Optically Active Polyoxotungstates Bearing Chiral Organophosphonate Substituents

Divacant Keggin-type polyoxotungstates [γ-XW10O36]8– with X = Si or Ge, were functionalized with chiral phosphoryl groups. The hybrid compounds [(R*PO)2(γ-XW10O36)]4– with R = N-protected aminoalkyl groups or O-protected amino acid derivatives, were isolated. The solution characterization of the products was performed by different techniques: 183W, 31P, 13C, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD). The experimental data confirm the covalent grafting of the organic moieties onto the polyanionic surface. A chirality transfer, from the pendant organic arm to the inorganic framework is apparent from CD studies. Multiple Cotton effects were observed in the region of charge-transfer transitions pertaining to W–O bonds. Furthermore, the 183W NMR spectra are consistent with the expected C2 symmetry, resulting from introduction of two organic stereocenters. The title complexes were used in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to perform the oxidation of methyl p-tolyl sulfide. Implications for the design of enantioselective catalysts based on these derivatives are discussed.