Efficient preparation of functionalized hybrid organic/inorganic Wells-Dawson-type polyoxotungstates

Hybrid organic/inorganic Wells-Dawson polyoxotungstates have been prepared through addition of functionalized tricholorostannanes to lacunary alpha(2)- and alpha(1)-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-). Coupling of amines and alcohols to polyoxotungstate platforms led to new structures in good yields. Coupling of chiral amines to the previously unknown organotin-substituted alpha(1) derivatives allowed the isolation of diastereomers, which feature in some cases split (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectra. This is the first example of NMR observation of a single pair of diastereomers in the alpha(1)-Wells-Dawson series. It opens the way to potential resolution of those chiral polyoxotungstates.     

Chiral polyoxotungstates. 1. Stereoselective interaction of amino acids with enantiomers of [Ce(III)(alpha1-P2W17O61)(H2O)x]7-. The structure of DL-[Ce2(H2O)8(P2W17O61)2]14-

The ammonium salt of the 1:1complex (1) of Ce(III) with alpha(1)-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10)(-) was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, vibrational and NMR spectroscopy ((31)P, (183)W), cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal X-ray analysis (P1; a = 15.8523(9) A, b = 17.4382(10) A, c = 29.3322(16) A, alpha = 99.617(1) degrees, beta = 105.450 (1) degrees, gamma = 101.132(1) degrees, V = 7460.9(7) A(3), Z = 2). The anion consists of a centrosymmetric head-to-head dimer, [[Ce(H(2)O)(4)(P(2)W(17)O(61))](2)],(14-) with each 9-coordinate Ce cation linked to four oxygens of one tungstophosphate anion and to one oxygen of the other anion. On the basis of P NMR spectroscopy, a monomer-dimer equilibrium exists in solution with K = 20 +/- 4 M(-1) at 22 degrees C. Addition of chiral amino acids to aqueous solutions of 1 results in splitting of the (31)P NMR signals as a result of diastereomer formation. No such splitting is observed with glycine or DL-proline, or when chiral amino acids are added to the corresponding complex of the achiral alpha(2)-isomer of [P(2)W(17)O(61)](10)(-). From analysis of the (31)P NMR spectra, formation constants of the two diastereomeric adducts of 1 with L-proline are 7.3 +/- 1.3 and 9.8 +/- 1.4 M(-1).     

Water dissociation on alpha1-hafnium and ytterbium substituted Dawson polyoxotungstates: a density functional theory study

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were devised to get insight into Lewis acidic catalysis by POMs, especially on the intriguing activation of complexed water molecules that was observed in some experimental cases. Computationally, it appears that deprotonation is feasible with [alpha(1)-Hf(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](6-), but not with [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-). This reflects the difference of the electronic structures (diamagnetic for hafnium POM, paramagnetic for ytterbium POM). From a mechanistical point of view, indirect Br?nsted catalysis cannot be excluded in the hafnium case, especially for Mannich reactions. But our calculations show that catalysis by [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) (and presumably all the lanthanide series) proceeds through direct complexation of the substrates to the POM.     

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.     

A strategy for the analysis of chiral polyoxotungstates by multinuclear (31P, 183W) NMR spectroscopy applied to the assignment of the 183W NMR spectra of alpha1-[P2W17O61]10- and alpha1-[YbP2W17O61]7-

This paper describes the complete assignment of the 183W NMR spectra of the chiral polyoxometalates alpha1-[P2W17O61]10- and alpha1-[YbP2W17O61]7- in aqueous solution. These spectra display each 17 lines of equal intensity with a relatively narrow chemical shift distribution. The identification of signals is based on selective 31P-183W decoupling and recognition of particular sets of coupling constants for tungsten atoms around the lacunary site. Further assignment is obtained by 183W 2D-COSY NMR experiments. We demonstrate herewith a new way for the unambiguous assignment of 183W NMR spectra of polyoxotungstates without any symmetry elements or tungsten atoms in special positions. This way relies on the correlation of the magnitude of 2J(W-W) coupling constants with the geometry of oxo-bridges in polyoxotungstates. These results open the way to monitor interaction sites of chiral polyoxotungstates with organic ligands.     

