Interlayer adsorption of ammonia and pyridine in V2O5 xerogel

Abstract

Intracrystalline adsorption of ammonia and pyridine in V₂O₅·1.5 H₂O xerogel, takes place spontaneously with protonation of the bases. Although partial V^v→ V^IV transformation in the host lattice has been detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, infrared studies show that the intercalation process is due mainly to a proton-transfer reaction involving interlayer water molecules, which denotes the Brønsted-acidic character of the xerogel. Considerations of the symmetry and orientation of the interlamellar species are also reported.