New Strategy for Precise Synthesis of Polyoxometalate Catalysts with Designed Active Sites

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce our recent research on the precise synthesis of molecular metal oxide nanoclusters, i.e., polyoxometalates (POMs) with precisely engineered active site structures, and their application to organic synthesis reactions. Specifically, using lacunary POMs with coordination sites as molecular templates or multidentate ligands in organic solvents, we established a precise inorganic synthesis method that allowed us to engineer active site structures and unique functions. In organic solvents, the protonation states of lacunary POMs and the dissolved states of metal species can be controlled; thus, we can design functional inorganic materials with the controlled number, arrangement, and oxidation states of metal atoms. Furthermore, using the synergetic effect of POMs with metals or substrates, we pioneered a new methodology of designing POM catalysts to produce catalysts with new reactivity and high performance. On the basis of these methods, visible-light-responsive redox catalysts were developed using intramolecular charge transfers.