Hybrid Polyoxotungstates as 2nd-Generation POM-based Catalysts for Microwave-assisted H2O2 activation

Organic - inorganic hybrids synthesized from lacunary polyoxotungstates (POMs) have been screened as oxidation catalysts with H(2)O(2) under MW irradiation. Yields up to 99% have been obtained in 25-50 min depending both on the POM structure and on the organic moiety. The reaction scope, optimized with the best performing catalyst [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)(PhPO)(2)](4-), includes epoxidation of terminal and internal double bonds, alcohol oxidation, and sulfoxidation, as well as oxygen transfer to electron-deficient substrates as chalcone, ketones, and sulfoxides.