Soluble Hetero-Polyoxovanadates and Their Solution Chemistry Analyzed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are an intriguing class of compounds due to their tremendous structural variety and the wide spectrum of resulting properties, which make them interesting for applications in fields such as catalysis, material science or nanotechnology. Their ability to form large supramolecular architectures by self-assembly offers an entry to complex, functional systems. After an introduction into the structure and synthesis of POMs of the early transition metals, recently discovered water-soluble antimonato polyoxovanadates (Sb-POVs) and the investigation of their chemical reactivity are discussed. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is presented as an analytical technique suitable to investigate the structure of complex POM assemblies in solution and to probe the underlying reactivity and formation mechanisms. This Minireview highlights the first studies on the soluble Sb-POVs and how the knowledge of their reactivity obtained by ESI-MS has fostered the syntheses of numerous novel Sb-POV compounds.