Polyoxometalate binding to human serum albumin: a thermodynamic and spectroscopic approach

The molecular recognition of polyoxometalates by human serum albumin is studied using two different polyoxometalates (POMs) at pH 7.5. The results are compared with those obtained at pH 3.5 and 9.0. At pH 7.5, both POMs strongly interact with the protein with different binding behaviors. The Keggin shaped POM, [H(2)W(12)O(40)](6-) (H2W12), specifically binds the protein, forming a complex with a 1:1 stoichiometry with Ka = 2.9 x 10(6) M(-1). The binding constant decreased dramatically with the increase of the ionic strength, thus indicating a mostly electrostatic binding process. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments show that the binding is an enthalpically driven exothermic process. For the wheel shaped POM [NaP(5)W(30)O(110)](14-) (P5W30), there are up to five binding sites on the protein. Increasing the ionic strength changes the binding behavior significantly, leading to a simple exothermic process, with several binding sites. Competitive binding experiments indicate that the two POMs share one common binding site. In addition, they show the existence of another important binding site for P5W30. The two POMs exhibit different binding dependences on the pH. The combination of the experimental results with the knowledge of the surface map of the protein in its N-B conformation transition domain leads to the proposal for the probable binding site of POMs. The present work reveals a protein conformation change upon P5W30 binding, a new feature not explicitly documented in previous studies.     

Polyoxometalate HIV-1 protease inhibitors. A new mode of protease inhibition.

Nb-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) of the Wells-Dawson class inhibit HIV-1 protease (HIV-1P) by a new mode based on kinetics, binding, and molecular modeling studies. Reaction of alpha(1)-K(9)Li[P(2)W(17)O(61)] or alpha(2)-K(10)[P(2)W(17)O(61)] with aqueous H(2)O(2) solutions of K(7)H[Nb(6)O(19)] followed by treatment with HCl and KCl and then crystallization affords the complexes alpha(1)-K(7)[P(2)W(17)(NbO(2))O(61)] (alpha(1)()1) and alpha(2)-K(7)[P(2)W(17)(NbO(2))O(61)] (alpha(2)()1) in 63 and 86% isolated yields, respectively. Thermolysis of the crude peroxoniobium compounds (72-96 h in refluxing H(2)O) prior to treatment with KCl converts the peroxoniobium compounds to the corresponding polyoxometalates (POMs), alpha(1)-K(7)[P(2)W(17)NbO(62)] (alpha(1)()2) and alpha(2)-K(7)[P(2)W(17)NbO(62)] (alpha(2)()2), in moderate yields (66 and 52%, respectively). The identity and high purity of all four compounds were confirmed by (31)P NMR and (183)W NMR. The acid-induced dimerization of the oxo complexes differentiates sterically between the cap (alpha(2)) site and the belt (alpha(1)) site in the Wells-Dawson structure (alpha(2)()2 dimerizes in high yield; alpha(1)()2 does not). All four POMs exhibit high activity in cell culture against HIV-1 (EC(50) values of 0.17-0.83 microM), are minimally toxic (IC(50) values of 50 to >100 microM), and selectively inhibit purified HIV-1 protease (HIV-1P) (IC(50) values for alpha(1)()1, alpha(2)()1, alpha(1)()2, and alpha(2)()2 of 2.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 microM, respectively). Thus, theoretical, binding, and kinetics studies of the POM/HIV-1P interaction(s) were conducted. Parameters for [P(2)W(17)NbO(62)](7)(-) were determined for the Kollman all-atom (KAA) force field in Sybyl 6.2. Charges for the POM were obtained from natural population analysis (NPA) at the HF/LANL2DZ level of theory. AutoDock 2.2 was used to explore possible binding locations for the POM with HIV-1P. These computational studies strongly suggest that the POMs function not by binding to the active site of HIV-1P, the mode of inhibition of all other HIV-1P protease inhibitors, but by binding to a cationic pocket on the "hinge" region of the flaps covering the active site (2 POMs and cationic pockets per active homodimer of HIV-1P). The kinetics and binding studies, conducted after the molecular modeling, are both in remarkable agreement with the modeling results: 2 POMs bind per HIV-1P homodimer with high affinities (K(i) = 1.1 +/- 0.5 and 4.1 +/- 1.8 nM in 0.1 and 1.0 M NaCl, respectively) and inhibition is noncompetitive (k(cat) but not K(m) is affected by the POM concentration).     