Increased Lewis acidity in hafnium-substituted polyoxotungstates

Monolacunary polyoxotungstates [alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) and [alpha-PW(11)O(39)](7-) react with HfCl(4) to yield [alpha(1)-HfP(2)W(17)O(61)](6-) and [alpha-Hf(OH)PW(11)O(39)](4-), isolated as organo-soluble tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salts. Subsequent analyses, including mass spectrometry, show that they are stronger Lewis acids than (TBA)(5)H(2)[alpha(1)-YbP(2)W(17)O(61)]. The new polyoxotungstates catalyze Lewis acid mediated organic reactions, such as Mukaiyama aldol and Mannich-type additions. In particular, reactions with aldehydes, which were impossible with lanthanide polyoxotungstates, are made possible. Thus these modifications of the polyoxometalate composition allowed fine tuning of the Lewis acidity. The catalysts could be easily recovered and reused.     

Systematic approach to the quantitative voltammetric analysis of the FeIII/FeII component of the [alpha2-Fe(OH2)P2W17O61]7-/8- reduction process in buffered and unbuffered aqueous media

The one-electron reduction of [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) at a glassy carbon electrode was investigated using cyclic and rotating-disk-electrode voltammetry in buffered and unbuffered aqueous solutions over the pH range 3.45-7.50 with an ionic strength of approximately 0.6 M maintained. The behavior is well-described by a square-scheme mechanism P + e(-) <--> Q (E(1)(0/) = -0.275 V, k(1)(0/) = 0.008 cm s(-1), and alpha(1) = 1/2), PH(+) + e(-) <--> QH(+) (E(2)(0/) = -0.036 V, k(2)(0/) = 0.014 cm s(-1), and alpha(2) = 1/2), PH(+) <--> P + H(+) (K(P) = 3.02 x 10(-6) M), and QH(+) <--> Q + H(+) (K(Q) = 2.35 x 10(-10) M), where P, Q, PH(+), and QH(+) correspond to [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-), [alpha(2)-Fe(II)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](9-), [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-), and [alpha(2)-Fe(II)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-), respectively; E(1)(0)' and E(2)(0)' are the formal potentials, k(1)(0)' and k(2)(0)' are the formal (standard) rate constants, and K(P) and K(Q) are the acid dissociation constants for the relevant reactions. The analysis for the buffered media is based on the approach of Laviron who demonstrated that a square scheme with fully reversible protonations, reversible or quasi reversible electron transfers with the assumption that alpha(1) = alpha(2), can be well-described by the behavior of a simple redox couple, ox + e(-) <--> red, whose formal potential, E(app)(0)', and standard rate constant, k(app)(0)', are straightforwardly derived functions of pH, as are the values of E(1)(0)', k(1)(0)', E(2)(0)', k(2)(0)', and K(P) (only three of the four thermodynamic parameters in a square scheme can be specified). It was assumed that alpha(app) = 1/2, and the simulation program DigiSim was used to determine the values of E(app)(0)' and k(app)(0)', which are required to describe the cyclic voltammograms obtained in buffered media in the pH range from 3.45 to 7.52 (buffer-related reactions which effect general acid-base catalysis are included in the simulations). DigiSim simulations of cyclic voltammograms obtained in unbuffered media yielded the values of E(1)(0)' and k(1)(0)'; K(Q) was then directly computed from thermodynamic constraints. These simulations included additional reactions between the redox species and H(2)O. The value of the diffusion coefficient of the [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH(2))P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-), 2.92 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), was determined using DigiSim simulations of voltammograms at a rotating disk electrode in buffered and unbuffered media at pH 3.45. The diffusion coefficients of all redox species were assumed to be identical. When the pH is greater than 6, instability of P (i.e., [alpha(2)-Fe(III)(OH)P(2)W(17)O(61)](8-)) led to the loss of the reactant and precluded lengthy experimentation.     

