Oscillatory Template Exchange in Polyoxometalate Capsules: A Ligand-Triggered, Redox-Powered, Chemically Damped Oscillation

Abstract

The redox-controlled driven oscillatory template exchange between phosphate (P) and vanadate (V) anions enclosed in an {X(2)M(18)} cluster is reported. Extensive investigations using a range of techniques, including correlated ESI-MS, EPR, and UV-vis as a function of reaction time, showed that six complete oscillations interconverting the capsule species present in solution from {P(2)M(18)} to {V(2)M(18)} were possible, provided that a sufficient concentration of the TEA reducing agent was present in solution.