Crystal Growth and Structure Refinement of K4Ge9

Deep‐red moisture and air sensitive single crystals of K₄Ge₉ were obtained by reacting GeO₂ and elemental Ge with metallic W and K at high temperature in a niobium ampoule. The crystal structure of the compound was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments. K₄Ge₉ crystallizes in a polar space group R3c (No. 161), Z = 4 with a = 21.208(1) and c = 25.096(2) Å. The compound contains discrete Ge₉^4? Wade's nido‐clusters which are packed according to a hierarchical atom‐to‐cluster replacement of the Cr₃Si prototype and are separated by K⁺ cations. Two independent [Ge₉]^4? clusters A (at Cr positions) and B (at Si positions) are found with a ratio A:B = 3:1. The B ‐type cluster satisfactorily represents orientational disorder around the three‐fold axis.     

Oxidative Coupling of Ge94‐ Zintl Anions ‐ Hexagonal Rod Packing of Linear [Ge9=Ge9=Ge9=Ge9]8‐

The compound [K(18‐crown‐6)]₈[Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉] ˙ 8en ( 1 ) featuring a [Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉]^8‐cluster anion was synthesized from K₄Ge₉ for the first time. The X‐ray single crystal analysis shows that, in many respects such as bond connection and packing style, compound 1 is quite different from the previously reported compounds [Rb(18‐crown‐6)]₈[Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉] ˙ 2en ( 2 ) and [Rb(18‐crown‐6)]₈[Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉=Ge₉] ˙ 6en ( 3 ). Crystal packing of 1 gives strong indications that the highly charged nano‐rods self assembly in a hexagonal rod packing.     

On the Nature of Bridging Metal Atoms in Intermetalloid Clusters: Synthesis and Structure of the Metal‐Atom‐Bridged Zintl Clusters [Sn(Ge9)2]4− and [Zn(Ge9)2)]6−

The addition of Sn and Zn ions to [Ge₉] clusters by reaction of [Ge₉]^4? with SnPh₂Cl₂, ZnCp*₂ (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), or Zn₂[HC(Ph₂P=NPh)₂]₂ is reported. The resulting Sn‐ and Zn‐bridged clusters [(Ge₉)M(Ge₉)]^q? (M=Sn, q=4; M=Zn, q=6) display various coordination modes. The M atoms that coordinate to the open square of a C_4v‐symmetric [Ge₉] cluster form strong covalent multicenter M?Ge bonds, in contrast to the M atoms coordinating to triangular cluster faces. Molecular orbital analyses show that the M atoms of the Ge₉M fragments coordinate to a second [Ge₉] cluster with similar orbitals but in different ways. The [Ge₉Sn]^2?unit donates two electrons to the triangular face of a second [Ge₉]^2? cluster with D_3h symmetry, whereas [Ge₉Zn]^2?acts as an electron acceptor when interacting with the triangular face of a D_3h‐symmetric [Ge₉]^4? unit.     

Two‐, One‐, and Zero‐Dimensional Elemental Nanostructures Based on Ge9‐Clusters

We investigated the structural principles of novel germanium modifications derived by oxidative coupling of Zintl‐type [Ge₉]^4?clusters in various ways. The structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of the predicted {²_∞[Ge₉]_n} sheet, {¹_∞[Ge₉]_n} nanotubes, and fullerene‐like {Ge₉}_n cages were studied by using quantum chemical methods. The polyhedral {Ge₉}_n cages are energetically comparable with bulk‐like nanostructures of the same size, in good agreement with previous experimental findings. Three‐dimensional structures derived from the structures of lower dimensionality are expected to shed light on the structural characteristics of the existing mesoporous Ge materials that possess promising optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, 3D networks derived from the polyhedral {Ge₉}_n cages lead to structures that are closely related to the well‐known LTA zeolite framework, suggesting further possibilities for deriving novel mesoporous modifications of germanium. Raman and IR spectra and simulated X‐ray diffraction patterns of the predicted materials are given to facilitate comparisons with experimental results. The studied novel germanium modifications are semiconducting, and several structure types possess noticeably larger band gaps than bulk α‐Ge.     

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.     