Coordination of rare-earth elements in complexes with monovacant Wells-Dawson polyoxoanions

The alpha-1 and alpha-2 isomers of the monovacant Wells-Dawson heteropolyoxoanion [P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) are complexants of trivalent rare-earth (RE) ions and serve to stabilize otherwise reactive tetravalent lanthanide (Ln) and actinide (An) ions in aqueous solution. Aspects of the bonding of Ln ions with alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) and alpha-2-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) were investigated to address issues of complex formation and stability. We present structural insights about the Ln(III) coordination environment and hydration in two types of stoichiometric complexes, [Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) and [Ln(alpha-2-X(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-) (for Ln identical with Sm, Eu, Lu; X identical with P, As). The crystal and molecular structures of [(H(2)O)(4)Lu(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) (1) and [Lu(alpha-2-P(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-) (2) were solved and refined through use of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystallographic results are supported with corresponding insights from XAFS (X-ray absorption fine structure) for a series of nine solid-state complexes as well as from optical luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu(III) analogues in aqueous solution. All the Ln ions are eight-coordinate with oxygen atoms in a square antiprism arrangement. For the 1:1 stoichiometric Ln/alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) complexes, the Ln ions are bound to four O atoms of the lacunary polyoxometalate framework in addition to four O atoms from solvent (water) molecules as [(H(2)O)(4)Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-). This structure (1) is the first of its kind for any metal complex of alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-), and the data indicate that the general stoichiometry [(H(2)O)(4)Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) is maintained throughout the lanthanide series. For the 1:2 stoichiometric Ln/alpha-2-[X(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) complexes, no water molecules are in the Ln-O(8) coordination sphere. The Ln ions are bound to eight O atoms-four from each of two heteropolyanions-as [Ln(alpha-2-X(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-). The average Ln-O interatomic distances decrease across the lanthanide series, consistent with the decreasing Ln ionic radius.     

Noble metals in polyoxometalate chemistry: palladium-containing derivatives of the monolacunary Keggin and Wells-Dawson tungstophosphates

We have prepared the three novel Pd(II)-containing tungstophosphates [Pd(2)(α-PW(11)O(39)H(0.5))(2)](9-) and two structural isomers of [Pd(2)(α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)H(n))(2)]((16-2n)-) via simple synthetic procedures and characterized their potassium salts by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR and multinuclear ((31)P and (183)W) NMR spectroscopy. This study sheds light on the long-standing question about the nature and structure of the actual products formed in the reaction of Pd(II) ions with monolacunary Keggin-type [α-XW(11)O(39)](n-) and Wells-Dawson-type [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) heteropolytungstates.     

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).     

Production and reactions of organic-soluble lanthanide complexes of the monolacunary Dawson [alpha1-P2W17O61]10- polyoxotungstate

The incorporation of lanthanides into polyoxometalates provides entry to new classes of potentially useful materials that combine the intrinsic properties of both constituents. To utilize the [alpha1-Ln(H2O)4P2W17O61]7- species in applications of catalysis and development of luminescent materials, the chemistry of this family of lanthanide polyoxometalates in organic solvents has been developed. Organic-soluble polyoxometalate-lanthanide complexes TBA5H2[alpha1-Ln(H2O)4P2W17O61] (Ln = La(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Yb(III)) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, acid-base titration, IR, 31P NMR, and mass spectrometry. The synthetic procedure involves a cation metathesis reaction in aqueous solution under strict pH control. A solid-liquid-phase transfer protocol yielded a unique species (TBA)8K3[Yb(alpha1-YbP2W17O61)2] with three ytterbium ions and two [alpha1-P2W17O61]10- polyoxotungstates. A centrosymmetric dimeric complex [{alpha1-La(H2O)4P2W17O61}2]14- was crystallized from aqueous solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction. ESI mass spectral analysis of the complexes TBA5H2[alpha1-Ln(H2O)4P2W17O61] shows that similar dimers exist in organic solution, in particular for the early lanthanides. Fragmentation in the mass spectrometer of the complexes from dry acetonitrile solution involves double protonation of an oxo ligand and loss of one water molecule. Low mass tungstate fragments combine into [(WO3)n]2- (n = 1-5) ions and their condensation products with phosphate. Reaction of TBA5H2[alpha1-Eu(H2O)4P2W17O61] with 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine showed an increase of the europium luminescence. This result is explained by the formation of a ternary complex of [alpha1-Eu(H2O)4P2W17O61]7- and two sensitizing ligands.     

