Synthesis and structural characterization of a gamma-Keggin-type dimeric silicotungstate with a bis(mu-hydroxo) dizirconium core [(gamma-SiW10O36)2Zr2(mu-OH)2]10-

A novel dinuclear zirconium sandwich-type silicotungstate cluster of [(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(2)Zr(2)(mu-OH)(2)](10-) (1) was synthesized by the reaction of a divacant lacunary gamma-Keggin silicotungstate [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) with ZrOCl(2).8H(2)O. The anion consisted of two [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) units sandwiching a diamond Zr(2)(mu-OH)(2) core, and each zirconium atom in 1 was six-coordinated to two mu-OH ligands and four oxygen atoms of two [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) units. The Zr(2)(mu-OH)(2) core in 1 reacted with methanol to give the corresponding monomethoxo derivative [(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(2)Zr(2)(mu-OH)(mu-OCH(3))](10-) (2).     

Olefin epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by lacunary polyoxometalate [gamma-SiW10O34H2O2]4-

The tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) salt of the divacant Keggin-type polyoxometalate [TBA](4)[gamma-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)] (I) catalyzes the oxygen-transfer reactions of olefins, allylic alcohols, and sulfides with 30 % aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The negative Hammett rho(+) (-0.99) for the competitive oxidation of p-substituted styrenes and the low value of (nucleophilic oxidation)/(total oxidation), X(SO)=0.04, for I-catalyzed oxidation of thianthrene 5-oxide (SSO) reveals that a strongly electrophilic oxidant species is formed on I. The preferential formation of trans-epoxide during epoxidation of 3-methyl-1-cyclohexene demonstrates the steric constraints of the active site of I. The I-catalyzed epoxidation proceeds with an induction period that disappears upon treatment of I with hydrogen peroxide. (29)Si and (183)W NMR spectroscopy and CSI mass spectrometry show that reaction of I with excess hydrogen peroxide leads to fast formation of a diperoxo species, [TBA](4)[gamma-SiW(10)O(32)(O(2))(2)] (II), with retention of a gamma-Keggin type structure. Whereas the isolated compound II is inactive for stoichiometric epoxidation of cyclooctene, epoxidation with II does proceed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The reaction of II with hydrogen peroxide would form a reactive species (III), and this step corresponds to the induction period observed in the catalytic epoxidation. The steric and electronic characters of III are the same as those for the catalytic epoxidation by I. Kinetic, spectroscopic, and mechanistic investigations show that the present epoxidation proceeds via III.     

Transition metal containing decatungstosilicate dimer [M(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (M = Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+))

The new, monometal substituted silicotungstates [Mn(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (1), [Co(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (2) and [Ni(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (3) have been synthesized and isolated as the potassium salts K(10)[Mn(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 8.25 H(2)O (K-1), K(10)[Co(H(2)O0(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 8.25 H(2)O (K-2) and K(10)[Ni(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 13.5 H(2)O (K-3), which have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and cyclic voltammetry. Polyanions 1-3 are composed of two (gamma-SiW(10)O(36)) units fused on one side via two W-O-W' bridges and on the other side by an octahedrally coordinated trans-MO(4)(OH(2))(2) transition metal fragment, resulting in a structure with C(2v) point group symmetry. Anions 1-3 were synthesized by reaction of the dilacunary precursor [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) with Mn(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+) ions, respectively, in 1 M KCl solution at pH 4.5. The electrochemical properties of 1-3 were studied by cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry in a pH 5 buffer medium. The waves associated with the W-centers are compared with each other and with those of the parent lacunary precursor [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) in the same medium. They appear to be dominated by the acid-base properties of the intermediate reduced species. A facile merging of the waves for 3 is observed while those for 1 and 2 remain split. Controlled potential coulometry of the single wave of 3 or the combined waves of 1 and 2 is accompanied by catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction. No redox activity was detected for the Ni(2+) center in 3, whereas the Co(2+) center in 2 shows a one-electron redox process. The two-electron, chemically reversible process of the Mn(2+) center in 1 is accompanied by a film deposition on the electrode surface.     

