The Monolanthanide-Containing Silicotungstates [Ln(β2-SiW11O39)2]13- (Ln = La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Lu): A Synthetic and Structural Investigation

Lanthanoid-containing polyoxometalate nanocatalysts in the synthesis of bioactive isatin-based compounds

Lanthanoid-containing polyoxometalates (Ln-POMs) have been developed as effective and robust catalysts due to their Lewis acid–base active sites including the oxygen-enriched surfaces of POM and the unique 4f. electron configuration of Ln. As an extension of our interest in Ln-POMs, a series of as-synthesized nanocatalysts K₁₅[Ln(BW₁₁O₃₉)₂] (Ln-B₂W₂₂, Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Er) synthesized and fully characterized using different techniques. The Ln³⁺ ion with a big ionic radius was chosen as the Lewis acid center which is sandwiched by two mono-lacunary Keggin [BW₁₁O₃₉]⁹⁻ units to form Ln-containing sandwiched type cluster. Consequently, the catalytic activity of nanocatalysts with different Ln was examined in the synthesis of bioactive isatin derivatives and compared under the same optimized reaction conditions in terms of yields of obtained products, indicating the superiority of the nano-Gd-B₂W₂₂ in the aforementioned simple one-pot reaction. The effects of different dosages of nanocatalyst, type of solvent, reaction time, and reaction temperature in this catalytic system were investigated and the best results were obtained in the presence of 10 mol% of nano-Gd-B₂W₂₂ in water for 12 min at the reflux condition.

Formation Mechanism of a Nano‐Ring of Bismuth Cations and Mono‐Lacunary Keggin‐Type Phosphomolybdate

A new hetero‐bimetallic polyoxometalate (POM) nano‐ring was synthesized in a one‐pot procedure. The structure consists of tetrameric units containing four bismuth‐substituted monolacunary Keggin anions including distorted [BiO₈] cubes. The nano‐ring is formed via self‐assembly from metal precursors in aqueous acidic medium. The compound (NH₄)₁₆[(BiPMo₁₁O₃₉)₄] ⋅ 22 H₂O; (P₄Bi₄Mo₄₄) was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), Raman spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF), and thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry mass spectrometry (TG‐DSC‐MS). The formation of the nano‐ring in solution was studied by time‐resolved in situ small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and in situ EXAFS measurements at the Mo−K and the Bi−L₃ edge indicating a two‐step process consisting of condensation of Mo‐anions and formation of Bi−Mo‐units followed by a rapid self‐assembly to yield the final tetrameric ring structure.

Constructing chiral polyoxometalate assemblies via supramolecular approaches

Polyoxometalates (POMs), as a typical class of discrete metal oxide clusters that are known in inorganic and structural chemistry since long, have displayed more and more interesting applications over recent years. However, in comparison to the chemical synthesis, the photochemical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties, the structural asymmetry, and relative characteristic investigations arising therefrom are far behind even if they are very important for functional materials, especially in solution systems. One of the main reasons is that it is hard to control and maintain a stable chiral state of POMs to carry out further corresponding performances. Aiming to overcome these disadvantages, the main concerns of this review are to discuss the generation of the chirality for discrete metal oxide clusters, chirality transfer via a supramolecular approach, chirality amplification in self-assemblies, and the related functional properties such as photochromism, catalysis, and bioactivities in solutions. Considering that some previous reviews dealt with chiral structures and packing architectures in the crystalline solids of POMs, this article only concentrates on the induced chirality and material properties in solution systems, which have been more active recently but no review article has been involved in this interesting area.

Lanthanide-Containing 22-Tungsto-2-germanates [Ln(GeW11O39)2]13-: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties

We report on the synthesis and structural characterization of two series of lanthanide-containing 22-tungsto-2-germanates. The first series corresponds to a family of polyanions with the formula [Ln(β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉)₂]^13- (Ln^III = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), Sm (5), Gd (6), Dy (7)), and the second series corresponds to a family with the formula [Ln(β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉)(α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)]^13- (Ln^III = Ho (8), Er (9), Tm (10)). All compounds were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal and powder XRD, IR, TGA, and SQUID magnetometry. The polyanions were synthesized in aqueous medium by direct reaction of the monolacunary [β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8- POM precursor with the corresponding lanthanide salts. The structure of the polyanions consists of an 8-coordinated lanthanide ion in a square-antiprismatic geometry, which is sandwiched either between two [β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8- units for 1-7 or between a [β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8- and a [α-GeW₁₁O₃₉]^8- unit for 8-10. Furthermore, the effect of the central paramagnetic lanthanide ion on the magnetic behavior of the polyanions was investigated, with the erbium-derivative [Er(β₂-GeW₁₁O₃₉)(α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)]^13- (9) showing single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior.

Nanocomposites of ionic copolymer integrating Gd-containing polyoxometalate as a multiple platform for enhanced MRI and pH-response chemotherapy

Nanocomposites from the co-assemblies of block copolymers and a gadolinium-grafting inorganic cluster were constructed as a multifunctional platform for MRI enhancement, drug loading, and environment-response release at local positions.

