Synthesis, crystal structure and catalytic behavior of a novel polyoxometalate-based complex

A novel polyoxometalate-based complex, [(BMI)(2)(DMDI)(PW12O40)] (1), where BMI is 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and DMDI is 3,3'-dimethyl-1,1'-diimidazolium, was synthesized by the reaction of 12-tungstophosphoric acid with excess 1-butyl-3-methylimizodium chloride. The structure of complex 1 was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical property was determined on a CHI 660 electrochemistry workstation. Subsequently, complex 1 showed a specific and good catalytic behavior for the photo-polymerization of vinyl monomers, and polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained within 60 min, and the polymerization showed controlled characteristics. Furthermore, the catalyst can be isolated from polymer product easily and reused for at least 10 times. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.