Computational characterization of the internal bonding and solvation structure for [Nb10O28]aq6-

The chemistry of polyoxometalate ions is richly explored, but mostly via synthesis and experimental studies. Less emphasis has been placed on developing a robust computational understanding of their aqueous dynamics. In this work, we utilize both a previously created force-field model and ab initio molecular dynamics to explore the solvation structure of [Nb10O28]aq(6-). We examine characteristic behaviors of both cluster-water interactions and intra-cluster bond strengths. We show that cluster-water interactions are dictated by electrostatic interactions, which in turn are dictated by the shape of the cluster; ultimately reflecting a quantitatification of the steric shielding to the cluster's oxygen sites. We also show that bond strengths within the cluster do not correlate with oxygen reactivities, lending credence to previous suggestions that oxygen exchange for decaniobate clusters occurs via intermediates that form by significant structural reorganizations.

Peroxomolybdate(vi)–citrate and –malate complex interconversions by pH-dependence. Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies

The reaction of potassium molybdate(VI) with biologically relevant ligands, citric and malic acids, in the presence of H2O2 was investigated for the effect of pH variations on the product pattern. That with citric acid led to the formation of the monomeric complex K4[MoO(O2)2(cit)].4H2O (1) in the pH range 7-9, and dimer K5[MoO(O2)(2-)(Hcit)H(Hcit)(O2)2OMo].6H2O (2) (H4cit = citric acid) at pH 3-6 through carboxylate-carboxylic acid hydrogen bonding. The relation with the previously identified K4[MoO3(cit)].2H2O (4) and K4[Mo2O5(Hcit)2].4H2O (5) were shown. These and other intermediates were shown to react in the pH range 3-6 to give a more stable species 2; the reaction sequence was demonstrated either by the protonation from 1 or the deprotonation of [MoO(O2)2(H2cit)](2-) (8). Evidence that 2 exists as a dimer in solution is presented. The reaction with (S)-malic acid afforded Delta-K(2n)[MoO(O2)2((S)-Hmal)]n.nH2O (3) (H3mal = malic acid) that was oxidized further to oxalato molybdate (11) by H2O2. The three complexes 1-3 were characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR and NMR spectroscopies, in addition to the X-ray structural studies that show citrate and malate being coordinated as bidentate ligands via alpha-alkoxyl and alpha-carboxylate groups. The formation of these complexes is dictated by pH and their thermal stabilities varied with the coordinated hydroxycarboxylate ligands.

Redistribution and fluxionality in heteropolyoxoperoxo complexes: [PO4{M2O2(μ-O2)2(O2)2}2]3−with M = Mo and/or W

When peroxotetramolybdophosphate, [(n-C4H9)4N]3[PO4[Mo2O2(mu-O2)2(O2)2]2], denoted (NBu4)3PMo4, and its tungsten(VI) analogue, (NBu4)3PW4, are mixed in acetonitrile at room temperature, redistribution occurs with the formation of three mixed-addenda species [PO4[Mo4-xWxO20]]3- (x = 1-3). The temperature dependence of the phosphorus-31 NMR spectra of a 1 1 mixture and of the pure salts, (NBu4)3PMo4 or (NBu4)3PW4, shows that [MO(O2)2] species are in chemical exchange, as are the [MOp] units of certain heteropolyacids (e.g. H3[PMo12O40] x aq and H3[PW12O40] x aq). However, there is no chemical exchange between free phosphate and [MO(O2)2] species in these systems; but there is fluxional behaviour involving PMo2W2, PMo4 and PW4. This is attributed to the rapid equilibrium between isomers (PMo2W2) and to equilibrium between anionic structures with tridentate (mu-eta2:eta1-O22-) and bidentate (eta2-O22-) modes of coordination for the two peroxo groups of the [M2O2(mu-O2)2(O2)2] moieties.