Synthesis and characterization of a Sb(v)-containing polyoxomolybdate serving as a catalyst for sulfoxidation.

A Sb-containing Anderson-based polyoxomolybdate cluster, [(CH3)4N]4H8[Na5Sb3(Sb2Mo12O57)]·17H2O [1; (CH3)4N+ = TMA+], has been successfully synthesized by using an aqueous solution method and structurally characterized. In particular, UV-Vis spectroscopy has been employed to elucidate the stability of the polyoxoanions. Under mild conditions, the catalyst demonstrates high activity and selectivity for the sulfoxidation of various sulfides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. For example, thioanisole undergoes up to 100% conversion and 100% sulfone selectivity at 25 °C in aqueous solution.