Intercalation of 1,2-alkanediols into Vanadyl and Niobyl Phosphate

Intercalation compounds of VOPO₄and NbOPO₄ with 1,2-alkanediols (from C3 to C16)have been prepared. The diol molecules are placedbetween host layers in a bimolecular way with theiraliphatic chains tilted at an angle of 70°. Itwas found that the intercalates contain 1.5 moleculesof diol per formula unit. Three ways of bonding of thediol molecules to the host layers are proposed. Twomolecules of diol are coordinated to the metal atomsby their first and second oxygen, respectively. Thethird diol molecule is anchored in the interlayerspace by H-bonds.