Syntheses, Crystal Structure, Electrocatalytic, and Magnetic Properties of the Monolanthanide-Containing Germanotungstates [Ln(H2O) n GeW11O39]5- (Ln = Dy, Er, n = 4,3)

Two monolanthanide-containing polyanions based on monolacunary Keggin germanotungstates [Ln(H2O) n GeW11O39]5- (Ln = Dy, Er, n = 4,3) have been synthesized in simple one-pot synthetic procedure and compositionally characterized in solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. Electronic absorption and emission spectra of the title compounds in solution were also studied. The [DyIII(H2O)4GeW11O39]5- Keggin POM exhibits a slow relaxation of magnetization. The cyclic voltammetry measurements and mass spectrometry were carried out to check the stability of the compounds in solution. Both polyanions prove efficient in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite. To our knowledge, this observation establishes the first example of electrocatalysis of nitrite reduction by all inorganic monolanthanide-containing germanotungstates family.

Thermostructural Behavior in a Series of Lanthanide-Containing Polyoxotungstate Hybrids with Copper(II) Complexes of the Tetraazamacrocycle Cyclam: A Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation Study

A series of 14 isostructural [Cu(cyclam)]₂[{Cu(cyclam)}₄{(α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)Ln(H₂O)(OAc)}₂]·18H₂O (1-Ln, where Ln = La-Lu; cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) polyoxometalate-based hybrids reported herein represent (i) the first example of a two-dimensional covalent hybrid lattice involving the [{(α-XW₁₁O₃₉)Ln(H₂O)(OAc)}₂] ^n- archetype and (ii) the first structural characterization of such a dimeric polyoxotungste for Ln = La and Pr as well as for the combination of X = Ge and Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, or Lu. Compounds 1-Ln have been characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and their thermostructural behavior has been monitored by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compounds undergo two single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations triggered by thermal dehydration leading to the [{Cu(cyclam)}₆{(α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)Ln(H₂O)(OAc)}₂]·4H₂O intermediate (2-Ln, where Ln = Eu or Er) and [Cu(cyclam)]_0.5[{Cu(cyclam)}_5.5{(α-GeW₁₁O₃₉)Ln(OAc)}₂] (3-Ln, where Ln = Ce or Eu) final anhydrous phases, the latter evidencing a coordinatively unsaturated derivative of the dimeric archetype for the first time. These transitions involve formation and disruption of Cu-O_POM bonds that result in different {Cu(cyclam)}²⁺ moieties grafting onto and being released from Keggin surfaces, which reduces the dimensionality of 1-Ln to one-dimensional covalent assemblies for 2-Ln and 3-Ln. While all 3-Ln phases rehydrate fully upon exposure to air for 24 h, the kinetics governing the crystal transitions back toward 1-Ln through 2-Ln depend on the nature of Ln. Under ambient moisture, the anhydrous structures fully revert back to the parent framework for Ln = La-Sm, while the samples containing Eu to Lu afford mixtures of 1-Ln and 2-Ln and require immersion in water for the structural reversion to reach completion. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the rehydrated 1R-Ln samples (Ln = Ce, Eu, and Er) support these observations.

Transition metal-substituted Keggin polyoxotungstates enabling covalent attachment to proteinase K upon co-crystallization

POM-protein interaction: a series of 3d metal-substituted Keggin polyoxotungstates was co-crystallized with proteinase K, resulting in covalent bonds to aspartate protein side-chains as a desirable feature of these novel crystallization additives.

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic performances of a pyrazine dicarboxylate-bridging rare-earth-containing polytungstoarsenate aggregate for selective oxidation of thiophenes and deep desulfurization of model fuels

A new polytungstoarsenate, K₆LiH₆[Ce₄(H₂O)₁₄(pzdc)(H₂pzdc)As₃W₂₉O₁₀₃]·22H₂O (1), was synthesized via a conventional aqueous solution method.

Induced salt-responsive circularly polarized luminescence of hybrid assemblies based on achiral Eu-containing polyoxometalates

Coassemblies of chiral cationic block polymers and achiral anionic Eu-POMs through electrostatic interactions display salt-responsive induced circularly polarized luminescence, which arises from the static coupling and dynamic coupling.

Biocompatible supramolecular dendrimers bearing a gadolinium-substituted polyanionic core for MRI contrast agents

Two hybrid supramolecular complexes comprising magnetic core and dendritic periphery were prepared, which exhibited uniform size, definite molecular weight and chemical composition, and were applicable as enhanced contrast agents.

A multifunctional lanthanide metal–organic framework supported by Keggin type polyoxometalates

An unusual multifunctional POM@MOF neodymium metal–organic framework with 1D nanotubular channels incorporating Keggin type [SiWV3WVI9O₃₈]³⁻ polyoxometalates was successfully synthesized.

