Studies on the Reactivity of [Ge9]4− towards [Fe(cot)(CO)3]: Synthesis and Characterization of [Ge8Fe(CO)3]3− and of the Anionic Organometallic Species [Fe(cot)(CO)3]−

Reaction of cyclooctatetraene (COT) iron(II) tricarbonyl, [Fe(cot)(CO)₃], with one equivalent of K₄Ge₉ in ethylenediamine (en) yielded the cluster anion [Ge₈Fe(CO)₃]^3? which was crystallographically‐characterized as a [K(2,2,2‐crypt)]⁺ salt in [K(2,2,2‐crypt)]₃[Ge₈Fe(CO)₃]. The chemically‐reduced organometallic species [Fe(η³‐C₈H₈)(CO)₃]^? was also isolated as a side‐product from this reaction as [K(2,2,2‐crypt)][Fe(η³‐C₈H₈)(CO)₃]. Both species were further characterized by EPR and IR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The [Ge₈Fe(CO)₃]^3? cluster anion represents an unprecedented functionalized germanium Zintl anion in which the nine‐atom precursor cluster has lost a vertex, which has been replaced by a transition‐metal moiety.     

A S8‐like [Sb8]8− Zintl Anion in the Ammoniate [K17(Sb8)2(NH2)] · 17.5NH3

The ammoniate [K₁₇(Sb₈)₂(NH₂)] · 17.5NH₃ was synthesized by reduction of antimony with potassium in liquid ammonia. Single crystals were isolated and characterized by low temperature X‐ray structure analysis. [K₁₇(Sb₈)₂(NH₂)] · 17.5NH₃ crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c (No. 14) with a = 12.976(1) Å, b = 24.536(1) Å, c = 22.858(1) Å and β = 99.17(1)°. The ammoniate contains crown‐shaped [Sb₈]^8? Zintl anions which are analogous to S₈ rings. The presence of amide NH₂^? as an additional anion is deduced from coordination observations and the close similarity of structural features to the structure of KNH₂.     

Indyllithium and the Indyl Anion [InL]−: Heavy Analogues of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

Reduction of the indate complex In(NON^Ar)(μ‐Cl)₂Li(OEt₂)₂ (NON^Ar=[O(SiMe₂NAr)₂]^2?; Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) with sodium generates the In^II diindane species [In(NON^Ar)]₂. Further reduction with a mixture of potassium and [2.2.2]crypt affords the In^I N‐heterocyclic indyl anion [In(NON^Ar)]^?, which crystallizes with a non‐contacted [K([2.2.2]crypt)]⁺ cation. The indyl anion can also be isolated as the indyllithium compound In(NON^Ar)(Li{THF}₃), which contains an In?Li bond. Density functional theory calculations show that the HOMO of the indyl anion is a metal‐centred lone pair, and preliminary reactivity studies confirm its nucleophilic behaviour.     

1‐Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate [OB11H12]− from the Controlled Oxidation of the closo‐Borates [B11H11]2− and [B12H12]2−

The closo‐dodecaborate [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? is degraded at room temperature by oxygen in an acidic aqueous solution in the course of several weeks to give B(OH)₃. The degradation is induced by Ag²⁺ ions, generated from Ag⁺ by the action of H₂S₂O₈. Oxa‐nido‐dodecaborate(1?) is an intermediate anion, that can be separated from the reaction mixture as [NBzlEt₃][OB₁₁H₁₂] after five days in a yield of 18 %. The action of FeCl₃ on the closo‐undecaborate [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? in an aqueous solution gives either [B₂₂H₂₂]^2? (by fusion) or nido‐B₁₁H₁₃(OH)^? (by protonation and hydration), depending on the concentration of FeCl₃. In acetonitrile, however, [B₁₁H₁₁]^2? is transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by Fe³⁺ and oxygen. The radical anions [B₁₂H₁₂] ^{˙ ?} and [B₁₁H₁₁] ^{˙ ?} are assumed to be the primary products of the oxidation with the one‐electron oxidants Ag²⁺ and Fe³⁺, respectively. These radical anions are subsequently transformed into [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? by oxygen. The crystal structure analysis shows that the structure of [OB₁₁H₁₂]^? is derived from the hypothetical closo‐oxaborane OB₁₂H₁₂ by removal of the B3 vertex, leaving a non‐planar pentagonal aperture with a three‐coordinate O vertex, as predicted by NMR spectra and theory.     

