Divacant polyoxotungstates: Reactivity of the gamma-decatungstates [γ-XW10O36]8−(X = Si, Ge)

Abstract

The dilacunary, Keggin-based gamma-decatungstate ions [γ-XW₁₀O₃₆]⁸⁻ (X = Si, Ge) {XW₁₀} exhibit an exciting and versatile solution chemistry, which is probably unmatched by any other lacunary polytungstate. The reactivity of {XW₁₀} in the presence, and even absence, of electrophiles, includes loss/gain of tungsten, isomerization, and dimerization. Ever since the syntheses and structures of {XW₁₀} were reported, many research groups around the world have investigated the reactivity of these polyanions towards nucleophiles (mostly d-block metal ions) and different products with various shape, size and composition were obtained. Here we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in this subarea of polyoxometalate chemistry, with a focus on synthetic and structural aspects.