Synthesis and structure of dawson polyoxometalate-based, multifunctional, inorganic-organic hybrid compounds: organogermyl complexes with one terminal functional group and organosilyl analogues with two terminal functional groups

Four novel multifunctional polyoxometalate (POM)-based inorganic-organic hybrid compounds, [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){(RGe)}](7-) (Ge-1, R(1) = HOOC(CH(2))(2(-)) and Ge-2, R(2) = H(2)C═CHCH(2(-))) and [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){(RSi)(2)O}](6-) (Si-1, R(1) and Si-2, R(2)), were prepared by incorporating organic chains having terminal functional groups (carboxylic acid and allyl groups) into monolacunary site of Dawson polyoxoanion [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-). In these POMs, new modification of the terminal functional groups was attained by introducing organogermyl and organosilyl groups. Dimethylammonium salts of the organogermyl complexes, (Me(2)NH(2))(7)[α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)(R(1)Ge)]·H(2)O MeN-Ge-1 and (Me(2)NH(2))(7)[α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)(R(2)Ge)]·4H(2)O MeN-Ge-2, were obtained as analytically pure crystals, in 22.8% and 55.3% yields, respectively, by stoichiometric reactions of [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) with separately prepared Cl(3)GeC(2)H(4)COOH in water, and H(2)C═CHCH(2)GeCl(3) in a solvent mixture of water/acetonitrile. Synthesis and X-ray structure analysis of the Dawson POM-based organogermyl complexes were first successful. Dimethylammonium salts of the corresponding organosilyl complexes, (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){(R(1)Si)(2)O}]·4H(2)O MeN-Si-1 and (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){(R(2)Si)(2)O}]·6H(2)O MeN-Si-2, were also obtained as analytically pure crystalline crystals, in 17.1% and 63.5% yields, respectively, by stoichiometric reactions of [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) with NaOOC(CH(2))(2)Si(OH)(2)(ONa) and H(2)C═CHCH(2)Si(OEt)(3). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA), FTIR, solid-state ((31)P) and solution ((31)P, (1)H, and (13)C) NMR, and X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes containing monovacant wells-Dawson and Keggin polyoxotungstates

The syntheses and crystal structures of a series of zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) complexes with Dawson monovacant phosphotungstate [alpha2-P2W17O61](10-) and in situ-generated Keggin monovacant phosphotungstate [alpha-PW11O39](7-), which was obtained by a reaction of [alpha-PW12O40](3-) with Na2CO3, are described. K15H[Zr(alpha2-P2W17O61)2].25H2O (K-1), K16[Hf(alpha2-P2W17O61)2].19H2O (K-2), (Et2NH2)10[Zr(alpha-PW11O39)2].7H2O (Et2NH2-3), and (Et2NH2)10[Hf(alpha-PW11O39)2].2H2O (Et2NH2-4), being afforded by reactions in aqueous solutions of monolacunary Dawson and Keggin polyoxotungstates with ZrCl2O.8H2O and HfCl2O.8H2O followed by exchanging countercations, were obtained as analytically pure, homogeneous colorless crystals. Single-crystal X-ray structure analyses revealed that the Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) ions are in a square antiprismatic coordination environment with eight oxygen atoms, four of them being provided from each of the two monovacant polyanion ligands. Although the total molecular shapes and the 8-coordinate zirconium and hafnium centers of complexes 1-4 are identical, the bonding modes (bond lengths and bond angles) around the zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) centers were dependent on the monovacant structures of the polyanion ligands. Additionally, the characterization of complexes 1-4 was accomplished by elemental analysis, TG/DTA, FTIR, and solution (31P and 183W) NMR spectroscopy.     