Organic-inorganic hybrids based on novel bimolecular [Si2W22Cu2O78(H2O)]12- polyoxometalates and the polynuclear complex cations [Cu(ac)(phen)(H2O)]n n+ (n=2, 3)

The reaction of a monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) generated in situ with copper-phenanthroline complexes in excess ammonium or rubidium acetate led to the formation of the hybrid metal organic-inorganic compounds A7[Cu2(ac)2(phen)2(H2O)2][Cu3(ac)3(phen)3(H2O)3][Si2W22Cu2O78(H2O)].approximately 18 H2O (A=NH4+ (1), Rb+ (2); ac=acetate; phen=1,10-phenanthroline). These compounds are constructed from inorganic and metalorganic interpenetrated sublattices containing the novel bimolecular Keggin POM, [Si2W22Cu2O78(H2O)]12-, and Cu-ac-phen complexes, [Cu(ac)(phen)(H2O)]n n+ (n=2, 3). The packing of compound 1 can be viewed as a stacking of open-framework layers parallel to the xy plane built of hydrogen-bonded POMs, and zigzag columns of pi-stacked Cu-ac-phen complex cations running along the [111] direction. Magnetic and EPR results are discussed with respect to the crystal structure of the compounds. DFT calculations on [Cu(ac)(phen)(H2O)]n n+ cationic complexes have been performed, to check the influence of packing in the complex geometry and determine the magnetic exchange pathways.     

Polyoxometalates matrixed into surfactants: synthesis, characterizations, and conformations of surfactants

We synthesized two surfactant-encapsulated polyoxometalate (POM) clusters (SECs), (DODA)(15)[H(3)Mo(57)V(6)(NO)(6)O(189)(H(2)O)(12)(VO)(6)].13H(2)O (SEC-2, DODA: dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium) and (DODA)(12)[Eu(H(2)O)P(5)W(30)O(110)].28H(2)O (SEC-3). SECs were characterized in detail by elemental analysis, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, 1H NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, Langmuir isotherms, and powdered X-ray diffractions. SEC-2 can form a stable monolayer at the air-water interface. SEC-2 and SEC-3 possess a layered structure with periodicities of 3.8 and 5.05 nm, respectively. Alkyl chains in SEC-2 are disordered, but SEC-3 is indicative of well-ordered alkyl chains. According to the simplified structural analysis for SEC-2 and SEC-3, DODAs occupy areas of 1.12 and 0.589 nm(2) on the surface of the POMs, which are characteristic of the liquid-like and crystalline-like phases for DODA, respectively. The different conformations of DODAs then lead to the different packing structures of SECs. This work is aiming to control the organizational structures of the POM-based materials by selecting the appropriate POMs.     

pH-dependent assembly of hybrids based on Wells-Dawson POM/Ag chemistry

Four new hybrids based on the Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate [P2W18O62](6-) (P2W18), ([Ag(bipy)]2[P2W18O62]).2[H2bipy].4H2O (1), ([Ag(bipy)]4[P2W18O62]).2[Hbipy](2), K[P2W18O62].2.5[H2bipy].2H2O (3), and [P2W18O62] 2.[H2bipy]4.[Hbipy]4 .3H2O (4), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by routine techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isolated at lower pH values. 1 represents a 3D (4,4)-net structure with NbO topology, in which the P2W18 clusters are modified by four Ag-N coordination polymeric chains, and 2 exhibits a 3D (3,4)-net structure with the (9(2).12)(8.10(4).12)(3(2).10(2).11(2))(3.6.10(2).12(2)) topology, in which Ag-bipy layers are intercalated by the dimer of P2W18 clusters in a staggering mode, and the P2W18 clusters show the highest coordination number to date. By increasing the pH value, compounds 3 and 4 are obtained as supramolecular compounds. Their structural differences reveal that the pH value of the reaction system is the key factor influencing the structure and topology of these compounds, which can be explained by the acid-base chemistry of the molecular building units and silver chemistry.     

