Novel gallium and indium salts of the 12-tungstophosphoric acid: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties

The objective of this study was the preparation, characterization and testing of the catalytic properties of the GaPW12O40 and InPW12O40 salts of 12-tungstophosphoric heteropolyacid (HPW). The samples were characterized by XRD, IR, SEM, and 31P and 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy. The acid properties of the solids were directly accounted for by applying 1H MAS NMR. The salts were screened in the etherification of 1-phenylethanol with C1–C4 alkanols in dichloromethane as a solvent to yield the corresponding C6H5CH(OR)CH3 unsymmetrical ethers. In comparison with pure HPW, the new salts revealed generally a higher selectivity of ethers formation at 65 °C.

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► Preparation of new gallium and indium salts of 12-tungstophosphoric heteropolyacid
► Full characterization of the samples, including unit cell parameters estimation and NMR solid-state studies
► Screening in the etherification reactions of 1-phenylethanol using C1–C4 alkanols.