Dipotassium Sodium Diantimonidoindate,K2Na[InSb2], a compound with the polyanion [In2Sb2Sb4/2]6−

The novel compound K₂Na[InSb₂] was synthesized from the elements at 900 K in sealed niobium ampoules. The compound forms plate-like crystals with silver metallic luster, which are very unstable in air and moisture. The crystal structure of K₂NaInSb₂ has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods (space group Cmca (No. 64); a = 14.032(2), b = 16.399(3), c = 7.009(1) Å; Z = 8; Pearson symbol oC48). The structure contains pairs of edge-sharing InSb₄ tetrahedra which are linked to four other pairs via common vertices and form a two-dimensional [In₂Sb₂Sb_4/2]^6? anionic partial structure. The resulting pairs of tetrahedral holes are filled by Na⁺ cations. These [In₂Sb₂Sb_4/2]^6? layers are stacked along the b-axis and are interconnected by K⁺ cations. The whole structure can be considered as an ordered derivative of the KMnP structure (PbFCl type).     

On the Flexibility of Thioantimonate Networks: Solvothermal Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Six New Thioantimonates(III) with the [Sb4S7]2− Anion

Six new thioantimonates(III) with the [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ anion were obtained under solvothermal conditions with in‐situ formed transition metal complexes as structure directors. In the two isostructural compounds [Fe(dien)₂]Sb₄S₇·H₂O ( 1 ) and [Co(dien)₂]Sb₄S₇·0.5 H₂O ( 2 ) (dien = diethylenetriamine; space group: P2₁/c) the layered [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ anion is characterized by Sb₈S₈ rings with a diameter of about 9.6·7.6Å. The cation complexes are located above and below the pores of the rings. Despite the larger size of the cation complex the network topology of the third thioantimonate [Ni(dien)(tren)]Sb₄S₇ ( 3 ) (tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine; space group: P2₁/n) is similar to that of the first two compounds. In the isostructural thioantimonates [M(trien)]Sb₄S₇ (M = Zn ( 4 ); M = Mn ( 5 ); trien = triethylenetetramine; space group: ) the M²⁺ ions are fivefold coordinated by four N atoms of the amine molecule and by one S atom of the thioantimonate anion forming a MN₄S trigonal bipyramid. Sb₈S₁₆ building blocks are the central structural motifs of the anion. Two of the terminal S atoms at the periphery of the Sb₈S₁₆ units are bound to M²⁺ ions and the four remaining terminal S atoms connect adjacent Sb₈S₁₆ groups into the final [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ chain. [Ni(tren)]Sb₄S₇ ( 6 ) (space group: ) contains a one‐dimensional anionic chain. The Ni²⁺ ion has two bonds to the [Sb₄S₇]²⁻ anion which is a unique feature in the thioantimonate(III) chemistry. The NiN₄S₂ octahedron is severly distorted with one very long Ni‐S bond of 2.782(2) Å. In all compounds several short S···H distances indicate hydrogen bonding interactions.     

Titanium‐Substituted Polyoxotantalate Clusters Exhibiting Wide pH Stabilities: [Ti2Ta8O28]8− and [Ti12Ta6O44]10−

Two new substituted polyoxotantalate clusters, [Ti₂Ta₈O₂₈]^8? and [Ti₁₂Ta₆O₄₄]^10?, considerably expand the pH range where tantalates persist in aqueous solution. The structures of [Ti₂Ta₈O₂₈]^8? and [Ti₁₂Ta₆O₄₄]^10? are reported as tetramethylammonium salts after synthesis at hydrothermal conditions in aqueous solution. These Ti‐substituted polyoxotantalate clusters have analogues among recently discovered niobates, but are slightly larger and more persistent in solution. Most importantly, they exhibit a much wider range of pH stability than the familiar hexatantalate cluster, which is the only other tantalate known to be stable at highly basic pH conditions. These molecules are kinetically stable to near‐neutral pH, making them excellent synthons for further development into materials and catalysts, and an significant advance in adapting tantalates for use in aqueous solutions.     