Extraction of Ternary Alloys: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [K([2.2.2]crypt)]Cs7[Sn9]2(en)3

The compound [K([2.2.2]crypt)]Cs₇[Sn₉]₂(en)₃ ( 1 ) was synthesized from an alloy of formal composition KCs₂Sn₉ by dissolving in ethylenediamine (en) followed by the addition of [2.2.2]crypt and toluene. 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pcca with a = 45.38(2), b = 9.092(4), c = 18.459(8) Å, and Z = 4. The structure consists of Cs₇[Sn₉]₂ layers which contain [Sn₉]^4– anions and Cs⁺ cations. The layers are separated by [K([2.2.2]crypt)]⁺ units. In the intermetallic slab (Cs₇[Sn₉]₂)^– compares the arrangement of pairs of symmetry‐related [Sn₉]^4– anions with the dimer ([Ge₉]–[Ge₉])^6– in [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₂Cs₄([Ge₉]–[Ge₉]), in which the clusters are linked by a cluster‐exo bond. The shortest distance between atoms of such two clusters in 1 is 4.762 Å, e. g. there are no exo Sn‐Sn bonds. The [Sn₉]^4– anion has almost perfect C_4v‐symmetry.     

On the Reactivity of Silylated Ge9 Clusters: Synthesis and Characterization of [ZnCp*(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], [CuPiPr3(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], and [(CuPiPr3)4{Ge9(SiPh3)2}2]

We report on the synthesis of new derivatives of silylated clusters of the type [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^? (R = SiMe₃, Me = CH₃; R = Ph, Ph = C₆H₅) as well as on their reactivity towards copper and zinc compounds. The silylated cluster compounds were synthesized by heterogeneous reactions starting from the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉. Reaction of K[Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃] with ZnCl₂ leads to the already known dimeric compound [Zn(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)₂] ( 1 ), whereas upon the reaction with [ZnCp*₂] the coordination of [ZnCp*]⁺ to the cluster takes place (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) under the formation of [ZnCp*(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 2 ). A similar reaction leads to [CuPiPr₃(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 3 ) from [CuPiPr₃Cl] (iPr=isopropyl). Further we investigated the novel silylated cluster units [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₃]^? ( 4 ) and [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]^? ( 5 ), which could be identified by mass spectroscopy. Bis‐ and tris‐silylated species can be synthesized by the respective stoichiometric reactions, and the products were characterized by ESI‐MS and NMR experiments. These clusters show rather different reactivity. The reaction of the tris‐silylated anion 4 with [CuPiPr₃Cl] leads to [(CuPiPr₃)₃Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]⁺ as shown from NMR experiments and to [(CuPiPr₃)₄{Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂}₂] ( 6 ), which was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6 shows a new type of coordination of the Cu atoms to the silylated Zintl clusters.     

[Ge4O6Te4]4—, an Adamantanoid Oxotellurido Germanate(IV) with a Central Ge4O6 Core

[Mn(en)₃]₂[Ge₄O₆Te₄]·1.5en ( 1 ) and (enH)₃[Mn(en)₃]₃[Ge₄O₆Te₄]₂I·4.7en ( 2 ) may be prepared at 150 °C by solvothermal reaction of elemental Ge and Te with Mn(OOCCH₃)₂ ·4H₂O in the presence of [CH₃)₄N]I as a mineralizer in respectively superheated ethylenediamine (en) or an en/CH₃OH (3:2) mixture. Both contain the novel [Ge₄O₆Te₄]^4— anion with a central adamantanoid Ge₄O₆ core and four terminal Te atoms and represent the first examples of such a mixed [M₄E₆E₄′]^4— anion (M = Si‐Sn; E = O‐Te). As a result of their increased polarity, the Ge‐Te bonds of 2 are markedly shorter (2.438 — 2.462Å) than those previously reported for telluridogermanates(IV).     

