Incorporation of {MX} groups into polyoxometalates (POMs) provides the means not only to introduce reactivity and functionality but also to tune the electronic properties of the oxide framework by varying M, X and n. In order to elucidate the factors responsible for differences in reactivity between {TiW } and {SnW } Lindqvist-type hexametalates, a series of alkoxido- and aryloxido-tin substituted POMs (nBu N) [(RO)SnW O ] (R=Me, Et, iPr and tBu) and (nBu N) [(ArO)SnW O ] (Ar=C H , 4-MeC H , 4-tBuC H , 4-HOC H , 3-HOC H and 2-CHOC H ) has been structurally characterised and studied by multinuclear NMR ( H, C, O, Sn and W) and FTIR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic and structural parameters were compared with those of titanium-substituted homologues and, when coupled with theoretical studies, indicated that Sn-OR and Sn-OAr bonds are ionic with little π-contribution, whereas Ti-OR and Ti-OAr bonds are more covalent with π-bonding that is more prevalent for Ti-OR than Ti-OAr. This experimental and theoretical analysis of bonding in a homologous series of reactive POMs is the most extensive and detailed to date, and reveals factors which account for significant differences in reactivity between tin and titanium congeners.