{[CuSn5Sb3]2−}2: A Dimer of Inhomogeneous Superatoms

Reaction of the binary Zintl anion (Sn₂Sb₂)^2? with the β‐diketiminato complex [LCu(NCMe)] (L=nacnac=[(N(C₆H₃ⁱPr₂‐2,6)C(Me))₂CH]^?) in ethylenediamine or DMF affords the ternary cluster dimer {[CuSn₅Sb₃]^2?}₂ ( 1 ) as its [K(crypt‐222)]⁺ salt. The chemical formulation of 1 is supported by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and quantum chemical calculations. Each monomeric part of the dimer represents a trimetallic “[CuSn₅Sb₃]^2?” cluster, with an architecture in between a tricapped trigonal prism and a capped square antiprism. As shown by quantum chemical investigations, the presence of Sb atoms and, in particular, of Cu atoms in the cluster skeleton makes the monomeric unit behave like an inhomogeneous superatom, which clearly prefers to dimerize, thereby producing a relatively short, yet virtually non‐bonding Cu???Cu distance.     

[Sb11]3− and [As11]3−: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Two New Ammoniates containing Trishomocubane‐like Polyanions

The ammoniates [K(18‐crown‐6)(NH₃)₂]₃Sb₁₁ · 5.5NH₃ ( 1 ) and [Cs(18‐crown‐6)]₂CsAs₁₁ · 8NH₃ ( 2 ) (18‐crown‐6 = 18C6: 1,4,7,10,13,16‐Hexaoxacyclooctadecan) were synthesized by either the reaction of K₃Sb₇ with SbPh₃ in liquid ammonia or by extraction of Cs₃As₁₁ with liquid ammonia. Single crystals were isolated and characterized by low temperature X‐ray structure analysis. [K(18‐crown‐6)(NH₃)₂]₃Sb₁₁ · 5.5NH₃ crystallizes in the space group with a = 13.31(2) Å, b = 15.161(2) Å, c = 22.521(3) Å, α = 99.23(1)°, β = 100.99(1)° and γ = 105.03(1)°. [Cs(18‐crown‐6)]₂CsAs₁₁ · 8NH₃ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 20.009(3) Å, b = 17.024(1) Å, c = 19.838(2) Å and β = 119.732(9)°. While 1 contains isolated [Sb₁₁]^3? anions and [K(18‐crown‐6)(NH₃)₂]⁺ complexes, cesium–arsenic contacts lead to one–dimensionally infinite chains in 2 .     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Novel Type of Heteropolyanion: [Sb4Mo12(OH)6O48]10‐

A novel antimony substituted polyoxomolybdate has been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray structure analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis, Raman and IR spectroscopy. The [Sb₄Mo₁₂(OH)₆O₄₈]^10‐ anion exhibits a central Sb₄(OH)₆O₁₄ core where all Sb^V atoms are coordinated octahedrally by six oxygen atoms. It represents a novel type of heteropolyanion with no known analogous structure in literature.     

Investigation of Large Polychloride Anions: [Cl11]−, [Cl12]2−, and [Cl13]−

For decades the chemistry of polyhalides was dominated by polyiodides and more recently also by an increasing number of polybromides. However, apart from a few structures containing trichloride anions and a single report on an octachloride dianion, [Cl₈]^2?, polychlorine compounds such as polychloride anions are unknown. Herein, we report on the synthesis and investigation of large polychloride monoanions such as [Cl₁₁]^? found in [AsPh₄][Cl₁₁], [PPh₄][Cl₁₁], and [PNP][Cl₁₁]?Cl₂, and [Cl₁₃]^? obtained in [PNP][Cl₁₃]. The polychloride dianion [Cl₁₂]^2? has been obtained in [NMe₃Ph]₂[Cl₁₂]. The novel compounds have been thoroughly characterized by NMR spectroscopy, single‐crystal Raman spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The assignment of their spectra is supported by molecular and periodic solid‐state quantum‐chemical calculations.     

