Divacant polyoxotungstates: reactivity of the gamma-decatungstates [γ-XW10O36]8-(X = Si, Ge).

The dilacunary, Keggin-based gamma-decatungstate ions [γ-XW(10)O(36)](8-) (X = Si, Ge) {XW(10)} exhibit an exciting and versatile solution chemistry, which is probably unmatched by any other lacunary polytungstate. The reactivity of {XW(10)} in the presence, and even absence, of electrophiles, includes loss/gain of tungsten, isomerization, and dimerization. Ever since the syntheses and structures of {XW(10)} were reported, many research groups around the world have investigated the reactivity of these polyanions towards nucleophiles (mostly d-block metal ions) and different products with various shape, size and composition were obtained. Here we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in this subarea of polyoxometalate chemistry, with a focus on synthetic and structural aspects.