Theoretical studies on lindqvist polyoxometalates [M6O19]n−(M = Mo, W, n=2; M = V, Nb, Ta, n=8) and derivatives: Electronic structures, stability and bonding

The geometrical and electronic structures of [M 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] (M [Formula: see text] Mo, W, [Formula: see text]; M [Formula: see text] V, Nb, Ta, [Formula: see text]) and their derivatives were investigated by using density functional theory methods. The results indicate that the geometrical structure of [V 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] is not different from other Lindqvist-type anions. The energy gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) (HOMO[Formula: see text]LUMO energy gap) of [V 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] is smaller than those of same charge anions, [Nb 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] and [Ta 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text]. In addition, the charge density [Formula: see text] of [V 6 O[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] is larger when compared with those of other studied clusters. The investigation on the derivatives shows that the valence of V atom (V[Formula: see text] or V[Formula: see text]) and the methoxy ligand influence the HOMO[Formula: see text]LUMO energy gap and the charge density [Formula: see text] of the studied clusters.