Halometallate Complexes of Germanium(II) and (IV): Probing the Role of Cation,Oxidation State and Halide on the Structural and Electrochemical Properties

The Ge^IV chlorometallate complexes, [EMIM]₂[GeCl₆], [EDMIM]₂[GeCl₆] and [PYRR]₂[GeCl₆] (EMIM=1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium; EDMIM=2,3‐dimethyl‐1‐ethylimidazolium; PYRR=N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium) have been synthesised and fully characterised; the first two also by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The imidazolium chlorometallates exhibited significant C?H???Cl hydrogen bonds, resulting in extended supramolecular assemblies in the solid state. Solution ¹H NMR data also showed cation–anion association. The synthesis and characterisation of Ge^II halometallate salts [EMIM][GeX₃] (X=Cl, Br, I) and [PYRR][GeCl₃], including single‐crystal X‐ray analyses for the homologous series of imidazolium salts, are reported. In these complexes, the intermolecular interactions are much weaker in the solid state and they appear not to be significantly associated in solution. Cyclic‐voltammetry experiments on the Ge^IV species in CH₂Cl₂ solution showed two distinct, irreversible reduction waves attributed to Ge^IV–Ge^II and Ge^II–Ge⁰, whereas the Ge^II species exhibited one irreversible reduction wave. The potential for the Ge^II–Ge⁰ reduction was unaffected by changing the cation, although altering the oxidation state of the precursor from Ge^IV to Ge^II does have an effect; for a given cation, reduction from the [GeCl₃]^? salts occurred at a less cathodic potential. The nature of the halide co‐ligand also has a marked influence on the reduction potential for the Ge^II–Ge⁰ couple, such that the reduction potentials for the [GeX₃]^? salts become significantly less cathodic when the halide (X) is changed Cl→Br→I.     

A Coordination Compound of Ge0 Stabilized by a Diiminopyridine Ligand

Reduction of the cationic Ge^II complex [dimpyrGeCl][GeCl₃] (dimpyr=2,6‐(ArN=CMe)₂NC₅H_3, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) with potassium graphite in benzene affords an air sensitive, dark green compound of Ge⁰, [dimpyrGe], which is stabilized by a bis(imino)pyridine platform. This compound is the first example of a complex of a zero‐valent Group 14 element that does not contain a carbene or carbenoid ligand. This species has a singlet ground state. DFT studies revealed partial delocalization of one of the Ge lone pairs over the π*(C?N) orbitals of the imines. This delocalization results in a partial multiple‐bond character between the Ge atom and imine nitrogen atoms, a fact supported by the X‐ray crystallography and IR spectroscopy data.     

Enhancing the Variability of [Ge9] Cluster Chemistry through Phosphine Functionalization

The synthetic approach towards molecules that contain Ge atoms with oxidation state 0, and which are exclusively connected to other Ge atoms, is explored by using anionic clusters extracted from binary solids. Besides providing a novel variable method for the introduction of alkenyl moieties to [Ge₉] cluster compounds, this work expands the spectrum of mixed-functionalized [Ge₉] cluster anions, which are suitable for the straightforward synthesis of zwitterionic compounds upon coordination to metal cations. In detail, the synthesis of a series of mixed-functionalized [Ge₉] clusters is reported, including [Ge₉{Si(TMS)₃}₃PRR^I] (R=tBu, R^I=(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂; 2 ) and [Ge₉{Si(TMS)₃}₂PRR^I]⁻ (R and R^I: alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aminoalkyl; 3 a to 11 a , TMS: (trimethyl)silyl). In 2 and 3 a , pentenyl functionalization of the [Ge₉] clusters was achieved by reaction of the novel chlorophosphine tBu{(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂}PCl ( 1 ) with silylated [Ge₉] clusters. Furthermore, the reactivity of the cluster anions 3 a to 11 a towards NHC^DippMCl (NHC^Dipp=1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolylidine; M=Cu, Ag) showed a dependency on the steric demand of the phosphine either zwitterions ( 3 -MNHC^Dipp to 7 -MNHC^Dipp) featuring P–M interactions are formed, or Ge–M coordination ( 8 -MNHC^Dipp to 11 -MNHC^Dipp) occurs. For M=Ag, the formation of zwitterionic complexes was unequivocally proven by NMR investigations showing ¹J(³¹P-¹⁰⁷Ag/¹⁰⁹Ag) spin-spin coupling.     

