Structure Transformation among Deca-, Dodeca- and Tridecavanadates and Their Properties for Thioanisole Oxidation

The transformation of three types of polyoxovanadates, {(n-C4H9)4N}3[H3V10O28], {(n-C4H9)4N}4[V12O32] and {(n-C4H9)4N}3[V13O34] have been investigated according to the rational chemical equations, and the best transformation conditions were reported. By the reaction of [H3V10O28]3− with 0.33 equivalents of {(n-C4H9)4N}OH in acetonitrile at 80 °C, [V12O32]4− was formed with 92% yield. The reaction in nitroethane with 0.69 equivalents of p-toluenesulfonic acid gave [V13O34]3− with 91% yield. The 51V NMR observation of each reaction suggests the complete transformations of [H3V10O28]3− to [V12O32]4− and to [V13O34]3− proceeded without the formation of any byproducts and it provides the reliable synthetic route. Decavanadates were produced by the hydrolysis of [V12O32]4− or [V13O34]3−. While the direct transformation of [V13O34]3− to [V12O32]4− partly proceeded, the reverse one could not be observed. For the thioanisole oxidation, [V13O34]3− showed the highest activity of the three.