Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis of β3-[(CoIIO4)W11O31(O2)4],10- the First Keggin-Based True Heteropoly Dioxygen (Peroxo) Anion. Spectroscopic (ESR, IR) Evidence for the Formation of Superoxo Polytungstates

Reactions of hydrogen peroxide with several lacunary polyoxometalates of the 1:11 series, XW11O39m- (X = Co3+, Ga3+, Fe3+, Si4+, and P5+), are reported. Synthetic pathways to new polyoxotungstates incorporating dioxygen moieties (peroxo and/or superoxo) are developed. The key step involves treating lacunary precursors with H2O2 in strongly buffered aqueous solutions. Upon reaction of H2O2 with α-[Co3+W11O39],9- (a) the central tetrahedral Co3+ is reduced to Co2+ and (b) each of the four unshared oxygens surrounding the vacancy are replaced by a peroxide group, yielding salts of the tetraperoxide anion β3-[(Co2+O4)W11O31(O2)4]10- (1). These results are unequivocally established by a combinat…