Structure-property correlations and mechanistic implications are important in the design of single-site catalysts for the activation of molecular oxygen. In this study we rationalize trends in catalytic synergy to elucidate the nature of the active site through structural and spectroscopic correlations. In particular, the redox behavior and coordination geometry in isomorphously substituted, bimetallic VTiAlPO-5 catalysts are investigated with a view to specifically engineering and enhancing their reactivity and selectivity in aerobic oxidations. By using a combination of HYSCORE EPR and in situ FTIR studies, we show that the well-defined and isolated oxophilic tetrahedral titanium centers coupled with redox-active VO(2+) ions at proximal framework positions provide the loci for the activation of oxidant that leads to a concomitant increase in catalytic activity compared to analogous monometallic systems.

Vanadium and titanium bimetallic AlPO-5 molecular sieves have been synthesized and characterized by means of Electron Spin Echo detected EPR and Hyperfine Sublevel Correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopy. Direct evidence for framework substitution of redox-active Ti ions and VO(2+) units at Al sites is provided through the detection of large (31)P hyperfine couplings.

Copper chloropyrophosphate frameworks have been synthesised with a wide variety of complex inorganic anions trapped in a large, flexible, one-dimensional pore, with anions including chloride, bromide, phosphate and the complex metal halo-anions PtCl(4)(2-), PdBr(4)(2-), CuCl(4)(2-) and AuCl(4)(-).

A series of materials of general formula AxCu6 (P2O7)4Clx‐6(TX4) (A: K, Rb, Cs, NH4; T: P, Cu, Pd, Pt, Au; X: (O,OH), Cl, Br; x = 7, 9) are hydrothermally synthesized (autoclave, 448—493 K, 2 d) and characterized by powder and single crystal XRD.