Synthesis and structure of the pentacopper(II) substituted tungstosilicate [Cu5(OH)4(H2O)2(A-alpha-SiW9O33)2]10-

The dimeric, pentacopper(II) substituted tungstosilicate [Cu(5)(OH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)(A-alpha-SiW(9)O(33))(2)](10-) (1) has been synthesized in good yield using a one-pot procedure by reaction of Cu(2+) ions with the trilacunary precursor salt K(10)[A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34)]. The title polyanion represents the first polyoxotungstate substituted by 5 copper centers and the central copper-hydroxo-aqua fragment is completely unprecedented. In the course of the reaction, two [A-alpha-SiW(9)O(34)](10-) Keggin half-units have fused in an asymmetrical fashion resulting in the lacunary polyoxotungstate [Si(2)W(18)O(66)](16-). The vacancy in this species is stabilized by a magnetic cluster of five octahedrally coordinated Cu(2+) ions resulting in polyanion 1 with C(2v) symmetry.     

Bis- and tetrakis(organosilyl) decatungstosilicate,

The high propensity of organosilanes towards polycondensation and reaction with nucleophilic moieties has facilitated the formation of new organic-inorganic hybrids based on the lacunary divacant heteropolyanion [gamma-SiW10O36]8-. Depending on the experimental conditions two different types of derivatives were obtained with the general formula [gamma-SiW10O36(RSi)2O]4- (1) (>90% yield) and [gamma-SiW10O36(RSiO)4]4- (2) (>85% yield) (R = H (1a, 2a), vinyl (1b), -C3H6OC(O)C-(Me)=CH2 (1c, 2c), phenyl (1d, 2d)). The structures of the hybrid anions have been inferred from spectroscopic data, in particular from multinuclear (29Si and 183W) NMR solution studies and from MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Both species correspond to the grafting of an oxo-bridged siloxane unit onto the surface of the lacunary polyoxoanion.     

Polyoxometalate Derivatives with Multiple Organic Groups. 3. Synthesis and Structure of Bis(phenyltin) Bis(decatungstosilicate), [(PhSnOH(2))(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(2)](10)(-)

A new phenyltin tungstosilicate derivative, [(PhSnOH(2))(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(2)](10)(-) (1), has been prepared by reaction of phenyltin trichloride with K(8)[gamma-SiW(10)O(36)].xH(2)O. The new heteropolyanion was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR, and X-ray crystallography. The crystals of Cs(9)H[(PhSnOH(2))(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(36))(2)].16H(2)O (Cs salt of 1) are triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, with lattice constants a = 12.401(3) ?, b = 13.832(3) ?, c = 16.313(3) ?, alpha = 96.17(2) degrees, beta = 109.73(2) degrees, gamma = 97.13(2) degrees, V = 2579.9(10) ?, and Z = 1. Anion 1 has a structure of virtual C(2)(h)() symmetry with two phenyltin groups sandwiched between two gamma-SiW(10) groups. Such a structure is different from all previously reported polytungstates derived from [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8)(-) lacunary anions.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic performance of dititanium-substituted gamma-Keggin silicotungstate

