Intercalation of Alkanediols into Layered Vanadyl Phenyl- and Ethylphosphonate

Alkanediols OH(CH 2 ) n OH ( n = 2−5) were intercalated into layered vanadyl phenylphosphonate VOC 6 H 5 PO 3 ·2H 2 O and ethylphosphonate VOC 2 H 5 PO 3 ·1.5H 2 O. Considering alkanediols with n = 2−3, 1 mol of alkanediol was intercalated, forming layered compounds of composition VOC 6 H 5 PO 3 ·OH(CH 2 ) n OH or VOC 2 H 5 PO 3 ·OH(CH 2 ) n OH as characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. These alkanediols coordinate to the vanadium atom at the two sites initially occupied by the water molecules. Alkanediols with n = 4−5 coordinate only to the interlayer site with replacement of a weakly bound water molecule. A comparison of the intercalation reactions with alcohol is included and evidences the strong hydrophobic sorbent character of these vanadyl organophosphonates.