An original electrochemical pathway for the synthesis of porphyrin oligomers.

An electrosynthesis process has allowed the formation of four oligomers, containing three, four, or five macrocycles. This method is based on the nucleophilic attack of porphyrins substituted by several pendant pyridyl groups to the electrogenerated radical cation of zinc ß-octaethylporphyrin (ZnOEP), according to an ECEC processes. Thus, a control of the number of macrocycles and of the geometry of the oligomers can be performed. These new compounds have been characterized by HRMS as well as (1)H NMR, UV/Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. The results show a strong influence of the pyridinium spacers on the macrocycles.

Spectroscopic and electrochemical study of the interconversion and decomplexation of cobalt(II) sandwich polyoxometalates based on a Dawson-type anion.

The reaction of the trivacant Dawson polyoxometalate α-[P(2)W(15)O(56)](12-) and the divalent cations Co(2+) is known to form a symmetrically derived sandwich complex of formula ßß-[Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-) [symbolized as ßß-Co(4)(P(2)W(15))(2)] at low pH (ca. pH 3). We have shown previously that, by a slight modification of the reaction conditions, trinuclear αß-[(NaOH(2))Co(3)(H(2)O)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](17-) and dinuclear [(NaOH(2))(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](18-) complexes [symbolized as αß-NaCo(3)(P(2)W(15))(2) and Na(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15))(2), respectively] can be synthesized as aqueous-soluble sodium salts. αß-NaCo(3)(P(2)W(15))(2) is a "lacunary" sandwich complex that can add a Co(2+) cation to form nearly quantitatively an unsymmetrical Dawson tetracobalt sandwich polyoxometalate, αß-[Co(4)(H(2)O)(2)(P(2)W(15)O(56))(2)](16-) [symbolized as αß-Co(4)(P(2)W(15))(2)]. Thus, for Co(4)(P(2)W(15))(2), the junctions between the trivacant {P(2)W(15)} subunits and the central tetrameric unit can be either both ß type or ß and α types. The interconversion between αß-Co(4)(P(2)W(15))(2) and ßß-Co(4)(P(2)W(15))(2) and the decomplexation process at low pH, leading to the formation of αß-NaCo(3)(P(2)W(15))(2) and/or Na(2)Co(2)(P(2)W(15))(2), have been followed in aqueous solution at various pH values by electrochemistry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy.

Reduced molybenum-oxide-based core-shell hybrids: "blue" electrons are delocalized on the shell.

The present study refers to a variety of reduced metal-oxide core-shell hybrids, which are unique with regard to their electronic structure, their geometry, and their formation. They contain spherical {Mo72Fe30} Keplerate-type shells encapsulating Keggin-type polyoxomolybdates based on very weak interactions. Studies on the encapsulation of molybdosilicate as well as on the earlier reported molybdophosphate, coupled with the use of several physical methods for the characterization led to unprecedented results (see title). Upon standing in air at room temperature, acidified aqueous solutions obtained by dissolving sodium molybdate, iron(II) chloride, acetic acid, and molybdosilicic acid led to the precipitation of monoclinic greenish crystals (1). A rhombohedral variant (2) has also been observed. Upon drying at room temperature, compound 3 with a layer structure was obtained from 1 in a solid-state reaction based on cross-linking of the shells. The compounds 1, 2, and 3 have been characterized by a combination of methods including single-crystal X-ray crystallography, magnetic studies, as well as IR, Mössbauer, (resonance) Raman, and electronic absorption spectroscopy. In connection with detailed studies of the guest-free two-electron-reduced {Mo72Fe30}-type Keplerate (4) and of the previously reported molybdophosphate-based hybrids (including 31P NMR spectroscopy results), it is unambiguously proved that 1, 2, and 3 contain non-reduced Keggin ion cores and reduced {Mo72Fe30}-type shells. The results are discussed in terms of redox considerations (the shell as well as the core can be reduced) including those related to the reduction of "molybdates" by FeII being of interdisciplinary including catalytic interest (the MoVI/MoV and FeIII/FeII couples have very close redox potentials!), while also referring to the special formation of the hybrids based on chemical Darwinism.