A novel titanium-substituted silicotungstate cluster of [{gamma-SiTi2W10O36(OH)2}2(mu-O)2]8- (1) is synthesized by the introduction of titanium(IV) ions into a divacant lacunary gamma-Keggin-type silicotungstate of [gamma-SiW10O36]8-. This titanium-substituted polyoxometalate, 1, exhibits a dimeric structure. One half of the gamma-Keggin fragment of 1 contains a dinuclear titanium center bridged by two hydroxo groups, and the resulting Ti2(mu-OH)2 core connects to the other Ti2(mu-OH)2 core of the paired gamma-Keggin subunit through Ti-O-Ti linkages. The Ti2(mu-OH)2 core of 1 reacts with MeOH to form the corresponding alkoxo derivative, [{gamma-SiTi2W10O36(OH)(OMe)}2(mu-O)2]8- (2). Two of four hydroxo groups of the Ti2(mu-OH)2 cores in 1 are replaced by methoxo groups to give the Ti2(mu-OH)(mu-OMe) core, and the Ti-O-Ti linkages connecting two gamma-Keggin subunits are maintained in 2. The gamma-Keggin dititanium-substituted silicotungstate 1 catalyzes mono-oxygenation reactions, such as the epoxidation of olefins and sulfoxidation of sulfides with hydrogen peroxide under mild conditions, while the monotitanium-substituted silicotungstate, [alpha-SiTiW11O39]4- (3), and the fully occupied silicododecatungstate, [gamma-SiW12O40]4-, are inactive. The epoxidation with 1 is stereospecific; the configurations around the C=C double bonds of the cis- and trans-olefins are completely retained in the corresponding epoxides. For the competitive epoxidation of cis- and trans-2-octenes, the ratio of the formation rate of cis-2,3-epoxyoctane to that of the trans isomer (R(cis)/R(trans)) is relatively high (21.3) in comparison with those observed for the tungstate catalysts, including [gamma-SiW10O34(H2O)2]4-. The epoxidation of 3-methyl-1-cyclohexene is highly diastereoselective and gives the corresponding epoxide with an anti configuration. The molecular structure of 1 is preserved during the catalysis because the 29Si and 183W NMR spectra of the catalyst recovered after completion of the oxidation are consistent with those of as-prepared compound 1. All these facts suggest the contribution of rigid nonradical oxidants generated on the multinuclear titanium center of 1.     

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.     

Two types of oxalate-bridging rare-earth-substituted Keggin-type phosphotungstates {[(α-PW11O39)RE(H2O)]2(C2O4)}(10-) and {(α-x-PW10O38)RE2(C2O4)(H2O)2}(3-)

Two types of novel oxalate-bridging rare-earth-substituted Keggin-type phosphotungstates {[(α-PW(11)O(39)) RE(H(2)O)](2)(C(2)O(4))}(10-) (RE = Y(III) for 1, Dy(III) for 2, Ho(III) for 3 and Er(III) for 4) and {(α-x-PW(10)O(38))Tm(2)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)(2)}(3-) for 5 have been synthesized by reaction of [α-PW(11)O(39)](7-) with RE cations and oxalate ligands in aqueous solution. They have been further characterized by elemental analyses, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The common features of 1-4 are that they all contain the dimeric mono-RE substituted Keggin [RE(α-PW(11)O(39))](2)(14-) subunits linked by oxalate ligands whereas 5 exhibits a one-dimensional (1D) chain architecture built by the unusual divacant [α-x-PW(10)O(38)](11-) polyoxoanions and oxalate ligands. Notably, 1-5 represent the first oxalate-bridging dimers constructed by lacunary Keggin phosphotungstate-supported RE derivatives, and the unusual divacant [α-x-PW(10)O(38)](11-) fragment is found for the first time. Furthermore, the room-temperature solid-state photoluminescence of 2 has been investigated. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that 2 and 4 demonstrate weak ferromagnetic couplings within the two adjacent RE cations bridged through oxalate ligands, whereas dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are observed in 3 and 5, respectively.     

Computational modeling of di-transition-metal-substituted gamma-keggin polyoxometalate anions. Structural refinement of the protonated divacant lacunary silicodecatungstate

The B3LYP density functional method has been validated for the di-Mn-substituted gamma-Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) anion, [(SiO4)MnIII2(OH)2W10O32]4-, and for the divacant lacunary silicodecatungastate, gamma-[(SiO4)W10O32]8-. This approach was shown to adequately describe the geometries of [(SiO4)MnIII2(OH)2W10O32]4- and gamma-[(SiO4)W10O32]8. Three different geometrical models, "full", "medium", and "small", for Mn2-gamma-Keggin have also been validated. It was shown that the medium [(SiO4)MnIII2(OH)2W6O24H8]4- model, as well as small [(SiO4)MnIII2(OH)2W4O18H10]2- model, preserves structural features of the full system, [(SiO4)MnIII2(OH)2W10O32]4-. However, the small model distorts the charge distribution at the "active site" of the system and should be used with caution. The same computational approach was employed to elucidate the structure of the di-Fe-substituted gamma-Keggin POM. The structure of the acidic (tetra-protonated form) of lacunary POM, gamma-[(SiO4)W10O32H4]4-, was shown to be gamma-[(SiO4)W10O28(OH)4]4- with four terminal hydroxo ligands, rather than gamma-[(SiO4)W10O30(H2O)2]4- with two aqua and two oxo(terminal) ligands as reported by Mizuno and co-workers (Science 2003, 300, 964). The observed and calculated asymmetry in the W-O(terminal) bond distances of gamma-[(SiO4)W10O32H4]4- is explained in terms of the existence of O1H1...O2H2 and O4H4...O3H3 hydrogen-bonding patterns in the gamma-[(SiO4)W10O28(OH)4]4- structure.     