Binding equilibrium study of phosphotungstic acid and HSA or BSA with UV spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and equilibrium dialysis

The binding equilibrium between phosphotungstic acid (H7[P(W2O7)6] · XH2O;PTA) and human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied by UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopies and equilibrium dialysis. It has been observed that UV absorption enhanced and the fluorescence quenched as the PTA binding to HSA or BSA at physiological pH 7.43(?.02). The Scatchard analysis indicated that there exists a strong binding site of PTA in both HSA and BSA, and the successive stability constants of these two systems are obtained by nonlinear least-squares methods fitting Bjerrum formula.     

Synthesis, complexation and water exchange properties of Gd(III)-TTDA-mono and bis(amide) derivatives and their binding affinity to human serum albumin

With the objective of tuning the lipophilicity of ligands and maintaining the neutrality and stability of Gd(III) chelate, we designed and synthesized two bis(amide) derivatives of TTDA, TTDA-BMA and TTDA-BBA, and a mono(amide) derivative, TTDA-N-MOBA. The ligand protonation constants and complex stability constants for various metal ions were determined in this study. The identification of the microscopic sites of protonation of the amide ligand by 1H NMR titrations show that the first protonation site occurs on the central nitrogen atom. The values of the stability constant of TTDA-mono and bis(amide) complex are significantly lower than those of TTDA and DTPA, but the selectivity constants of these ligands for Gd(III) over Zn(II) and Cu(II) are slightly higher than those of TTDA and DTPA. On the basis of the water-exchange rate values available for [Gd(TTDA-BMA)(H2O)], [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] and [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]-, we can state that, in general, the replacement of one carboxylate group by an amide group decreases the water-exchange rate of the gadolinium(III) complexes by a factor of about three to five. The decrease in the exchange rate is explained in terms of a decreased steric crowding and charge effect around the metal ion when carboxylates are replaced by an amide group. In addition, to support the HSA protein binding studies of lipophilic [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] complexes, further protein-complex binding was studied by ultrafiltration and relaxivity studies. The binding constants (KA) of [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] are 8.6 x 10(2) and 1.0 x 10(4) dm3 mol(-1), respectively. The bound relaxivities (r1(b)) are 51.8 and 52 dm3 mmol(-1) s(-1), respectively. The KA value of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] is similar to that of MS-325 and indicates a stronger interaction of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] with HSA.     

Novel Ti-O-Ti bonding species constructed in a metal-oxide cluster

The preparation and structural characterization of a novel Ti-O-Ti bonding complex constructed in the mono-lacunary alpha-Keggin polyoxometalate (POM), are described. The water-soluble, crystalline complex with a formula of K5H2[[{Ti(OH)(ox)}2(micro-O)](alpha-PW11O39)] x 13H2O 1 was prepared in 30.2% (0.60 g scale) yield in a 1 : 3 molar-ratio reaction of the tri-lacunary species of alpha-Keggin POM, Na9[A-PW9O34] x 19H2O, with the titanium(IV) source, K2TiO(ox)2 x 2H2O (H2ox = oxalic acid), in HCl-acidic solution (pH 0.08), and characterized by complete elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA), FTIR, solution (31P, 183W, 1H and 13C) NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The complex was also obtained in 47.6% (0.81 g scale) yield in a 1 : 2 molar-ratio reaction of the mono-lacunary Keggin POM, K7[PW11O39] x 10H2O, with the anionic titanium(IV) complex under acidic conditions. The molecular structure of [[{Ti(OH)(ox)}2(micro-O)](alpha-PW11O39)]7- 1a, was successfully determined. This POM in the solid state is composed of one host (mono-lacunary site) and two guests (two octahedral Ti groups), in contrast to most titanium (IV)-substituted POMs consisting of one host and one guest. On the other hand, the 31P NMR measurements revealed that in aqueous solution this POM was present under a dissociation equilibrium which depends upon both temperature and pH.     

