This review reports some aspects of the synthesis, chemical-physical p
roperties and reactivity of heteropolyoxometalates. Particular attenti
on is given to most recent developments in the use of heteropolycompou
nds as heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for the selective oxida
tion of hydrocarbons. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv
ed.