Ln12 -Containing 60-Tungstogermanates: Synthesis, Structure, Luminescence, and Magnetic Studies

A new class of hexameric Ln12 -containing 60-tungstogermanates, [Na(H2 O)6 ⊂Eu12 (OH)12 (H2 O)18 Ge2 (GeW10 O38 )6 ](39-) (Eu12 ), [Na(H2 O)6 ⊂Gd12 (OH)6 (H2 O)24 Ge(GeW10 O38 )6 ](37-) (Gd12 ), and [(H2 O)6 ⊂Dy12 (H2 O)24 (GeW10 O38 )6 ](36-) (Dy12 ), comprising six di-Ln-embedded {β(4,11)-GeW10 } subunits was prepared by reaction of [α-GeW9 O34 ](10-) with Ln(III) ions in weakly acidic (pH 5) aqueous medium. Depending on the size of the Ln(III) ion, the assemblies feature selective capture of two (for Eu12 ), one (for Gd12 ), or zero (for Dy12 ) extra Ge(IV) ions. The selective encapsulation of a cationic sodium hexaaqua complex [Na(H2 O)6 ](+) was observed for Eu12 and Gd12 , whereas Dy12 incorporates a neutral, distorted-octahedral (H2 O)6 cluster. The three compounds were characterized by single-crystal XRD, ESI-MS, photoluminescence, and magnetic studies. Dy12 was shown to be a single-molecule magnet.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of a 1-D terbium-substituted monolacunary Keggin-type polyoxotungstate

A new 1-D linear chainlike terbium-substituted polyoxometalate [Tb(H2O)2(α-PW11O39)](4-) (1) has been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), IR spectrum, thermal analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. X-ray structural analysis reveals that 1 displays a 1-D linear chain containing [Tb(H2O)2(α-PW11O39)](4-) moieties. The Tb(III) cation incorporated into the monolacunary Keggin-type [α-PW11O39](7-) unit resides in a distorted monocapped triangular prismatic geometry and acts as a linker to join two adjacent [α-PW11O39](7-) units to form a 1-D chain structure. Solid-state photoluminescent property of 1 has been investigated at room temperature and the photoluminescent emission mainly results from the synergistic effect of the Tb(III) cation and the Na7[α-PW11O39] precursor. The ESI-MS spectrum of 1 confirms that the polyanion [Tb(H2O)(HPW11O39)](3-) is stable in aqueous solution.

Significant developments in rare-earth-containing polyoxometalate chemistry: synthetic strategies, structural diversities and correlative properties

In this article, the major progress in rare-earth containing polyoxometalates made in the past decade involving synthetic strategies, structural characteristics and some significant properties related to optics, catalysis and magnetism is highlighted and discussed.

Magnetic heating properties and neutron activation of tungsten-oxide coated biocompatible FePt core-shell nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles are highly desirable for biomedical research and treatment of cancer especially when combined with hyperthermia. The efficacy of nanoparticle-based therapies could be improved by generating radioactive nanoparticles with a convenient decay time and which simultaneously have the capability to be used for locally confined heating. The core-shell morphology of such novel nanoparticles presented in this work involves a polysilico-tungstate molecule of the polyoxometalate family as a precursor coating material, which transforms into an amorphous tungsten oxide coating upon annealing of the FePt core-shell nanoparticles. The content of tungsten atoms in the nanoparticle shell is neutron activated using cold neutrons at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRMII) neutron facility and thereby transformed into the radioisotope W-187. The sizeable natural abundance of 28% for the W-186 precursor isotope, a radiopharmaceutically advantageous gamma-beta ratio of γβ≈30% and a range of approximately 1mm in biological tissue for the 1.3MeV β-radiation are promising features of the nanoparticles' potential for cancer therapy. Moreover, a high temperature annealing treatment enhances the magnetic moment of nanoparticles in such a way that a magnetic heating effect of several degrees Celsius in liquid suspension - a prerequisite for hyperthermia treatment of cancer - was observed. A rise in temperature of approximately 3°C in aqueous suspension is shown for a moderate nanoparticle concentration of 0.5mg/ml after 15min in an 831kHz high-frequency alternating magnetic field of 250Gauss field strength (25mT). The biocompatibility based on a low cytotoxicity in the non-neutron-activated state in combination with the hydrophilic nature of the tungsten oxide shell makes the coated magnetic FePt nanoparticles ideal candidates for advanced radiopharmaceutical applications.

Dimeric complexes of rare-earth substituted Keggin-type silicotungstates: syntheses, crystal structure and solid state properties

A series of rare-earth substituted dimeric complexes of Keggin-type silicotungstates were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques like SCXD, photoluminescence, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.

Lanthanoid containing phosphotungstates: the syntheses, crystal structure, electrochemistry, photoluminescence and magnetic properties

A series of Peacock and Weakley type dimers was synthesized in a one pot reaction with high yield using ligand [P₂W₁₉O₆₉(H₂O)]¹⁴⁻. All nano clusters were structurally characterized by various analytical techniques.