Catalytic Chemistry of Heteropoly Compounds

This chapter describes the essence of the catalytic chemistry of heteropoly compounds in solution and in the solid state. The catalytic properties of heteropoly compounds have drawn wide attention, owing to the versatility of these compounds as catalysts, which has been demonstrated both by successhl large-scale applications and by promising laboratory results. Heteropolyanions are polymeric oxoanions formed by condensation of more than two different mononuclear oxoanions. Heteropolyanions formed from one kind of polyanion are called isopolyanions. Acidic elements such as Mo, W, V, Nb and Ta, which are present as oxoanions in aqueous solution, tend to polymerize by dehydration at low pH, forming polyanions and water.Heteropoly catalysts can be applied in various ways. They are used as acid as well as oxidation catalysts. They are used in various phases, as homogeneous liquids, in two-phase liquids (in phase-transfer catalysis), and in liquid-solid and in gas-solid combinations, etc.