Novel dilacunary phosphotungstate supported onto zirconia: Synthesis, characterization and versatile catalytic activity

• Formation of di-lacunary species confirmed by 31P NMR, FT-IR and FT-Raman.
• The thermal stability and structural stability of the catalyst confirmed.
• Catalyst comprising di-lacunary phosphotungstate and zirconia.
• Acid catalyzed esterification of alcohols and oxidation of styrene was carried out.
• Potential of being used as recyclable catalysts after simple regeneration.

Efficient strategy to synthesize dilacunary phosphotungstate has been introduced and a successful attempt was made to stabilize it onto hydrous zirconia. Characterization of the catalyst was carried out by various physicochemical techniques, further confirming its high stability after supporting. Catalytic activity was evaluated for esterification of alcohols as well as oxidation of alkenes with high turn-over numbers. The catalyst was recyclable up to three cycles without any significant loss in the catalytic activity.

Novel dilacunary phoshotungstate has been synthesized, characterized and catalytic activity was tested for esterification and oxidation reactions.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide