Configurational Isomerism in Bimetallic Decametalates

Abstract

In this work, we report on the development of a computational algorithm that explores the configurational isomer space of bimetallic decametalates with general formula MxM10−x′O28q. For x being a natural number in the range of 0 to 10, the algorithm identifies 318 unique configurational isomers. The algorithm is used to generate mixed molybdenum(VI)–vanadium(V) systems MoxV10−xO288− for x=0,1,2, and 3 that are of experimental relevance. The application of the density functional theory (DFT) effectively predicts stability trends that correspond well with empirical observations. In dimolybdenum-substituted decavanadate systems, we discover that a two-electron reduction preferentially stabilizes a configurational isomer due to the formation of metal–metal bonding. The particular polyoxometalate structure is of interest for further experimental studies.