The presence of oxo-ligands
is one of the main required
characteristics
for polyoxometalates (POMs), although some oxygen ions in a metallic
environment can be replaced by other nonmetals, while maintaining
the POM structure. The replacement of oxo-ligands offers a valuable
approach to tune the charge distribution and connected properties
like reducibility and hydrolytic stability of POMs for the development
of tailored compounds. By assessing the reported catalytic and biological
applications and connecting them to POM structures, the present review
provides a guideline for synthetic approaches and aims to stimulate
further applications where the oxo-replaced compounds are superior
to their oxo-analogues. Oxo-replacement in POMs deserves more attention
as a valuable tool to form chemically activated precursors for the
synthesis of novel structures or to upgrade established structures
with extraordinary properties for challenging applications.