Pyro without fire: synthesis, structure, and reactivity of a dimeric vanadyl pyrophosphate coordination complex.

ABSTRACT

The complex {[(V(IV)O)bipy(H(2)O)](2)(µ-P(2)O(7))}·3H(2)O (2) was readily obtained as a nanocrystalline powder by one-pot synthesis under mild conditions. Single crystals of 2 were grown at room temperature over 2 months, and its structure was determined. Fundamental catalytic activity was proven for this species by testing for oxidation of benzyl alcohol in air.