[Cd(Sn9)2]6− and [Cd(Ni@Sn9)2]6−: Reactivity and coordination chemistry of empty and Ni-centered [Sn9]4− Zintl ions

To investigate the reactivity of homoatomic clusters [E₉]^4? (E = Si-Pb) and intermetalloid clusters [M@E₉]^q?, the reactions of the Zintl anions [Sn₉]^4? and [Ni@Sn₉]^4? with the CdMes₂ (Mes = Mesitylene) in the presence of 2.2.2-crypt were carried out. Two new compounds [K(2.2.2-crypt)]₆[(Sn₉)Cd(Sn₉)]·en (1) and [K(2.2.2-crypt)]₆[(Ni@Sn₉)Cd(Ni@Sn₉)]·en (2) were afforded. Both 1 and 2 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and can be viewed as two [Sn₉]^4? or [Ni@Sn₉]^4? subunits bridged by Cd ion in an η³:η³ coordination mode. Quantum chemical calculations reveal the relationships between the geometries and electronic structures of clusters 2a, [Ni₃Ge₁₈]^4? and [Cu₄@Sn₁₈]^4?. Further electron localization technique (AdNDP method) was performed to explain chemical bonding patterns of 1a.     

The Neat Ternary Solid K5−xCo1−xSn9 with Endohedral [Co@Sn9]5− Cluster Units: A Precursor for Soluble Intermetalloid [Co2@Sn17]5− Clusters

A new type of Zintl phase is presented that contains endohedrally filled clusters and that allows for the formation of intermetalloid clusters in solution by a one‐step synthesis. The intermetallic compound K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ was obtained by the reaction of a preformed Co? Sn alloy with potassium and tin at high temperatures. The diamagnetic saltlike ternary phase contains discrete [Co@Sn₉]^5? clusters that are separated by K⁺ ions. The intermetallic compound K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ readily and incongruently dissolves in ethylenediamine and in the presence of 4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (2.2.2‐crypt), thereby leading to the formation of crystalline [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₅[Co₂Sn₁₇]. The novel polyanion [Co₂Sn₁₇]^5? contains two Co‐filled Sn₉ clusters that share one vertex. Both compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The diamagnetism of K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉ and the paramagnetism of [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₅[Co₂Sn₁₇] have been confirmed by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and EPR measurements, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations reveal an endohedral Co^1? atom in an [Sn₉]^4? nido cluster for [Co@Sn₉]^5? and confirm the stability of the paramagnetic [Co₂Sn₁₇]^5? unit.     

[Ge2]4− Dumbbells with Very Short Ge−Ge Distances in the Zintl Phase Li3NaGe2: A Solid‐State Equivalent to Molecular O2

The novel ternary Zintl phase Li₃NaGe₂ comprises alkali‐metal cations and [Ge₂]^4? dumbbells. The diatomic [Ge₂]^4? unit is characterized by the shortest Ge?Ge distance (2.390(1) Å) ever observed in a Zintl phase and thus represents the first Ge=Ge double bond under such conditions, as also suggested by the (8?N) rule. Raman measurements support these findings. The multiple‐bond character is confirmed by electronic‐structure calculations, and an upfield ⁶Li NMR shift of ?10.0 ppm, which was assigned to the Li cations surrounded by the π systems of three Ge dumbbells, further underlines this interpretation. For the unperturbed, ligand‐free dumbbell in Li₃NaGe₂, the π‐ bonding p_y and p_z orbitals are degenerate as in molecular oxygen, which has singly occupied orbitals. The partially filled π‐type bands of the neat solid Li₃NaGe₂ cross the Fermi level, resulting in metallic properties. Li₃NaGe₂ was synthesized from the elements as well as from binary reactants and subsequently characterized crystallographically.     

