Structural evolution in polyoxometalates: A DFT study of dimerization processes in Lindqvist and Keggin cluster anions

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate dimerization, by acid condensation, between Lindvist and Keggin cluster anions. When specific addendum atoms are present (notably, Ti, V, Nb, and Cr), these clusters dimerize in the presence of acid via the formation of μ-O linkages. These processes may be viewed as molecular models for the formation of metal-oxygen bonds in the active sites of metalloenzymes, or in materials chemistry, and we here provide detailed information concerning these reactions. For this, DFT calculations are used to provide insight into the mechanism(s) associated with dimerization of Lindqvist clusters, W₅MO ₁₉^n- (M = W, Mo, V, Nb, and Ti) in acidic media. In full accord with experimental data, our calculations show that dimerization of Nb and Ti derivatives is thermodynamically favored and that this is not the case for dimerization between Mo, V, and W addendum atoms. In addition, dimerization of PW₁₁TiO₄₀^5- and SiW₁₁NbO ₄₀^5- to give the corresponding dimers was also calculated to be exothermic. Two possible mechanisms, involved in two competing pathways, are evaluated and discussed. Conclusions are presented concerning the role played by the nature of the metal atoms taking part in M-μ-O-M bond formation. A correlation is established between the relative strengths of specific terminal M=O bonds in monomeric precursors and the tendency of these to form M-μ-O-M bonds.