Insights into the coordination chemistry of phosphonate derivatives of heteropolyoxotungstates.

The coordination properties of vacant bisphosphonate derivatives of polyoxometalates, with easily tunable functions, have been explored. The preparation and crystallographic structure of their La(3+) and Zr(4+) complexes are described herein.

Organosilyl/-germyl polyoxotungstate hybrids for covalent grafting onto silicon surfaces: towards molecular memories.

Organosilyl/-germyl polyoxotungstate hybrids [PW(9)O(34)(tBuSiO)(3)Ge(CH(2))(2)CO(2)H](3-) (1a), [PW(9)O(34)(tBuSiO)(3)Ge(CH(2))(2)CONHCH(2)C[triple bond]CH](3-) (2 a), [PW(11)O(39)Ge(CH(2))(2)CO(2)H](4-) (3a), and [PW(11)O(39)Ge(CH(2))(2)CONHCH(2)C[triple bond]CH](4-) (4a) have been prepared as tetrabutylammonium salts and characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of (NBu(4))(3)1a.H(2)O has been determined and the electrochemical behavior of 1a and 2a has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Covalent grafting of 2a onto an n-type silicon wafer has been achieved and the electrochemical behavior of the grafted clusters has been investigated. This represents the first example of covalent grafting of Keggin-type clusters onto a Si surface and a step towards the realization of POM-based multilevel memory devices.

Vectorial growth/regulations in a {P8W48}-type polyoxotungstate compartment: trapped unusual molybdenum oxide acts as a handle.

Reaction of the cyclic {P(8)W(48)} polyoxotungstate host with sodium molybdate in solution in the presence of a reducing agent leads to the formation and stabilization of unprecedented neutral {Mo(V)(4)O(10)(H(2)O)(3)} aggregates with handle function, thereby proving the potential of the present host for performing future interesting studies related to mixed-valence type chemistry under confined conditions.

Straightforward synthesis of new polyoxometalate-based hybrids exemplified by the covalent bonding of a polypyridyl ligand.

A new polyoxometalate-based organic-inorganic platform has been designed for further facile derivatization and covalent attachment of organic linkers; this is exemplified by the grafting of a polypyridyl ligand.

Vicinal dinitridoruthenium-substituted polyoxometalates gamma-[XW10O38{RuN}2]6- (X = Si or Ge).

Reaction of the divacant polyoxometalate K(8)[gamma-XW(10)O(36)] (X = Si, Ge) with two equivalents of the metal-nitrido precursor Cs(2)[Ru(VI)NCl(5)], at room temperature in water, produces K(2)(Me(2)NH(2))(2)H(2)[gamma-XW(10)O(38){RuN}(2)], X = Si (DMA-1 a) or Ge (DMA-1 b). The X-ray crystal structures of both complexes show monomeric complexes with highly unusual vicinal terminal metal-nitrido units. The Ru[triple bond]N bond lengths are 1.594(10) and 1.612(11) A in 1 a and 1 b, respectively. EXAFS studies confirmed the key structural assignments from X-ray crystallography. The XANES spectrum of DMA-1 a, diamagnetism, NMR ((29)Si and (183)W) chemical shifts, voltammetric behavior, reductive titrations with [PW(12)O(40)](4-), and computational data are all consistent with d(2) Ru(VI) centers in these complexes. The FT-IR and Raman spectra show the expected vibrational modes of the {gamma-XW(10)} unit and the Ru[triple bond]N stretch at 1080 cm(-1), respectively. Interestingly, reduction of DMA-1 a by 4 equivalents of [PW(12)O(40)](4-) produces NH(3) in nearly quantitative yield. Cyclic voltammetry versus pH and calculations provide the energetics for the possible two-electron reduction and two-proton addition processes in this reaction.

Structural link between giant molybdenum oxide based ions and derived Keggin structure: modular assemblies based on the [BW11O39]9- ion and pentagonal {M'M5} units (M' = W; M = Mo,W).