Extended organic-inorganic hybrids based on Dawson and double-Dawson-type polyoxometalates

The reaction between K 12[H 2P 2W 12O 48] and CuCl 2 in a NaCl aqueous solution assisted with organoamines (1,2-ethylenediamine (en), 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (hn), or both) leads to the isolation of three compounds: K 4Na 10[alpha 1-CuP 2W 17O 60(OH)] 2. approximately 58H 2O ( 1), Na 2[H 2en][H 2hn] 0.5[Cu(en) 2] 4.5[alpha 1-CuP 2W 17O 60(OH)] 2. approximately 43H 2O ( 2), and Na 3[H 2hn] 2.5[alpha 1-P 2W 17O 60Cu(OH) 2]. approximately 14H 2O ( 3). The polyoxoanion [alpha 1-CuP 2W 17O 60(OH)] 2 (14-) in 1 and 2 exhibits a double-Dawson-type polyoxoanion that consists of two alpha 1-type mono-Cu-substituted WellsDawson anions, which can be synthesized by both the conventional aqueous solution method and the hydrothermal technique. Furthermore, the double-Dawson-type polyoxoanions in 2 are linked by the [Cu(en) 2] (2+) bridges to form 2-D networks, which are further packed into a 3-D supramolecular porous framework via extensive hydrogen bonding interactions, exhibiting two types of tunnels (A and B). Compound 3 possesses a 3-D supramolecular framework with 1-D tunnels constructed from the alpha 1-type mono-Cu-substituted WellsDawson anion. The magnetic studies of compounds 1 and 2 indicate that weak antiferromagnetic interactions exist in these two compounds.     

Lanthanide complexes of [alpha-2-P2W17O61]10-: solid state and solution studies

We have isolated the 1:1 Ln:[alpha-2-P2W17O61]10- complexes for a series of lanthanides. The single-crystal X-ray structure of the Eu3+ analogue reveals two identical [Eu(H2O)3(alpha-2-P2W17O61)]7- moieties connected through two Eu-O-W bonds, one from each polyoxometalate unit. An inversion center relates the two polyoxometalate units. The Eu(III) ion is substituted for a [WO]4+ unit in the "cap" region of the tungsten-oxygen framework of the parent Wells-Dawson ion. The point group of the dimeric molecule is Ci. The extended structure is composed of the [Eu(H2O)3(alpha-2-P2W17O61)]214- anions linked together by surface-bound potassium cations. The space group is P, a = 12.7214(5) A, b = 14.7402(7) A, c = 22.6724(9) A, alpha = 71.550(3), beta = 84.019(3)degrees, gamma = 74.383(3), V = 3883.2(3) A3, Z = 1. The solution studies, including 183W NMR spectroscopy and luminescence lifetime measurements, show that the molecules dissociate in solution to form monomeric [Ln(H2O)4(alpha-2-P2W17O61)]7- species.     

