Catalase-like activity of the polyoxovanadate anion [MnIVV13O38]7−: a mechanistic studyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2cy20163a

The anion [Mn IV V 13 O 38 ] 7− , 1 , in aqueous acetate buffer catalyses the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water (TON > 200) by a Mn IV/II cycle, which operates via quick formation of diperoxovanadate at the surface of 1 . The polyoxovanadate anion [Mn IV V 13 O 38 ] 7− catalyses the decomposition of H 2 O 2 to O 2 and H 2 O, the rate of decomposition is dependent on pH of the reaction medium and [H 2 O 2 ]. The catalytic cycle operates via formation of an intermediate diperoxovanadate species. The Mn IV center located inside the polyoxovanadate cage aids the catalytic cycle by switching its oxidation state between IV and II.