History
The first example of a polyoxometalate compound was ammonium phosphomolybdate, containing the 3− anion, discovered in 1826. This anion has the same structure as the phosphotungstate anion, whose structure was determined in 1934. This structure is called the Keggin structure after its discoverer.
Following this discovery, other fundamental structures such as the Wells-Dawson ion were found, and their chemistry and applications as catalysts were determined.
Recent new developments include the discovery of large, highly symmetric polyoxomolybdates such as the wheel-shaped molybdenum blue anions and spherical keplerates, numerous hybrid organic/inorganic materials that contain POM cores, new potential applications based on unusual magnetic and optical properties of some POM's, and potential medical applications such anti-tumor and anti-viral uses.
Read more about this topic: Polyoxometalate
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