Synthesis, crystal structure of α-Keggin heteropolymolybdates with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate based frameworks, and associated RhB photocatalytic degradation and 2D-IR COS tests

Three α-Keggin heteropolymolybdates with the formula [(C(5)H(4)NH)COOH](3)[PMo(12)O(40)] 1, {[Sm(H(2)O)(4)(pdc)](3)}{[Sm(H(2)O)(3)(pdc)]}[SiMo(12)O(40)]·3H(2)O 2 and {[La(H(2)O)(4)(pdc)](4)}[PMo(12)O(40)]F 3 (H(2)pdc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate), have been synthesized under hydrothermal condition and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), IR, thermal gravimetric analyses, thermal infrared spectrum analyses and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analyses. Single crystal X-ray diffraction indicates all three compounds comprise ball-shaped Keggin type [XMo(12)O(40)](n-) polyoxometalates (POMs) (n = 3, X = P; n = 4, X = Si, respectively) with different types of carboxylic ligands derived from H(2)pdc, and these cluster anions are isostructural. In order to explore structural characteristics, Rhodamine B photocatalytic (RhB) degradation and two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy (2D-IR COS) tests, are investigated for 1, 2 and 3. In RhB degradation, all compounds show good photocatalytic activity. For 1, the activity mainly comes from POMs. While in 2 and 3, POMs' photocatalytic activity is enhanced by the Ln(iii)-pdc metal-organic frameworks. Structural properties like POM's stability and magnetic sensitivity are discussed by 2D-IR COS under thermal/magnetic perturbations.     

Efficient hydrogen-evolving cathodes based on proton and electron reservoir behaviors of the phosphotungstate [H7P8W48O184](33-) and the Co(II)-Containing Silicotungstates [Co(6)H2O)(30){Co(9)Cl(2)(OH)(3)(H(2)O)(9)(beta-SiW(8)O(31))(3)}](5-) and [{Co(3)(B-beta-SiW(9)O(33)(OH))(B-beta-SiW(8)O(29)OH)(2)}(2)](22-)

Original and simple procedures for glassy carbon electrode modification with polyoxometalates (POMs), phosphotungstate [H7P8W48O184]33-, and Co(II)-containing silicotungstates [Co6(H2O)30{Co9Cl2(OH)3(H2O)9(beta-SiW8O31)3}]5- and [{Co3(B-beta-SiW9O33(OH))(B-beta-SiW8O29OH)2}2]22- give stable and very active surfaces for the hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER). For this purpose, the selected POMs fixed on Vulcan XC-72 were adsorbed on the electrode surface or were directly entrapped in polyvinylpyridine films on the electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and confocal microscopy results converge to indicate that the activation is related to the proton and electron reservoir-like behaviors of these molecular oxides and not to any electrode surface area increase. However, the Tafel parameters of the HER process, which are different from one POM to the next, are in the range of those of the best metallic electrodes.     

Cooperativity of copper and molybdenum centers in polyoxometalate-based electrocatalysts: cyclic voltammetry, EQCM, and AFM characterization

Electrochemical behaviors of selected Dawson-type polytungstates including 2-K10[P2W15Mo2O61box] where the symbol [box] designates a vacant site, alpha2-K7[Fe(OH2)P2W15Mo2O61], alpha2-K8[Cu(OH2)P2W15Mo2O61], alpha1- and alpha2-K8[Cu(OH2)P2W17O61], alpha2-K8[Cu(OH2)P2W13Mo4O61], and alpha2-K8[Cu(OH2)P2W12Mo5O61] were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) coupled with the electrochemical quartz microbalance (EQCM), and the results were completed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations of the electrodeposited films. The electrocatalytic abilities of these polyoxometalates (POMs) in the reduction of dioxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and NOx were also assessed by CV and EQCM. It turns out that the remarkable electrocatalysis obtained at the reduction potential of Mo centers within alpha2-K8[Cu(OH2)P2W15Mo2O61], but in a domain where Cu2+ is not deposited, benefits from the assistance of the copper center because such catalysis could not be observed in the absence of Cu2+. EQCM confirms that no copper deposition occurs under the experimental conditions used. Analogous behaviors are encountered in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite where assistance by the presence of the Cu2+ center induced the observation of catalysis at the potential location of Mo centers. Finally, the reduction of nitrate is triggered by electrodeposited copper but was remarkably favored by the presence of molybdenum atoms within these polyoxometalates (POMs). All of the results converge to indicate a cooperative effect between the Mo and Cu centers within these POMs. The various results suggest that copper deposition from these POMs should give morphologically different surfaces. AFM studies confirm this expectation, and the observed morphologies and sizes of particles were rationalized by taking into account the role of the POM skeleton and its atomic composition in the electrodeposition process.     

