Peroxo-Zr/Hf-Containing Undecatungstosilicates and -Germanates

A family of dimeric, peroxo-containing heteropolytungstates, [M(2)(O(2))(2)(XW(11)O(39))(2)](12-) [M = Zr(4+), X = Si (1), Ge (2); M = Hf(4+), X = Si (3)], have been synthesized by reacting ZrCl(4)/HfCl(4) with the respective monolacunary Keggin precursor [XW(11)O(39)](8-) (X=Si, Ge) in an aqueous acidic medium (pH 4.8). The isostructural polyanions 1-3 are composed of two (XW(11)O(39)) Keggin units encapsulating a central diperoxo-dimetal fragment {M(2)(O(2))(2)}(4+) (M=Zr(4+), Hf(4+)). Cyclic voltammetry and exhaustive electrolysis studies indicate fast reductive release of the peroxo ligands upon reduction of 1-3. Stoichiometric oxo-transfer studies from 1-3 to the substrate L-methionine were performed, and the reactions were monitored by (1)H NMR.