Linked to the Pentagon: The addition of molybdate to [HBW(11)O(39)](8-) ions leads to the formation of mixed pentagonal units {W(Mo(5))} and {W(WMo(4))} trapped as linkers in the resulting modular assemblies, thus establishing the first link between the conventional Keggin ion derivatives and the giant molybdenum oxide and keplerate ions.

Sorption of tartrate ions to lanthanum (III)-modified calcium fluor- and hydroxyapatite.

The present article details the formation of lanthanum-modified apatites and the binding process of tartrate ions with these obtained apatites. Chemical analyses, FT-IR and (31)P NMR spectroscopies, XRD powder, TGA, and TEM analyses were employed for studying the reaction between Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2) (HAp) or Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(F)(2) (FAp) and LaCl(3). The reaction was found to take place mainly through partial dissolution of the apatite followed by precipitation of a new phase containing lanthanum phosphate. When La(3+) was introduced in the presence of L(+)-tartaric acid (TAH(2)), no fundamental changes were observed in the HAp or FAp structures. However, there did occur a formation of a new phase of Ca or/and La tartrate salt.

Functionalization of polyoxometalates: towards advanced applications in catalysis and materials science.

Functionalization via covalent grafting of organic functions allows to tune the redox and acid-base properties, and the solubility of polyoxometalates, to enhance their stability and biological activity and to reduce their toxicity, to facilitate their implementation in extended structures and functional devices. We discuss herein the electronic and binding connections, and the various synthesis methodologies. We emphasize on organonitrogen, organosilyl and organophosphonyl derivatives with special attention to synthesis, characterization and potential applications in catalysis and materials science. We also consider the giant molybdenum oxide-based clusters especially the porous capsule-type clusters (Keplerates) which have high relevance to this context.

Regioselective activation of oxo ligands in functionalized dawson polyoxotungstates.

The organic side chain of tin-substituted Dawson polyoxotungstates alpha1- and alpha2-[P2W17O61{SnCH2CH2COOH}]7- can be used to direct regioselective acylations of oxo ligands in the inorganic backbone, which was examined both experimentally and computationally. Acylation of the oxo ligand gave exalted electrophilicity to the acyl moiety, and the compounds that were obtained led to direct ligation of POMs to complex organic molecules.

Sensing the chirality of Dawson lanthanide polyoxometalates [alpha1-LnP2W17O61]7- by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.

Lanthanide complexes of the chiral Dawson phosphotungstate [alpha(1)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) were used to study the formation of diastereomers with optically pure organic ligands. The present work started with the full assignment of the (183)W NMR spectra of [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)(4)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) at different temperatures and concentrations, which allowed the structure of the dimerized form in aqueous solution to be established. Different enantiopure amino acids and phosphonic acids were screened as ligands. Both types allowed chiral differentiation by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy under fast-exchange conditions. Functional groups with a good affinity for the oxo framework of the polyoxometalate were identified, and maps of the interactions between L-serine and N-phosphonomethyl-L-proline with [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)(4)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-) were established. This demonstrates the power of (183)W NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the molecular recognition of inorganic molecules by organic compounds. N-Phosphonomethyl-L-proline appears to be a convenient ligand to promote separation of the diastereomers and ultimately resolution of the enantiomers of [alpha(1)-Yb(H(2)O)(4)P(2)W(17)O(61)](7-).

The heteropolytungstate core {BW13O46}11- derived as monomer, dimer, and trimer.