Confirmation of the semivacant Wells-Dawson polyoxotungstate skeleton. The structures of [Ce{X(H4)W17O61}2]19- (X = P, As) indicate the probable location of internal protons

Reaction of Ce(III) with lacunary versions of [H(4)XW(18)O(62)](7-) (X = P, As) yields the 1:2 complexes [Ce(H(4)XW(17)O(61)](19-) (X = As, 1; P, 2) in good yield, characterized in solution and the solid state by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis, respectively. The structures confirm a syn C(2) conformation that is analogous to that observed for [Ln(alpha(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-) but with "empty" O(4) tetrahedra that are in positions remote from the cerium atom. Bond valence sum calculations for these structures show that the four protons that are required for charge balance in all salts of the XW(18) anions and their lacunary derivatives are almost certainly bound to the oxygen atoms of the empty tetrahedra.     

Separation and characterization of the two diastereomers for [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-, a common synthon in macromolecular MRI contrast agents: their water exchange and isomerization kinetics

Chiral, bifunctional poly(amino carboxylate) ligands are commonly used for the synthesis of macromolecular, Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents, prepared in the objective of increasing relaxivity or delivering the paramagnetic Gd(III) to a specific site (targeting). Complex formation with such ligands results in two diastereomeric forms for the complex which can be separated by HPLC. We demonstrated that the diastereomer ratio for Ln(III) DTPA derivatives (approximately 60:40) remains constant throughout the lanthanide series, in contrast to Ln(III) EPTPA derivatives, where it varies as a function of the cation size with a maximum for the middle lanthanides (DTPA(5-) = diethylenetriaminepentaacetate; EPTPA(5-) = ethylenepropylenetriaminepentaacetate). The interconversion of the two diastereomers, studied by HPLC, is a proton-catalyzed process (k(obs) = k(1)[H(+)]). It is relatively fast for [Gd(EPTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) but slow enough for [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) to allow investigation of pure individual isomers (isomerization rate constants are k(1) = (3.03 +/- 0.07) x 10(4) and 11.6 +/- 0.5 s(-1) M(-1) for [Gd(EPTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-), respectively). Individual water exchange rates have been determined for both diastereomers of [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) by a variable-temperature (17)O NMR study. Similarly to Ln(III) EPTPA derivatives, k(ex) values differ by a factor of 2 (k(ex)(298) = (5.7 +/- 0.2) x 10(6) and (3.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(6) s(-1)). This variance in the exchange rate has no consequence on the proton relaxivity of the two diastereomers, since it is solely limited by fast rotation. However, such difference in k(ex) will affect proton relaxivity when these diastereomers are linked to a slowly rotating macromolecule. Once the rotation is optimized, slow water exchange will limit relaxivity; thus, a factor of 2 in the exchange rate can lead to a remarkably different relaxivity for the diastereomer complexes. These results have implications for future development of Gd(III)-based, macromolecular MRI contrast agents, since the use of chiral bifunctional ligands in their synthesis inevitably generates diastereomeric complexes.     

A monovacant heteropolytungstate thioderivative: Synthesis and characterization of [(PW11O39)2(H4Mo4S4O6)](10-) and related isomers

[(PW(11)O(39))(2)(Mo(4)S(4)O(4)(OH(2))(2))](10-) anions were obtained through the stereospecific addition of the [Mo(2)S(2)O(2)](2+) oxothiocation to the monovacant alpha-[PW(11)O(39)](7-) anion. K(10)[(PW(11)O(39))(2)(Mo(4)S(4)O(4)(OH(2))(2))].25H(2)O has been isolated as crystals and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The structure revealed a "sandwich-like" dimer of two alpha-[PW(11)O(39)](7-) subunits assembled by the noteworthy central cluster [H(4)Mo(4)S(4)O(6)]. The crystallization of the crude product produces an isomerically pure compound, which was characterized by (31)P and (183)W NMR. IR data were also supplied. In solution, the compound isomerizes, giving a second diastereoisomer. A kinetic experiment, carried out by (31)P NMR, allowed the conditions of the thermodynamic equilibrium to be determined. A structural relationship between the two isomers is proposed, fully consistent with NMR data. Cisoid and transoid isomers result in the relative disposition of each [PW(11)O(39)](7-) subunit, either staggered or eclipsed. An investigation of the formation of the [Mo(2)O(2)S(2)](2+) unit from the polycondensed cyclic precursor [Mo(10)S(10)O(10)(OH)(10)(H(2)O)(5)] and the aggregation process resulting in the oxothio [(PW(11)O(39))(2)(Mo(4)S(4)O(4)(OH(2))(2))](10-) compound has been undertaken. The studies were monitored by (31)P NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies. The reaction is quantitative in nearly stoichiometric conditions.     