Electrochemical Behavior and Multilayer Assembly Films with Fine Functional Activities of the Sandwich‐Type Polyoxometallate [Sb2W20Fe2O70(H2O)6]8−

The iron‐substituted sandwich‐type polyoxometalate (POM), comprised of the main group element Sb(III) as the central heteroatom, [Sb₂W₂₀Fe₂O₇₀(H₂O)₆]^8? (Sb₂W₂₀Fe₂), is one of the Krebs‐type derivatives. For the first time, the POMs' redox electrochemistry has been elucidated under acidic conditions employing cyclic voltammetry. It exhibited what is believed to be a bielectronic redox couple associated with the two Fe(III) centers followed by four‐electron and two‐electron redox processes, respectively, with these being attributed to redox processes of the tungsten‐oxo framework. The oxidized form of this POM was found to be stable from pH 1.5 to pH 6. Release of the iron centers from the complex, namely demetallization, was observed upon reduction of the Fe(III) sites at room temperature, with an influence of the solution pH being observed. Through the technique of layer‐by‐layer (LBL) assembly, the POM was successfully immobilized on both quartz and glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces by alternate deposition with the polyelectrolyte poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). Thus‐prepared multilayer films have been characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV‐vis spectroscopy (UV‐vis) and XPS. The electrocatalytic activities of the multilayer films containing Sb₂W₂₀Fe₂ have been investigated towards the reduction of NO₃^? and IO₃^?. With an increase in the number of Sb₂W₂₀Fe₂ monolayers within the assembly, the catalytic current towards the reduction of IO₃^? was enhanced.     

Structural Proof for the First Dianion of a Polychloride: Investigation of [Cl8]2−

The polychloride salt [CCl(NMe₂)₂]⁺₂[Cl₈]^2? was synthesized and crystallized in the ionic liquid [BMP]OTf. The compound was fully characterized by Raman spectroscopy as well as X‐ray single‐crystal structure determination, and represents the first example of a polychloride dianion to be described. Detailed gas‐phase and solid‐state calculations concerning the nature of the bonding situation were also performed.     

The [U2F12]2− Anion of Sr[U2F12]

The D_2h‐symmetric dinuclear complex anion [U₂F₁₂]^2? of pastel green Sr[U₂F₁₂] shows a hitherto unknown structural feature: The coordination polyhedra around the U atoms are edge‐linked monocapped trigonal prisms, the U^V atoms are therefore seven‐coordinated. This leads to a U–U distance of 3.8913(6) Å. A weak U^V–U^V interaction is observed for the dinuclear [U₂F₁₂]^2? complex and described by the antiferromagnetic exchange J_exp of circa ?29.9 cm^?1. The crystalline compound can be easily prepared from SrF₂ and β‐UF₅ in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) at room temperature. It was studied by means of single crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR, Raman and UV/VIS spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and by molecular as well as by solid‐state quantum chemical calculations.     

σ‐Aromaticity‐Induced Stabilization of Heterometallic Supertetrahedral Clusters [Zn6Ge16]4− and [Cd6Ge16]4−

In this work, the largest heterometallic supertetrahedral clusters, [Zn₆Ge₁₆]^4? and [Cd₆Ge₁₆]^4?, were directly self‐assembled through highly‐charged [Ge₄]^4? units and transition metal cations, in which 3‐center–2‐electron σ bonding in Ge₂Zn or Ge₂Cd triangles plays a vital role in the stabilization of the whole structure. The cluster structures have an open framework with a large central cavity of diameter 4.6 Å for Zn and 5.0 Å for Cd, respectively. Time‐dependent HRESI‐MS spectra show that the larger clusters grow from smaller components with a single [Ge₄]^4? and ZnMes₂ units. Calculations performed at the DFT level indicate a very large HOMO–LUMO energy gap in [M₆Ge₁₆]^4? (2.22 eV), suggesting high kinetic stability that may offer opportunities in materials science. These observations offer a new strategy for the assembly of heterometallic clusters with high symmetry.     

Step‐by‐Step Synthesis of the Endohedral Stannaspherene [Ir@Sn12]3− via the Capped Cluster Anion [Sn9Ir(cod)]3−

The endohedral stannaspherene cluster anion [Ir@Sn₁₂]^3? was synthesized in two steps. The reaction of K₄Sn₉ with [IrCl(cod)]₂ (cod: 1,5‐cyclooctadienyl) in ethylenediamine (en) solution first yielded the [K(2,2,2‐crypt)]⁺ salt (2,2,2‐crypt: 4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) of the capped cluster anion [Sn₉Ir(cod)]^3?. Subsequently, crystals of this compound were dissolved in en, followed by the addition of triphenylphosphine or 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and treatment at elevated temperatures. [Ir@Sn₁₂]^3? was obtained and characterized as the [K(2,2,2‐crypt)]⁺ salt. The isolation of [Sn₉Ir(cod)]^3? as an intermediate product establishes that the formation of the stannaspherene [Ir@Sn₁₂]^3? occurs through the oxidation of [Sn₉Ir(cod)]^3?. Among the structurally characterized tetrel cluster anions, [Ir@Sn₁₂]^3? is a unique example of a stannaspherene, and one of the rare spherical clusters encapsulating a metal atom that is not a member of Group 10. Single‐crystal structure determination shows that the novel Zintl ion cluster has nearly perfect icosahedral I_h point symmetry.     