Selective precipitation of prions by polyoxometalate complexes

The efficacy of a variety of polyoxometalate anions in selectively precipitating the infectious isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc) over the normal, cellular protein (PrPC) was tested as a means of improving the sensitivity of a conformation-dependent immunoassay (CDI). Experiments utilizing neutralized aqueous solutions containing MgCl2.6H2O and Na2H[PW12O40] (1) indicated that use of the former is detrimental to selectivity, while use of the latter gives optimal selectivity at a concentration of 2.48% w/v, much higher than the 0.31% w/v employed in the current CDI protocol. Similar experiments using Na4[SiW12O40] (2), K5[BW12O40] (3), and Na6[H2W12O40] (4) were performed to probe the role of charge density in polyoxometalate anions possessing the Keggin structure. These, coupled with assignment of solution structures via NMR and infrared spectroscopy, revealed the following trend in optimal concentrations: [HBW11O39]8- < [SiW11O39]8- < [PW11O39]7- = [H2W12O40]6-. Interestingly, use of the salts K10[Zn4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2] (5), Na16[Zn4(H2O)2(P2W15O56)2] (6), and Na27[NaAs4W40O140] (7), containing larger polyoxometalate anions, was found to suppress PrPSc precipitation in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, the results suggest a precipitation mechanism wherein Keggin-type anions link multiple PrPSc moieties by binding a somewhat hindered cleft featuring one or more positively charged residues.     

3D-transition metal mono-substituted Keggin polyoxotungstate with an antenna molecule: synthesis, structure and characterization

Three new organic-inorganic hybrid complexes based on 3d-transition metal monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) with imidazole (Im) as pendant ligands, formulated as (HIm)(6-)[SiW11O39NiIm]0.8[SiW11O39Ni(H2O)]0.2.7H2O (1), (Im)4Na6[SiW11O39MnIm]0.69[SiW11O39Mn(H2O)]0.31.7.5H2O (2) and (HIm)6[SiW11O39CoIm]0.63[SiW11O39Co(H2O)]0.37.7H2O (3), have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, elemental analysis, TG analysis, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic properties, EPR and single-crystal/powder X-ray diffraction. The structural analyses indicate that the 3d metal atoms are incorporated into the vacancy of the alpha-[SiW11O39](8-) (SiW11). Complexes 1-3 are the first examples of crystallographically characterized 3d-transition metal mono-substituted POMs with an antenna organic ligand synthesized under normal bench conditions.     

Influence of pH and organic ligands on the supramolecular network based on molybdenum phosphate/strontium chemistry

Three supramolecular materials based on different poly(oxomolybdophosphate) clusters, (H(2)imi)(6)(Himi)(4)[{Sr(H(2)O)(4)}(2){Sr ? P(6)Mo(4)(V)Mo(14)(VI)O(73)}(2)]·17H(2)O (1), (H(2)(4,4'-bpy))(2)[Cu(2)Sr(2)Mo(12)O(24)·(OH)(6)(H(2)O)(6)(H(2)PO(4))(2)(HPO(4))(2)(PO(4))(4)]·5H(2)O (2), and (H(2)bim)(H(2)bim)[SrP(2)Mo(5)O(23)(H(2)O)(3)]·2H(2)O (3) (imi = imidazole, 4,4'-bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine, and bim = 2,2'-biimidazole), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, TG, IR, UV-vis, XPS and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is made up of unusual basket-shape [Sr ? P(6)Mo(18)O(73)](10-) cages linked by [Sr(H(2)O)(4)](2+) fragments to yield unprecedented dimeric chains, which represent the first 1-D assemblies of basket-type POMs. Compound 2 exhibits a novel string constructed from sandwich-like [Cu(P(4)Mo(6)O(31))(2)] units and {Sr(2)Cu} trinuclear linkers. Compound 3 is the first chain of Strandberg-type polyoxoanions connected by Sr(2+) cations. All the 1-D chains are further packed into various 3-D supramolecular assemblies via strong hydrogen-bonding interactions. The electrochemical and electrocatalysis behavior of 1, 2, and 3-CPE have been investigated in detail.     