Functionalization of heteropolyanions-osmium and rhenium nitrido derivatives of Keggin- and Dawson-type polyoxotungstates: synthesis, characterization and multinuclear ((183)W, (15)N) NMR, EPR, IR, and UV/Vis fingerprints

Reaction of K(10)[alpha(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)] or K(10)[alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61)] or [Bu(4)N][OsCl(4)N] in a water/methanol mixture, and subsequent precipitation with (Bu(4)N)Br provided [alpha(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61){Os(VI)N}](7-) and [alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61){Os(VI)N}](7-) Dawson structures as tetrabutylammonium salts. Reactions of [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-H(3)PW(11)O(39)] with either [ReCl(3)(N(2)Ph(2))(PPh(3))(2)] or [Bu(4)N][ReCl(4)N] are alternatives to the synthesis of [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-PW(11)O(39){Re(VI)N}]. (183)W and (15)N NMR, EPR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry have been used to characterize these compounds and the corresponding [(Bu(4)N)(4)][alpha-PW(11)O(39){Os(VI)N}] Keggin derivative.     

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.     

Speciation of organic-soluble europium(III) α1-Wells-Dawson complexes

In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the speciation of the Eu(III) complex of the lacunary Wells-Dawson isomer, α1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) in organic media. The Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate, α1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) (abbreviated as α1) forms well-defined complexes with europium(III) (and other lanthanide(III)) ions in aqueous solution of predominantly 1 : 1 stoichiometries. The 8-coordinate Eu(III) ion is bound to 4 basic terminal oxygens (O(α1)) and four water molecules (O(H(2)O)) that complete the coordination sphere. Tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) cations are employed to render the [(H(2)O)(4)Eu(α1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) (Eu-α1) complex soluble in acetonitrile. Europium(III) provides the unique opportunity to employ luminescence spectroscopy and multinuclear NMR to probe the coordination environment. We interrogate the innermost coordination sphere of the Eu(III) ion in acetonitrile solution and in MeCN/H(2)O mixtures. We provide evidence toward the fractional displacement and coordination of acetonitrile within the TBA salts, that is consistent with recent EXAFS data. (31)P NMR and Stern-Volmer quenching studies suggest that dimerization to the 2 : 2 species is negligible in acetonitrile and MeCN-H(2)O mixtures. The decreasing transition energy in the excitation spectroscopy of the TBA-Eu-α1 analog upon dilution is consistent with a nephelauxetic effect, which is attributed to a slight increase in covalency upon replacement of water with acetonitrile. Determination of the number of bound waters (q) is also consistent with acetonitrile-water exchange. The reactivity of the 1 : 1 TBA-Eu-α1 with heterocyclic aromatic amines (1,10-phenanthroline, phen, and 2,2' bipyridine, bipy) in MeCN was probed by titrations monitoring the Eu(III) emission upon sensitization by the "antenna ligands". Binding constants for the products 1 : 1 TBA(x-y)H(y)[(Phen)(H(2)O)(2)Eu(α1-P(2)W(17)O(61))] and 1 : 2 TBA(x-y)H(y)[(Phen)(2)Eu(α1-P(2)W(17)O(61))] (denoted 1 : 1 TBA-Eu-α1:phen and 1 : 2 TBA-Eu-α1:phen, respectively), were determined: logK(1): 7.05 ± 0.04 and logK(2): 4.63 ± 0.10. These are reasonably strong formation constants for Ln phenanthroline complexes. In comparison the bipyridine complexes are much weaker. Excitation spectroscopy reveals that the coordination environment about the Eu(III) center is consistent with the ternary 1 : 1 TBA-Ln-α1:phen or 1 : 2 TBA-Ln-α1:phen complexes. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy shows significant chemical shift changes at 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometries and the chemical shift of bound water tracks with the titration to validate expulsion of the H(2)O upon coordination of phenanthroline.     

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.