Insights into the mechanism of selective olefin epoxidation catalyzed by [gamma-(SiO4)W10O32H4]4-. A computational study

A mechanism for the H2O2-based epoxidation of olefins catalyzed by the lacunary polyoxometalate (POM) [gamma-(SiO4)W10O32H4]4- (1) has been investigated at the DFT level. In this study, for the first time a "hydroperoxy" mechanism for this important process has been proposed. It is divided into two steps and investigated using the whole lacunary compound as a model. In the first step, a hydroperoxy (W-OOH) species and a water molecule are generated. The formation of this nonradical oxidant (W-OOH), consistent with the experimental suggestions, occurs with a barrier of 4.4 (7.2) kcal/mol (the number without parenthesis includes solvent effects in benzene, while the one with parenthesis is in the gas phase). In the second step, the O-O bond of the W-OOH species is cleaved, and an epoxide is formed. This step has a barrier of 38.7 (40.0) kcal/mol. It was found that the presence of one and two (CH3)4N+ countercations significantly reduces the rate-limiting barrier by 7.6 (8.3) and 11.9 (12.6) kcal/mol, respectively, and makes this lacunary POM a very efficient catalyst for epoxidation of olefins by hydrogen peroxide. It was demonstrated that the lacunary polyoxometalate basically acts as a mononuclear W(VI) complex in activating the oxidant, a conceptually noteworthy finding.     

Reversible deprotonation and protonation behaviors of a tetra-protonated γ-Keggin silicodecatungstate

The potentiometric titration of a γ-Keggin tetra-protonated silicodecatungstate, [γ-SiW(10)O(34)(H(2)O)(2)](4-) (H(4)·I), with TBAOH (TBA = [(n-C(4)H(9))(4)N](+)) showed inflection points at 2 and 3 equiv of TBAOH. The (1)H, (29)Si, and (183)W NMR data suggested that the in situ formation of tri-, doubly-, and monoprotonated silicodecatungstates, [γ-SiW(10)O(34)(OH)(OH(2))](5-) (H(3)·I), [γ-SiW(10)O(34)(OH)(2)](6-) (H(2)·I), and [γ-SiW(10)O(35)(OH)](7-) (H·I), with C(1), C(2v), and C(2) symmetries, respectively. Single crystals of TBA(6)·H(2)·I suitable for the X-ray structure analysis were successfully obtained and the anion part was a monomeric γ-Keggin divacant silicodecatungstate with two protonated bridging oxygen atoms. Compounds H(3)·I, H(2)·I, and H·I were reversibly monoprotonated to form H(4)·I, H(3)·I, and H(2)·I, respectively.     

Keggin类杂多化合物催化α,β-不饱和羰基化合物环氧化

在乙睛溶剂中考察了一系列杂多化合物和过氧化氢水溶液催化的各种缺电子的α,β-不饱和羰基化合物的环氧化反应.在所研究的杂多化合物中,二缺位的[γ-SiW10(H2O)2O34](Bu4N)4显示出了最高的活性.     