Die Kristallstrukturen von (DDI)2[Sb2F6O] und (DDI)2[Sb3F7O2] (DDI = 1, 3‐Diisopropyl‐4, 5‐dimethylimidazolium) — Ein Beitrag zur Hydrolyse von SbF3 [1]

The Crystal Structures of (DDI)₂[Sb₂F₆O] and (DDI)₂[Sb₃F₇O₂] (DDI = 1,3‐Diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazolium) — a Contribution to the Hydrolysis of SbF₃ [1] The salts (DDI)₂[Sb₂F₆O] ( 2 ) and (DDI)₂[Sb₃F₇O₂] ( 3 ), (DDI = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazolium) are obtained by hydrolysis of C₁₁H₂₀N₂SbF₃ ( 1 ). The anion [Sb₂F₆O]^2? consists of two SbF₂ fragments linked by a symmetrical oxygen bridge and two unsymmetrical fluorine bridges to form a distored ψ‐octahedral coordination sphere at the antimony atoms. In [Sb₃F₇O₂]^2?, two SbF₂ units are linked by a symmetrical fluorine bridge, while the third antimony atom is connected with each SbF₂ fragment by a symmetrical oxygen and an unsymmetrical fluorine bridge. The antimony atoms adopt the centres of strongly distored ψ‐polyhedra.     

All‐Metal Antiaromaticity in Sb4‐Type Lanthanocene Anions

Antiaromaticity, as introduced in 1965, usually refers to monocyclic systems with 4n π electrons. This concept was extended to all‐metal molecules after the observation of Li₃Al₄^? in the gas phase. However, the solid‐phase counterparts have not been documented to date. Herein, we describe a series of all‐metal antiaromatic anions, [Ln(η⁴‐Sb₄)₃]^3?(Ln=La, Y, Ho, Er, Lu), which were isolated as the K([2.2.2]crypt) salts and identified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Based on the results obtained from the chemical bonding analysis, multicenter indices, and the electron‐counting rule, we conclude that the core [Ln(η⁴‐Sb₄)₃]^3? fragment of the crystal has three locally π‐antiaromatic Sb₄ fragments. This complex represents the first locally π‐antiaromatic all‐metal system in the solid state, which is stabilized by interactions of the three π‐antiaromatic units with the central metal atom.     

Bis­[hydrogen 1,1′‐bis­(di­phenyl­phos­phinato)­ferrocenium] octa­chloro­diantimony(III)

In the title compound, [Fe(C₃₄H₂₉O₂P₂)]₂[Sb₂Cl₈], the discrete centrosymmetric [Sb₂Cl₈]^2? anions are formed from two edge‐shared square pyramids of Cl atoms about each Sb atom. Within the cation, the two di­phenyl­phosphinate groups share one H atom and the ferrocene cyclo­penta­dienyl rings are in a staggered conformation, with the average value of the twist angle being 46°. In the crystal, each [Sb₂Cl₈]^2? anion is involved in eight C—H?Cl interactions with four surrounding cations and these interactions interconnect the ions to form molecular columns along the a direction.     

Polychloride Monoanions from [Cl3]− to [Cl9]−: A Raman Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Investigation

Polychloride monoanions stabilized by quaternary ammonium salts are investigated using Raman spectroscopy and state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐chemical calculations. A regular V‐shaped pentachloride is characterized for the [N(Me)₄][Cl₅] salt, whereas a hockey‐stick‐like structure is tentatively assigned for [N(Et)₄][Cl₂???Cl₃^?]. Increasing the size of the cation to the quaternary ammonium salts [NPr₄]⁺ and [NBu₄]⁺ leads to the formation of the [Cl₃]^? anion. The latter is found to be a pale yellow liquid at about 40 °C, whereas all the other compounds exist as powders. Further to these observations, the novel [Cl₉]^? anion is characterized by low‐temperature Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum‐chemical calculations.