Hydrolysis of Tetraglycine by a Zr(IV)-Substituted Wells–Dawson Polyoxotungstate Studied by Diffusion Ordered NMR Spectroscopy

The use of diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) for the analysis of complex reaction mixtures involving polyoxometalates (POMs) was demonstrated for the hydrolysis of the peptide tetraglycine by the K₁₅H[Zr(α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁)₂]·25H₂O Wells–Dawson type cluster. ¹H DOSY NMR studies have shown that severe signal overlap observed in the one-dimensional ¹H NMR spectrum of reaction mixtures containing a POM and peptides could be overcome by the two-dimensional character of a DOSY NMR measurement. A clear distinction between the ¹H NMR signals of the products formed during the hydrolysis of 5.0 mM of tetraglycine catalyzed by 1.0 mM of K₁₅H[Zr(α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁)₂]·25H₂O was observed based on the extra dimension containing information about diffusion coefficients that distinguishes a typical DOSY measurement from conventionally used 1D ¹H NMR. The spectrum clearly shows the presence of 5 species with diffusion coefficients of 3.71 × 10^?10 m²/s (3.91; 3.84; 3.82 and 3.62 ppm), 4.39 × 10^?10 m²/s (3.87; 3.76 and 3.61 ppm), 5.26 × 10^?10 m²/s (3.67 and 3.63 ppm), and 7.46 × 10^?10 m²/s (3.37 ppm) that are assigned to the non-hydrolyzed tetraglycine, the hydrolysis intermediate products triglycine and glycylglycine, and the end product of hydrolysis glycine, respectively. In addition, a signal assigned to cyclic glycylglycine, with a diffusion coefficient practically identical to the diffusion coefficient of glycylglycine was observed at 3.86 ppm. In addition, ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy were further used to study the binding of tetraglycine to K₁₅H[Zr(α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁)₂]·25H₂O and the solution speciation of K₁₅H[Zr(α₂-P₂W₁₇O₆₁)₂]·25H₂O.     

A {Nb6P2W12}‐Based Hexameric Manganese Cluster with Single‐Molecule Magnet Properties

By deliberately using a metastable polyanion [(NbO₂)₆P₂W₁₂O₅₆]^12? ( 1 ), which was formed in situ, we have discovered the unprecedented hexameric cluster {Mn₁₅(Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₂)₆} ( 2 ), in which the six polyanions [Nb₆P₂W₁₂O₆₁]^10? are alternately connected by four intriguing trinuclear {Mn^III₃} moieties and four {Mn^II} linkers. This discovery is the first in which the phosphoniobotungstate has been made accessible by using transition‐metal ions; furthermore, polyanion 2 represents the largest niobotungstate cluster reported to date. Analysis by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS ) provides insight into the self‐assembly process, and the peaks observed relate to the different charge states of the parent cluster, thus confirming the stability of 2 . In addition, magnetic‐susceptibility measurements reveal that each {Mn^III₃} subunit is a separate single‐molecule magnet (SMM). This discovery results from the exploration of the reverse effect of metastable polyanion 1 possessing high reactivity, thereby turning a disadvantage into an advantage. This finding could define a new synthetic strategy for the design and synthesis of magnetic polyoxometalate (POM) clusters.     

Cation‐Controlled Assembly of Polyoxotungstate‐Based Coordination Networks

The Preyssler polyoxoanion, [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]^14? ({P₅W₃₀}), is used as a platform for evaluating the role of nonbridging cations in the formation of transition‐metal‐bridged polyoxometalate (POM) coordination frameworks. Specifically, the assembly architecture of Co²⁺‐bridged frameworks is shown to be dependent on the identity and amount of alkali or alkaline‐earth cations present during crystallization. The inclusion of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, or Ca²⁺ in the framework synthesis is used to selectively synthesize five different Co²⁺‐bridged {P₅W₃₀} structures. The influence of the competition between K⁺ and Co²⁺ for binding to {P₅W₃₀} in dictating framework assembly is evaluated. The role of ion pairing on framework assembly structure and available void volume is discussed. Overall, these results provide insight into factors governing the ability to achieve controlled assembly of POM‐based coordination networks.     