Di- and tricobalt Dawson sandwich complexes: synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,and electrochemical behavior of Na(18)[(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)] and Na(17)[(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)

The reaction of the trivacant Dawson anion alpha-[P(2)W(15)O(56)](12-) and the divalent cations Co(2+) is known to form the tetracobalt sandwich complex [Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-) (Co(4)P(4)W(30)). Two new complexes, with different Co/P(2)W(15) stoichiometry, [(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-) (Na(2)Co(2)P(4)W(30)) and [(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](17-) (NaCo(3)P(4)W(30)), have been synthesized as aqueous-soluble sodium salts, by a slight modification of the reaction conditions. Both compounds were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and (31)P solution NMR spectroscopy. These species are "lacunary" sandwich complexes, which add Co(2+) cations according to Na(2)Co(2)P(4)W(30) + Co(2+) --> NaCo(3)P(4)W(30) + Na(+) followed by NaCo(3)P(4)W(30) + Co(2+) --> Co(4)P(4)W(30) + Na(+). A Li(+)/Na(+) exchange in the cavity was evidenced by (31)P dynamic NMR spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of the sandwich complexes [(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](17-) and [(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-) were investigated in aqueous solutions and compared with that of [Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-). These complexes showed an electrocatalytic effect on nitrite reduction.     

Polyoxoanions Derived from [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-)-Containing Oxo-Centered Dinuclear Chromium(III) Carboxylato Complexes: Synthesis and Single-Crystal Structural Determination of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-)

The previously unknown heteropolyoxometalates [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCR)(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-) (R = H, CH(3)) have been prepared by the reaction of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-) with [Cr(OH(2))(6)](3+) in formate or acetate buffer solution. Isolation of these new Cr(III)-substituted polyoxometalates was accomplished both as Cs(+) salts and as the Bu(4)N(+) salt for the acetate-containing anion. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV/vis, IR, and ESR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of (Bu(4)N)(3)H(2)[gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)].3H(2)O [P2(1)2(1)2(1); a = 17.608(12), b = 20.992(13), c = 24.464(11) ?; Z = 4; R = 0.057 for 6549 observed independent reflections] reveals that the two corner-linked CrO(6) octahedra are additionally bridged by two acetate groups, demonstrating the relationship to the well-studied oxo-centered trinuclear carboxylato complexes of Cr(III).     

Mechanism of [gamma-H2SiV2W10O40](4-)-catalyzed epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

The mechanism of [gamma-H2SiV2W10O40]4--catalyzed epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in acetonitrile/tert-butyl alcohol was investigated. The negative Hammett rho+ (-0.88) for the competitive oxidation of p-substituted styrenes and the low XSO (XSO = (nucleophilic oxidation)/(total oxidation)) value of <0.01 for the [gamma-H2SiV2W10O40]4--catalyzed oxidation of thianthrene-5-oxide reveal that the strong electrophilic oxidant species is formed on [gamma-H2SiV2W10O40]4- (I). The preferable formation of trans-epoxide for the epoxidation of 3-substituted cyclohexenes shows the steric constraints of the active oxidant on I. The 51V NMR, 183W NMR, and CSI-MS spectroscopy show that the reaction of I with hydrogen peroxide leads to the reversible formation of a hydroperoxo species [gamma-HSiV2W10O39OOH]4- (II). The successive dehydration of II forms III, which possibly has an active oxygen species of a mu-eta2:eta2-peroxo group. The kinetic and spectroscopic studies show that the present epoxidation proceeds via III. The energy diagram of the epoxidation with density functional theory (DFT) supports the idea.     

Hybrid polyoxotungstates as second-generation POM-based catalysts for microwave-assisted H2O2 activation

[structure: see text] Organic-inorganic hybrids synthesized from lacunary polyoxotungstates (POMs) have been screened as oxidation catalysts with H2O2 under MW irradiation. Yields up to 99% have been obtained in 25-50 min depending both on the POM structure and on the organic moiety. The reaction scope, optimized with the best performing catalyst [gamma-SiW10O36(PhPO)2]4-, includes epoxidation of terminal and internal double bonds, alcohol oxidation, and sulfoxidation, as well as oxygen transfer to electron-deficient substrates as chalcone, ketones, and sulfoxides.     

