Ultrathin Anionic Tungstophosphite Molecular Wire with Tunable Hydrophilicity and Catalytic Activity for Selective Epoxidation in Organic Media

The extended 1D tungstophosphite molecular wire is obtained by connection of polyoxometalates. Self-assembly of a triangular P^III O₃ unit with tungstate produces a hexagonal [HP^III W₆ O₂₁ ]^2- building block, which then connects linearly to form the molecular wire. The surface property of the molecular wire is tuned to hydrophobic using organoammonium cations, and the surface-modified material disperses easily in organic media. The multifunctional material, which possesses nanostructure, hydrophobicity, and redox properties simultaneously, is suitable for olefin epoxidation in organic solvent.