Synthesis and Disassembly/Reassembly of Giant Ring‐Shaped Polyoxotungstate Oligomers

The disassembly and reassembly of giant molecules are essential processes in controlling the structure and function of biological and artificial systems. In this work, the disassembly and reassembly of a giant ring‐shaped polyoxometalate (POM) without isomerization of the monomeric units is reported. The reaction of a hexavacant lacunary POM that is soluble in organic solvents, [P₂W₁₂O₄₈]^14?, with manganese cations gave the giant ring‐shaped POM [{γ‐P₂W₁₂O₄₈Mn₄(C₅H₇O₂)₂(CH₃CO₂)}₆]^42?. This POM is a hexamer of manganese‐substituted {P₂W₁₂O₄₈Mn₄} units, and its inner cavity was larger than any of those previously reported for ring‐shaped polyoxotungstates. It was disassembled into monomeric units in acetonitrile, and the removal of the capping organic ligands on the manganese cations led to reassembly into a tetrameric ring‐shaped POM, [{γ‐P₂W₁₂O₄₈Mn₄(H₂O)₆}₄(H₂O)₄]^24?.     

Organoantimony(III)‐Containing Tungstoarsenates(III): From Controlled Assembly to Biological Activity

A family of three sandwich‐type, phenylantimony(III)‐containing tungstoarsenates(III), [(PhSb^III){Na(H₂O)}As^III₂W₁₉O₆₇(H₂O)]^11? ( 1 ), [(PhSb^III)₂As^III₂W₁₉O₆₇(H₂O)]^10? ( 2 ), and [(PhSb^III)₃(B‐α‐As^IIIW₉O₃₃)₂]^12? ( 3 ), have been synthesized by one‐pot procedures and isolated as hydrated alkali metal salts, Cs₃K_3.5Na_4.5[(PhSb^III){Na(H₂O)}As^III₂W₁₉O₆₇(H₂O)]?41H₂O ( CsKNa ‐ 1 ), Cs_4.5K_5.5[(PhSb^III)₂As^III₂W₁₉O₆₇(H₂O)]?35H₂O ( CsK‐2 ), and Cs_4.5Na_7.5[(PhSb^III)₃(B‐α‐As^IIIW₉O₃₃)₂]?42H₂O ( CsNa ‐ 3 ). The number of incorporated {PhSb^III} units could be selectively tuned from one to three by careful control of the reaction parameters. The three compounds were characterized in the solid state by single‐crystal XRD, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The aqueous solution stability of sandwich polyanions 1 – 3 was also studied by multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁸³W) NMR spectroscopy. Effective inhibitory activity against six different kinds of bacteria was identified for all three polyanions, for which the activity increased with the number of incorporated {PhSb^III} groups.     

Lanthanide complexes of the monovacant Dawson polyoxotungstate [α2-As2W17O61] with 1D chain: Synthesis, structures, and photoluminescence properties

Six new lanthanide complexes, (H₃O)[Ln₃(H₂O)₁₇(α₂-As₂W₁₇O₆₁)]·nH₂O ((1) Ln=Ce^III and n≈13; (2) Ln=Pr^III and n≈9; (3) Ln=Nd^III and n≈14; (4) Ln=Sm^III and n≈8; (5) Ln=Eu^III and n≈4; (6) Ln=Gd^III and n≈7), have been isolated by conventional solution method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All the complexes are isomorphic and crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1. These complexes are 1D chain-like structures constructed by lanthanide cations and monovacant Dawson-type [α₂-As₂W₁₇O₆₁]¹⁰⁻ polyoxoanions. The striking feature of the structures is that there are three kinds of coordination environments for lanthanide cations, which are responsible for the formation of polymeric structures. Photoluminescence measurements reveal that 4 and 5 exhibit orange and red fluorescent emission at room temperature, respectively.     

The oxidation study of methyl orange dye by hydrogen peroxide using Dawson-type heteropolyanions as catalysts

In this research, the oxidation of an azo dye (methyl-orange) by H₂O₂, in an aqueous solution, using a Dawson-type heteropolyanion (α₂P₂W₁₂Mo₅O₆₁Fe)^7? as catalyst was studied. The effects of different parameters dye oxidation were investigated. The studied parameters were: the initial pH, the initial H₂O₂ concentration, the catalyst mass and the initial dye concentration. The optimal conditions for a maximum discoloration efficiency (100 %) are: pH: 6, [MO]₀ = 2 mg/L, Catalyst (α₂P₂W₁₂Mo₅O₆₁Fe)^7? mass: 1 g, [H₂O₂]₀ =: 0.072 M. The effect of other Dawson-mixed heteropolyanions, such as (αP₂W₁₈O₆₂)^6?, (αP₂W₁₂Mo₆O₆₂)^6? and (α₂P₂W₁₂Mo₅O₆₁X)^n? (X = Ni²⁺,Cr³⁺,Cu²⁺) on the dye oxidation at room temperature was evaluated. The stability of the catalyst after reaction was verified.     