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.     

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Organothiophosphoryl Polyoxotungstates α- [C6H11P (S) ]2Xn+W11O39(8-n)- (Xn+ = P5+, Si4+, Ge4+, Ga3+)

Organothiophosphoryl polyoxotungstate derivatives α-C6H11P(S)]2Xn W11O39(8-n)- (X=P, Si, Ge, Ga)were obtained by the reactions of the monovacant α-[Xn W11O39](12-n)- (X=P, Si, Ge, Ga) anions with electrophilic C6H11P(S)Cl2 in acetonitrile. These new organic-inorganic hybrid anions were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 31P and 183W NMR spectrometries. The six-line 183W NMR spectrum indicates that [C6H11P (S) ]2Xn W11O39(8-n)- (X= P, Si, Ge, Ga) anions possess true Cs symmetry in acetonitrile. According to the spectroscopic observation and the chemical analyses, it is known that each of the hybrid anions consists of an α-[XW11O3)] framework on which two equivalent C6H11P(S) groups are grafted through P-O-W bridges.     

Reactivity of polyoxoniobates in acidic solution: controllable assembly and disassembly based on niobium-substituted germanotungstates

The reactivity of polyoxoniobates has been studied in acidic solution by grafting niobium onto trivacant Keggin-type germanotungstates. Four niobium-containing compounds were obtained in the course of this study. Cs(6.5)K(0.5)[GeW(9)(NbO(2))(3)O(37)]·6H(2)O (Cs(6.5)K(0.5)-1) synthesized by the reaction of K(7)H[Nb(6)O(19)] and A-α-Na(10)[GeW(9)0(34)] in H(2)O(2) solution is a tris(peroxoniobium)-substituted A-α-GeW(9) derivative. Cs(6.5)K(0.5)[GeW(9)Nb(3)O(40)]·10H(2)O (Cs(6.5)K(0.5)-2) is a peroxo-free compound obtained by eliminating the peroxo groups in 1. Monomers 1 and 2 as precursors can each afford two nanoscale POMs, dimer Cs(5)[H(15)Ge(2)W(18)Nb(8)O(88)]·18H(2)O (Cs(5)-3) and tetramer Cs(8)K(3)H(9)[Ge(4)W(36)Nb(16)O(166)]·27H(2)O (Cs(8)K(3)H(9)-4), through the formation of Nb-O-Nb bridges. Disassembly through the cleavage of Nb-O-Nb bonds from 4 to 2 and 1 was achieved by controlling the pH and by adding H(2)O(2), respectively. The transition from 1 to 2 can be achieved by simply adding H(2)O(2) to a solution of 1. All four compounds were characterized in the solid state by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. (183)W NMR analysis proved that the solid-state structures of polyanions 1-4 were retained after dissolution. Disassembly from 4 to 1 and 2 in solution was observed by (183)W NMR spectroscopy. The UV/Vis spectra of 1 at different pH confirmed that it is stable in the pH range of 0.1-14.0 at room temperature.     

Preparation and properties of the aqua ions [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](n+) (n = 5, 6) and crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O

The [3 + 1] reaction of [W(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with [W(CO)(6)] in 2 M HCl under hydrothermal conditions (130 degrees C) gives the [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) cuboidal cluster, reduction potential 35 mV vs NHE (6+/5+ couple). The reduced form is obtained by controlled potential electrolysis. X-ray crystal structure was determined for (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O. The W-W and W-S bond lengths are 2.840 and 2.379 A, respectively.