A study of the borotungstate system has led to the characterization of new, original compounds based on the unconventional Keggin derivative [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) ion (denoted as 1). [H(3)BW(14)O(48)](6-) (2) and the dimer [H(6)B(2)W(26)O(90)](12-) (3) crystallize as mixed cesium/ammonium salts and have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Anion 2 reveals an unusual arrangement, consisting of an outer {W(3)O(9)} core grafted onto the monovacant [BW(11)O(39)](9-) Keggin moiety and exhibits an unprecedented distorted square-pyramidal arrangement for a cis-{WO(2)} core. Elemental analysis, supported by bond distance analysis, is consistent with the presence of three protons distributed over the terminal oxygens of the outer {W(3)O(7)} capping fragment. The [H(6)B(2)W(26)O(90)](12-) ion (3) is formally derived from the direct condensation of two [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) subunits. The cisoid arrangement of the two [BW(11)O(39)](9-) subunits, coupled with the antiparallel arrangement of the two quasi-linear O=W...O=W-OH2 chains within the central {W(4)O(12)} connecting group, breaks any symmetry, thereby resulting in a chiral compound. Polarography and pH-metric titrations reveal the formation of the monomeric precursor [H(3)BW(13)O(46)](8-) (anion 1) under stoichiometric conditions. (183)W NMR analysis of 2 and 3 in solution gives complex spectra, consistent with the presence of equilibria between several species. In the frame of this study, we also report on a structural re-investigation of the [H(6)B(3)W(39)O(132)](15-) ion (4) based on reliable results obtained in the solid state by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and in solution by means of 1D and 2D COSY (183)W NMR. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of three attached aquo ligands on the central {W(6)O(15)} connecting core, generating three O=W...O=W-OH2 quasi-linear chains, which are responsible for the chirality of the trimeric assembly. This structural arrangement accounts for the 39-line (183)W solution spectrum. The 2D COSY spectrum permits reliable assignments of the six strongly shielded resonances (around -250 and -400 ppm) to the six central W atoms, as well as additional assignments. The origin of such strong shielding for these particular W atoms is discussed on the basis of previously published results. Infrared data for compounds 1, 3, and 4 are also presented.

Synthesis and characterization of the Keggin-type ruthenium-nitrido derivative [PW11O39{RuN}]4- and evidence of its electrophilic reactivity.

The ruthenium-nitrido POM derivative [PW11O39{RuVIN}]4- has been synthesized by reaction between [PW11O39]7- and [RuVINCl5]2- or [RuVINCl4]-. Its molecular structure has been confirmed from multinuclear 31P and 183W NMR spectroscopy together with an EXAFS study, while the oxidation state of the ruthenium bearing the nitrido ligand has been inferred both from 183W NMR and XANES analysis at the Ru-K edge. The potential of [PW11O39{RuVIN}]4- in N-atom transfer reactions has been demonstrated through reaction with triphenylphosphine, which ultimately leads to the release of the bis(triphenylphosphane)iminium cation [PPh3=N=PPh3]+ through several intermediates, among which the phosphoraniminato derivative [PW11O39{RuVNPh3}]3- has been structurally characterized. Its unusual oxidation state is in accordance with its EPR spectrum.

Synthesis and reactivity of {Ru(p-cymene)}2+ derivatives of [Nb6O19]8-: a rational approach towards fluxional organometallic derivatives of polyoxometalates.

Three {Ru(p-cym)}(2+) (p-cym = p-cymene) derivatives of [Nb(6)O(19)](8-)-[Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}](6-) (Nb(6)Ru(1)), trans-[Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}(2)](4-) (t-Nb6Ru2), and [Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}(4)] (Nb(6)Ru(4))--have been synthesized in water by reaction between [Ru(p-cym)Cl(2)](2) and the hexaniobate. In the solid state, Nb(6)Ru(1) and Nb(6)Ru(4) have been characterized by IR and EDX spectroscopies, whereas t-Nb(6)Ru(2) has been characterized by IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (crystal data for K(4)-trans-[Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}(2)].14H(2)O (K(4)-t-Nb(6)Ru(2).14H(2)O). In solution, all compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR and ESI mass spectrometry analyses, and Nb(6)Ru(1) was also analyzed by (17)O NMR. These studies allowed a comparison of the differences in behaviour of the three complexes in water: Nb(6)Ru(1) is particularly stable, Nb(6)Ru(4) decomposes by loss of {Ru(p-cym)}(2+) fragments, and trans-[Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}(2)](4-) isomerizes into cis-[Nb(6)O(19){Ru(p-cym)}(2)](4-). A rational mechanism for the isomerisation of t-Nb(6)Ru(2) is proposed on the basis of a kinetic study.

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.

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.