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.     

FeIII48-Containing 96-Tungsto-16-Phosphate: Synthesis,Structure, Magnetism and Electrochemistry

The 48-Fe^III-containing 96-tungsto-16-phosphate, [Fe^III₄₈(OH)₇₆(H₂O)₁₆(HP₂W₁₂O₄₈)₈]³⁶⁻ ( Fe₄₈ ), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. This polyanion comprises eight equivalent {Fe^III₆P₂W₁₂} units that are linked in an end-on fashion forming a macrocyclic assembly that contains more iron centers than any other polyoxometalate (POM) known to date. The novel Fe₄₈ was synthesized by a simple one-pot reaction of an {Fe₂₂} coordination complex with the hexalacunary {P₂W₁₂} POM precursor in water. The title polyanion was characterized by single-crystal XRD, FTIR, TGA, magnetic and electrochemical studies.     

Following the Reaction of Heteroanions inside a {W18O56} Polyoxometalate Nanocage by NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

By incorporating phosphorus(III)‐based anions into a polyoxometalate cage, a new type of tungsten‐based unconventional Dawson‐like cluster, [W₁₈O₅₆(HP^IIIO₃)₂(H₂O)₂]^8?, was isolated, in which the reaction of the two phosphite anions [HPO₃]^2? within the {W₁₈O₅₆} cage could be followed spectroscopically. As well as full X‐ray crystallographic analysis, we studied the reactivity of the cluster using both solution‐state NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These techniques show that the cluster undergoes a structural rearrangement in solution whereby the {HPO₃} moieties dimerize to form a weakly interacting (O₃PH???HPO₃) moiety. In the crystalline state the cluster exhibits a thermally triggered oxidation of the two P^III template moieties to form P^V centers (phosphite to phosphate), commensurate with the transformation of the cage into a Wells–Dawson {W₁₈O₅₄} cluster.     

Biofunctionalization of Polyoxometalates with DNA Primers,Their Use in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Electrochemical Detection of PCR Products

The bioconjugation of polyoxometalates (POMs), which are inorganic metal oxido clusters, to DNA strands to obtain functional labeled DNA primers and their potential use in electrochemical detection have been investigated. Activated monooxoacylated polyoxotungstates [SiW₁₁O₃₉{Sn(CH₂)₂CO}]^8? and [P₂W₁₇O₆₁{Sn(CH₂)₂CO}]^6? have been used to link to a 5′‐NH₂ terminated 21‐mer DNA forward primer through amide coupling. The functionalized primer was characterized by using a battery of techniques, including electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, as well as IR and Raman spectroscopy. The functionality of the POM‐labeled primers was demonstrated through hybridization with a surface‐immobilized probe. Finally, the labeled primers were successfully used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR products were characterized by using electrophoresis.     

Lewis Acid Guests in a {P8W48} Archetypal Polyoxotungstate Host: Enhanced Proton Conductivity via Metal‐Oxo Cluster within Cluster Assemblies

Complexes made by hosts that completely surround their guests provide a means to stabilize reactive chemical intermediates, transfer biologically active cargo to a diseased cell, and construct molecular‐scale devices. By the virtue of inorganic host–guest self‐assembly, nucleation processes in the cavity of a {P₈W₄₈}‐archetype phosphotungstate has afforded a nanoscale 16‐Al^III‐32‐oxo cluster and its Ga^III analogue that contain the largest number of Al^III/Ga^III ions yet found in polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry. Interestingly, the rich Lewis acid Al^III centers within the Lewis base POM support shows an exceptional proton conductivity of 4.5×10^?2 S cm^?1 (85 °C, 70 % RH; RH: relative humidity), which is by far the highest conductivity reported among POM‐based single‐crystal proton conductors.     

