36-Nuclearity Organophosphonate-Functionalized Polyoxomolybdates: Synthesis, Characterization And Selective Catalytic Oxidation Of Sulfides

The crown-shaped 36-molybdate cluster organophosphonate-functionalized polyoxomolybdates with the highest nuclearity in organophosphonate-based polyoxometalate chemistry, (NH4)(19)Na7H10[Cu(H2O)TeMo6O21{N(CH2PO3)(3)}](6).31 H2O, has been reported for the first time. The synthesized 36-molybdate cluster was characterized by routine techniques and tested as a heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides with impressive catalytic and selective performances after heat treatment. High efficiency (TON=15333) was achieved in the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides, caused by the synergic effect between copper and polyoxomolybdates and the generation of the cuprous species during the heat treatment.