Abstract: Zn2Al layered double hydroxide pillared with Dawson polyoxometalates, P₂W₁₇ZO₆₁^8-(Z=Mn²⁺, Co ²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) was prepared. A basal space of ca. 16 nm indicates the intercalated Dawson ions to be oriented with their C₂ axis perpendicular to the double hydroxide layers(with the exception of P₂W₁₇Zn-LDH). The IR and¹³P MASNMR spectral reveal that the Dawson ions retain their integrity in the interlayer space of LDH. A preliminary study shows that these compounds are highly active catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexene with molecular oxygen.

Key words: Pillaring, Dawson structure, Polyoxometalate anions