The hydrolytic stability of [Zr6(OH)4O4{O(O)CC(CH3)=CH2}12] (Zr6), and [Zr6O4(OH)4{O(O)CCH2CH=CH2}12]2·6[CH2=CHCH2C(O)OH] (Zr12) oxoclusters in different environments was thoroughly investigated by FTIR, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specific information about the local structures around the Zr centers during the stability tests was achieved by in situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements, and the exact compositions were determined by inductively coupled plasma MS (ICP-MS) and elemental analysis. By this multidimensional spectroscopic approach, an overview on the structures formed after different treatments could be gained. The stability of the oxoclusters was then investigated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and the formation of peroxo–metal complexes was detected. Thus, a kinetic study was performed in acetonitrile to evaluate the performances of the oxoclusters as oxygen transfer catalysts. The oxidation of methyl p-tolyl sulfide to the corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone was chosen as a model reaction; in some cases, an interesting selectivity towards the formation of the sulfone was found over more than 4700 catalytic cycles

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Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Silvia Gross (IENI-CNR and University of Padova) and Mauro Carraro (University of Padova) in collaboration with Matthias Bauer (Paderborn University) and Danilo Pedron (University of Padova). The cover image shows the oxidation of organic sulfides by Zr-based peroxides, obtained from the reaction of Zr oxoclusters with hydrogen peroxide.