Lanthanoid-containing open Wells-Dawson silicotungstates: synthesis, crystal structures, and properties

Five novel lanthanoid-containing silicotungstates with polymeric crystal structures [Ln(2)(H(2)O)(7)Si(2)W(18)O(66)](n)(10n-) [Ln = Gd(III) (Gd-1 and Gd-2), Tb(III), Ho(III)] and [Dy(2)(H(2)O)(6.5)(C(2)H(4)O(2))(0.5)Si(2)W(18)O(66)](n)(10n-) were obtained from the one-step reaction of Na(10)[SiW(9)O(34)]·nH(2)O with Ln(NO(3))(3)·nH(2)O in a sodium acetate buffer. The compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and a wide range of analytical methods, including FT-IR, UV/vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy as well as electrochemistry and thermogravimetric analysis. This new polyoxotungstate series is the first example of lanthanoids embedded in the open Wells-Dawson silicotungstate anion [α-Si(2)W(18)O(66)](16-). The lanthanoid-containing Wells-Dawson-type polyoxoanions [Ln(2)(H(2)O)(7)Si(2)W(18)O(66)](10-) [Ln = Gd(III) (Gd-1 and Gd-2), Tb(III), Ho(III)] and [Dy(2)(H(2)O)(6.5)(C(2)H(4)O(2))(0.5)Si(2)W(18)O(66)](10-) are linked by Ln(3+) cations to form 3D architectures for Gd-1 or 2D frameworks for the isostructural compounds Tb-2, Dy-2, Ho-2, and Gd-2. The structure-directing influence of the lanthanoid cation on the local structure of the dimeric building blocks and on the crystal packing motifs is investigated in detail. The photoluminescence properties of Tb-2 and Dy-2 were investigated at room temperature, and Ho-2 exhibits an interesting photochromic behavior. The magnetic susceptibility of Gd-1 and Gd-2 was studied in the temperature range between 2 and 300 K for its effective magnetic moment.     

Preparation and Tungsten-183 NMR Characterization of [alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10)(-), [alpha-1-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-), and [alpha-2-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-)

The preparation of the alpha-1 and alpha-2 isomers of the Wells-Dawson 17 tungsto derivatives by standard methods is accompanied by a significant proportion of the other isomer present as an impurity. In this study, the alpha-1 and alpha-2 isomers of [Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-) have been prepared in >98% purity by reacting isomerically pure K(9)Li[alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61)] and K(10)[alpha-2-P(2)W(17)O(61)], respectively, with ZnCl(2), while rigorously controlling the pH at 4.7. The molecules were isolated as potassium salts. For (183)W NMR and (31)P NMR characterization, both molecules were ion exchanged by cation-exchange chromatography, maintaining the pH at 4.7, to obtain the lithium salts. Removal of water and isolation of a solid sample of [alpha-1-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-) was achieved by lyophilization at -40 degrees C. The chemical shift data from (31)P and (183)W NMR spectroscopy of the isolated [alpha-1-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-) and [alpha-2-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-) isomers are consistent with a mixture of the alpha-1 and alpha-2 isomers reported previously;(1) the molecules have the expected C(1) and C(s)() symmetry, respectively. The [alpha-1-Zn(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8)(-) isomer is stable in the pH range of 4.6-6 at temperatures <35 degrees C. Using the same ion exchange and lyophilization techniques, the lacunary [alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10)(-) isomer was isolated as the lithium salt; characterization by (183)W NMR spectroscopy confirms the C(1) symmetry.     

Organic-soluble lacunary {M(2)(P(2)W(15))(2)} polyoxometalate sandwiches showing a previously unseen αββα isomerism

New polyoxometalate 'sandwiches' have been formed where two [P(2)W(15)O(56)](12-) lacunary Dawson clusters encapsulate two transition metal ions to give clusters with the general formula [M(II)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](20-) (where M = Mn, Co, and Ni respectively), [Fe(III)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-), and [Cu(II)(4)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-). The Mn, Co, and Ni clusters exhibit a hitherto unseen αββα isomeric geometry and all five compounds are associated with tetrabutylammonium cations which allow for their dissolution in non-aqueous solvent.