Intercalation of Aliphatic Amines into the Layered Structure of Vanadyl(IV) Hydrogen Phosphate Hemihydrate (VOHPO4.cntdot.0.5H2O)

Abstract

The vanadyl(IV) hydrogen phosphate hemihydrate, VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O, is a pyrolytic precursor of the vanadyl(IV) pyrophosphate phase, (VO)[sub 2]P[sub 2]O[sub 7], generally believed to be the active phase in the selective oxidation of n-butane into maleic anhydride. Pyrolytic transformation into the pyrophosphate phase occurs with conservation of a morphology of the material. VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O is a layered hydrogen phosphate, where -POH groups form interlayer hydrogen bonds with the water molecules shared by two face-linked vanadyl octahedra. The structure of the hemihydrate is similar to that of [alpha]-zirconium hydrogen phosphate ([alpha]-ZrP), where hydrogen bonds are within the same layer and -POH groups are also pointed into the interlayer space. In contrast to [alpha]-ZrP, where extensive data exist, intercalation chemistry of the layered vanadyl(IV) hydrogen phosphate hemihydrate at present is a terra incognita. This paper reports the results of the first systematic study of VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O intercalation with aliphatic amines as a new route to novel vanadyl(IV) phosphate phases. N-Alkylamines have been commonly known as excellent intercalation agents for testing the intracrystalline reactivity of layered oxides. Intercalated alkylamines may also facilitate introduction of thermostable guest molecules, or [open quotes]pillars[close quotes], by ion exchange producing microporous materials whichmore » can modify catalytic and sorptive properties. 9 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less