](3-) with (C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2)Co. Several new N-centered cluster complexes: (PPN)(3)[(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)].CH(2)Cl(2), [(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2)Co(+)](3)[(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)], and (Et(4)N)(4)[(Zr(6)NCl(12))Cl(6)].2CH(3)CN have been isolated and structurally characterized.     

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials with different dimensions constructed from copper-fluconazole metal-organic units and Keggin polyanion clusters

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials based on Keggin polyoxometalate building blocks combined with Cu(II)/Cu(I) and flexible fluconazole ligand [1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-bis[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]methanol] (Hfcz) have been obtained by hydrothermal methods, namely, [Cu(II)(2)(Hfcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))].3H(2)O (1), [Cu(II)(4)(fcz)(4)(H(2)O)(4)(SiMo(12)O(40))].6H(2)O (2), [Cu(II)(2)(fcz)(2)][Cu(II)(4)(fcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))][Cu(II)(2)(fcz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].6H(2)O (3), (Et(3)NH)(2)[Cu(I)(2)(Hfcz)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].2H(2)O (4), (Et(3)NH)(2)[Cu(I)(2)(Hfcz)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))].H(2)O (5) and [Cu(I)(4)(Hfcz)(4)(SiMo(12)O(40))] (6). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and the compounds are further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. In 1, Cu(II) cations are bridged by fluconazole ligands to form a 3D lvt coordination polymeric network, which is connected by (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) anions to form a complicated 3D (4,6)-connected framework with the topology of (4(2).6(4))(4(6).6(7).8(2))(2). In 2, two fcz(-) anions chelate two Cu(2+) cations to form a [Cu(fcz)](2)(2+) dimer, which is bridged by (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions to generate a 2D (4,4) grid. Compound 3 is formed by three types of co-crystallizing subunits including a dimer [Cu(fcz)](2)(2+), a dumbbell molecule [Cu(4)(fcz)(4)(SiW(12)O(40))] and an infinite chain {[Cu(2)(fcz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)(SiW(12)O(40))](2-)}(infinity). In compounds 4 and 5, Hfcz ligands link Cu(+) cations to generate 1D coordination polymeric units, and (SiW(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions connect these metal-organic units to form two types of (6(3)) sheets which are topological isomerism. In compound 6, (SiMo(12)O(40))(4-) polyanions fixed in Cu(I)-Hfcz square rings are further extended into a 2D sheet via linking Cu(I) atoms of different rings. By carefully inspection of the structures of 1-6, it is believed that various transition-metal organic units and Keggin polyanions with different coordination modes are important for the formation of the different structures. In addition, electrochemical behaviors of compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 have been investigated.     

Hydrogen-bonded assemblies of two-electron reduced mixed-valence [XMo12O40] (X = P and Si) with p-phenylenediamines

Hydrogen-bonded assemblies of the two-electron reduced mixed-valence Keggin clusters [PMo(12)O(40)](5-) and [SiMo(12)O(40)](6-) were obtained by the one-pot electron-transfer reactions between p-phenylenediamine (PPD) or 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-PPD (TMPPD) (donors) and H(+)(3)[PMo(12)O(40)](3-) or H(+)(4)[SiMo(12)O(40)](4-) (acceptors) in CH(3)CN. The redox states of the [PMo(12)O(40)](5-) and [SiMo(12)O(40)](6-) clusters were confirmed by the redox titrations and electronic absorption measurements. In (HPPD(+))(3)(H(+))(2)[PMo(12)O(40)](5-)(CH(3)CN)(3-6) (1), the N-H ~ O hydrogen-bonded interactions between the monoprotonated HPPD(+) (or diprotonated H2PPD(2+)) and the [PMo(12)O(40)](5-) resulted in a windmill-like assembly and hydrophilic one-dimensional channels are formed with a cross-sectional area of 0.065 nm(2), and these are filled by the CH(3)CN molecules. Also, the CH(3)CN molecules in salt 1 were removed by immersing the single crystals of 1 into H(2)O, CH(3)OH, and C(2)H(5)OH solvents. In the compound, (HTMPPD(+))(6)[SiMo(12)O(40)](6-)(CH(3)CN)(6) (2), the N-H ~ O hydrogen-bonded interactions between the monoprotonated HTMPPD(+) molecules and the [SiMo(12)O(40)](6-) formed a "Saturn-ring"-like assembly. Each Saturn-ring was arranged into an hexagonally packed array via hydrogen-bonded and π-stacking interactions of HTMPPD(+), while the CH(3)CN solvent present in salt 2 are only found in the zero-dimensional isolated cavities.