| Polyoxometalates which feature anionic metal clusters are promising materials for a wide variety of applications. One specific area of research that has received relatively limited attention has been the synthesis of polyoxomolybdate compounds (one type of polyoxometalate) involving the use of room temperature ionic liquids. In this context, the synthesis of three polyoxomolybdate materials from a room temperature ionic liquid will be discussed.;The usage of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, (bmim)[BF4], allowed for the synthesis of (bmim)3NH 4[Mo8O26], (bmim)4[PMoVMo 11O40], and (bmim)3[PMo12O40], via the in situ incorporation of the organic imidazolium cation of the ionic liquid. This synthetic approach offers the additional benefit of being "green" in nature. The ionothermal reactions discussed feature the use of glass vials and acid digestion bombs as reaction vessels, relatively mild conditions, and simple molybdate salts.;Details related to the characterization of these compounds will be presented. A discussion of the catalytic role that (bmim)3[PMo12O 40] plays in the oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde will also be conducted. |
