Density functional study of protonation sites of α‐Keggin isopolyanions

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to characterize the optimal site of the protons and the precise protonation state in the polyoxometalate (POM) anions V₁₃O₄₀]^15? and H₁₂V₁₃O₄₀]^3?. Six kinds of possible protonated stable isomers with the whole Keggin anion units are discussed. The calculations reveal that the preferred protonation site corresponds to bridging oxygens that belong to the same trimetallic group (isomers B and C). Both isomers B and C are comparatively stable in the gas phase, but only isomer B could exist stably in aqueous solution because of being stabilized by the electrostatic interaction. The solvent effects and protonation are also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006