Electrochemical probing of the photoreduction of molybdenum and tungsten Dawson-type polyoxometalates in molecular and ionic liquid media using water as an electron donor

The photochemistry of the Dawson-type [Bu(4)N](4)[S(2)Mo(18)O(62)] and [Bu(4)N](4)[S(2)W(18)O(62)] polyoxometalates in molecular solvents and [Bmim][BF(4)] and [Bmim][BF(6)] ionic liquids with water present as the electron donor is reported. Irradiation with UV (275-320 nm) or white (275-750 nm) light leads to reduction of the [S(2)Mo(18)O(62)](4-) anion and concomitant oxidation of water to give dioxygen and protons in all media examined. Oxygen gas also is rapidly evolved when solid [Bu(4)N](4)[S(2)Mo(18)O(62)] in contact with water is irradiated with light. In contrast, photoreduction of [S(2)W(18)O(62)](4-) is observed only in "wet" ionic liquids. Reactants and products associated with the photochemical reactions were monitored by a range of electrochemical methods. Substantial shifts in reversible potentials combined with modified structure of water introduced by water-IL interactions are hypothesised to facilitate photooxidation of water in ionic liquid environments. Intriguingly, whilst the polyoxotungstate is preferable as a photosensitizer, the molybdenum analogue is superior for photooxidation of water to dioxygen.