Extraction of Hetero Polyanions, P2W17O6110−, P2W18O626−, SiW11O398− by TBP

Hetero polyanions, namely, P₂W₁₇O₆₁ ^10–, P₂W₁₈O₆₂ ^6– and SiW₁₁O₃₉ ^8– were extracted by TBP/dodecane from HNO₃ or HCl solution, as H₁₀P₂W₁₇O₆₁ in the case of P₂W₁₇O₆₁ ^10–. The distribution ratio of P₂W₁₇O₆₁ ^10– depended on both H⁺ concentration and ionic strength of aqueous solution, and free-TBP concentration in organic solution. Experimental equation was established for predicting the distribution ratio of P₂W₁₇O₆₁ ^10– in nitrate system.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Thermoresponsive Polyoxometalate–Polymer Hybrid

We report the synthesis of the first organo‐POM with thermoresponsive properties. Our concept will provide chemists with a new tool to design POMs whose solubility is reversibly controllable through an external stimulus. POM–polymer TBA₇[POM]‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (POM–PDEAAm), was prepared by grafting PDEAAm‐NH₂ (obtained by RAFT polymerization) onto the activated Dawson acyl‐POM, α₂‐[P₂W₁₇O₆₁SnCH₂CH₂C(?O)]^6?. Extensive MS analysis was used to monitor the chain‐functionalization steps and to confirm the formation of the hybrid. Aqueous solutions of the (NH₄)₇[POM–PDEAAm] exhibited a LCST of 38 °C. Thus, the solubility/aggregation of the hybrid was reversibly controlled by changing the temperature. Above 38 °C, the solution became cloudy, and cleared again upon cooling. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed the formation of small aggregates in the range 100 nm. We assumed that the charged POM head units prevented the formation of the larger‐scattering aggregates that are usually observed for PDEAAm, and promoted the formation of micelle‐like structures. The conjugate exhibited a temperature transition, which was different from that of the polymer and depended on the counterions associated with the POM. This result demonstrates the potential for merging organic (in this case, polymer) and inorganic structures to afford materials that exhibit new properties.     

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Europium(3+) Ion in a New ZnY4W3O16 Matrix

A new Zn and Eu tungstate was characterized by spectroscopic techniques. This tungstate, of the formula ZnEu₄W₃O₁₆, crystallized in the orthorhombic system and was synthesized by a solid‐state reaction. It melts incongruently at 1330°. The luminescent properties, including excitation and emission processes, luminescent dynamics, and local environments of the Eu³⁺ ions in ZnEu₄W₃O₁₆ and ZnY₄W₃O₁₆ : Eu³⁺ diluted phases (1, 5, and 10 mol‐% of Eu³⁺ ion) were studied basing on the f⁶‐intraconfigurational transitions in the 250–720 nm spectral range. The excitation spectra of this system (λ_em 615 and 470 nm) show broad bands with maxima at 265 and 315 nm related to the ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer (LMCT) states. The emission spectra under excitation at the O→W (265 nm) and O→Eu³⁺ (315 nm) LMCT states present the blue‐green emission bands. The emission of tungstate groups mainly originate from the charge‐transfer state of excited 2p orbitals of O^2? to the empty orbitals of the central W⁶⁺ ions. On the other hand, in the emission of the Eu³⁺ ions, both the charge transfer from O^2? to Eu³⁺ and the energy transfer from W⁶⁺ ions to Eu³⁺ are involved. The emission spectra under excitation at the ⁷F₀→⁵L₆ transition of the Eu³⁺ ion (394 nm) of ZnY₄W₃O₁₆ : Eu³⁺ diluted samples show narrow emission lines from the ⁵D₃, ⁵D₂, and ⁵D₁ emitting states. The effect of the active‐ion (Eu³⁺) concentration on the colorimetric characteristic of the emissions of the compound under investigation are presented.     

pH-Controlled assembly of two polyoxometalate chains based on [α-GeW11O39]8− and Eu3+: syntheses,crystal structures,and properties

Utilizing reactions of [α-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8? and Eu³⁺ under different pH conditions, two types of polymer chains, Cs₃K[Eu₄(H₂O)₁₈Ge₂W₂₂O₇₈]?·?16.5H₂O (1) and Cs₃K₂[Eu(H₂O)₂GeW₁₁O₃₉]?·?10H₂O (2), have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Eu/[α-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8? ratio is 1?:?1 in polyanion 2a and is an infrequent 2?:?1 in polyanion 1a. The Ln?:?POM ratio can be increased by controlling the reaction conditions. The solid photoluminescence spectra of 1 and 2 have been investigated at room temperature. The luminescence of 1 and 2 are distinctly different owing to their different Eu coordination geometries. UV spectra and electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 have been investigated. Compound 1 displays good electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of nitrite.     

Extending Metal‐to‐Polyoxometalate Charge Transfer Lifetimes: The Effect of Heterometal Location

In an effort to develop robust molecular sensitizers for solar fuel production, the electronic structure and photodynamics of transition‐metal‐substituted polyoxometalates (POMs), a novel class of compound in this context, was examined. Experimental and computational techniques including femtosecond (fs) transient absorption spectroscopy have been used to study the cobalt‐containing Keggin POMs, [Co^IIW₁₂O₄₀]^6? ( 1 a ), [Co^IIIW₁₂O₄₀]^5? ( 2 a ), [SiCo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^6? ( 3 a ), and [SiCo^III(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^5? ( 4 a ), finding the longest lived charge transfer excited state so far observed in a POM and elucidating the electronic structures and excited‐state dynamics of these compounds at an unprecedented level. All species exhibit a bi‐exponential decay in which early dynamic processes with time constants in the fs domain yield longer lived excited states which decay with time constants in the ps to ns domain. The initially formed states of 1 a and 3 a are considered to result from metal‐to‐polyoxometalate charge transfer (MPCT) from Co^II to W, while the longer‐lived excited state of 1 a is tentatively assigned to a localized intermediate MPCT state. The excited state formed by the tetrahedral cobalt(II) centered heteropolyanion ( 1 a ) is far longer‐lived (τ=420 ps in H₂O; τ=1700 ps in MeCN) than that of 3 a (τ=1.3 ps), in which the single Co^II atom is located in a pseudo‐octahedral addendum site. Short‐lived states are observed for the two Co^III‐containing heteropolyanions 2 a (τ=4.4 ps) and 4 a (τ=6.3 ps) and assigned solely to O→Co^III charge transfer. The dramatically extended lifetime for 1 a versus 3 a is ascribed to a structural change permitted by the coordinatively flexible central site, weak orbital overlap of the central Co with the polytungstate framework, and putative transient valence trapping of the excited electron on a single W atom, a phenomenon not noted previously in POMs.     

Synthesis of α‐Dawson‐Type Silicotungstate [α‐Si2W18O62]8− and Protonation and Deprotonation Inside the Aperture through Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds

The design of structurally well‐defined anionic molecular metal–oxygen clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs), leads to inorganic receptors with unique and tunable properties. Herein, an α‐Dawson‐type silicotungstate, TBA₈[α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₂] ? 3 H₂O ( II ) that possesses a ?8 charge was successfully synthesized by dimerization of a trivacant lacunary α‐Keggin‐type silicotungstate TBA₄H₆[α‐SiW₉O₃₄] ? 2 H₂O ( I ) in an organic solvent. POM II could be reversibly protonated (in the presence of acid) and deprotonated (in the presence of base) inside the aperture by means of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with retention of the POM structure. In contrast, the aperture of phosphorus‐centered POM TBA₆[α‐P₂W₁₈O₆₂]?H₂O ( III ) was not protonated inside the aperture. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the basicities and charges of internal μ₃‐oxygen atoms were increased by changing the central heteroatoms from P⁵⁺ to Si⁴⁺, thereby supporting the protonation of II . Additionally, II showed much higher catalytic performance for the Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with benzaldehyde than I and III .     

Kinetics of the outer-sphere oxidation of thiourea by heteropoly-α<Subscript>2</Subscript>-17-tungsto-1-vanadodiphosphate anion

Kinetics of the oxidation of thiourea (tu) by heteropoly-α₂-17-tungsto-1-vanadodiphosphate anion, α₂-[P₂V^VW₁₇O₆₂]^7?, have been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous acidic medium at 25 °C. At low pH (2.4–3.0), the neutral form of tu is the only reactive species. At higher pH (4.2–4.9), both neutral and deprotonated forms of tu participate in the reaction. The observed mixed-order kinetics suggest two parallel reactions: one in which the order in [tu] is unity, and a second in which it is two. In both cases, the order in [α₂-[P₂V^VW₁₇O₆₂]^7?] is unity. Based on the kinetic studies, a mechanism is proposed, in which a second-order proton-coupled electron transfer involving NH₂CSNH₂ and α₂-[P₂V^VW₁₇O₆₂]^7? proceeds through a sequential electron transfer, followed by proton transfer such that the reaction is an “activation-controlled” outer-sphere electron transfer process. By applying the Marcus equation, the self-exchange rate constants for the couples \({\text{NH}}_{2} {\text{CSNH}}_{2}^{ \cdot + }\)/NH₂CSNH₂ and α₂-[P₂V^VW₁₇O₆₂]^7?/α₂-[P₂V^IVW₁₇O₆₂]^8? were evaluated.     

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.