Intercalation of alkanediols into layered vanadyl phenyl and ethylphosphonate

Alkanediols OH(CH2)(n)OH (n = 2-5) were intercalated into layered vanadyl phenylphosphonate VOC6H5PO3 . 2H(2)O and ethylphosphonate VOC2H5PO3 . 1.5H(2)O. Considering alkanediols with n = 2-3, 1 mol of alkanediol was intercalated, forming layered compounds of composition VOC6H5PO3 . OH(CH2)(n)OH or VOC2H5PO3 . OH(CH2)(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.