Tetrarubidium Nonagermanide(4–) Ethylenediamine,Rb4[Ge9][en]

Tetrarubidiumnonagermanid(4–)-ethylendiamin, Rb₄[Ge₉][en] Orange-farbene Kristalle von Rb₄[Ge₉][en] erhält man nach der Austauschreaktion einer Lösung von ,NaGe_2.25‘ (precursor) in Ethylendiamin (en) mit festem RbI bei 360 K und nachfolgender langsamer Abkühlung. Die Verbindung ist äußerst empfindlich gegen Oxidation und Hydrolyse. Der thermische Abbau im dynamischen Vakuum beginnt mit der vollständigen Abgabe von en bei 350 K. Es folgt die Sublimation von Rubidium in vier weiteren Stufen (Rb₈Ge₂₅, Rb₈Ge₄₄, Rb_xGe₁₃₆ mit x È 16, Ge). Das Ramanspektrum zeigt die charakteristischen Banden des Anions [Ge₉]^4– bei 151, 163, 185 und 222 cm^–1. Rb₄[Ge₉][en] kristallisiert in einem neuen Strukturtyp (Raumgruppe P2₁/m; a = 15.353 Å, b = 16.434 Å, c = 15.539 Å, β = 113.75°; Z = 6; Pearsonsymbol mP198-40), der als hierarchische Variante der Strukturen von Al₄YbMo₂ und CrB₄ (hierarchische Basistypen, „initiators”︁) beschrieben werden kann, indem Atome partiell durch Aggregate ersetzt werden: B₄[□][Cr] ≙ Al₄[Yb][Mo]₂ ≙ Rb₄[Ge₉][en]_1–2. Drei kristallographisch unabhängige [Ge₉]^4–-Cluster sind in ein vierbindiges 46⁵-Netz aus Rb-Atomen eingebettet, ein Netzwerk kondensierter Tetraasterane. Die Cluster sind verzerrte überkappte tetragonale Antiprismen mit D₁(Ge–Ge) = 2.57 Å (16 Ç ) und D₂(Ge–Ge) = 2.84 Å (4 Ç ). Die Atome der Cluster mit D₁ und D₂ liegen auf der Oberfläche eines Rotationsellipsoids (a = b = 2.136 Å, c = 2.431 Å). Die en-Moleküle befinden sich in offenen Kanälen entlang [1¯ 0 1]. Die Koordinationen [Ge₉]Rb_12/4 und Rb [Ge₉]_4/12 en_2/8 zeigen, daß beim ersten Schritt der Solvatisierung Kationen und Clusteranionen nicht voneinander getrennt werden.     

Non‐hydrogenated amorphous germanium carbide with adjustable microstructure and properties: a potential anti‐reflection and protective coating for infrared windows

Amorphous non‐hydrogenated germanium carbide (a‐Ge_1?xC_x) films have been deposited using magnetron co‐sputtering technique by varying the sputtering power of germanium target (P_Ge). The effects of P_Ge on composition and structure of the a‐Ge_1?xC_x films have been analyzed. The FTIR spectrum shows that the C–Ge bonds were formed in the a‐Ge_1?xC_x films according to the absorption peak at ~610 cm^?1. The Raman results indicate that the amorphous films also contain both Ge and C clusters. The XPS results reveal that the carbon concentration decreased as P_Ge increased from 40 to 160 W. The fraction of sp³ C–C bonds remains almost constant when increasing P_Ge from 40 to 160 W. The sp² C–C content of a‐Ge_1?xC_x film decreases gradually to 35.9% with P_Ge up to 160 W. Nevertheless, sp³ C–Ge sites rose with increasing P_Ge. Furthermore, the hardness and the refractive index gradually increased with increasing P_Ge. The excellent optical transmission of annealed a‐Ge_1–xC_x double‐layer coating at 400 °C suggests that a‐Ge_1?xC_x films can be used as an effective anti‐reflection coating for the ZnS IR window in the wavelength region of 8–12 µm, and can endure higher temperature than hydrogenated amorphous germanium carbide do. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Atom Exchange Versus Reconstruction: (GexAs4−x)x− (x=2, 3) as Building Blocks for the Supertetrahedral Zintl Cluster [Au6(Ge3As)(Ge2As2)3]3−

The Zintl anion (Ge₂As₂)^2? represents an isostructural and isoelectronic binary counterpart of yellow arsenic, yet without being studied with the same intensity so far. Upon introducing [(PPh₃)AuMe] into the 1,2‐diaminoethane (en) solution of (Ge₂As₂)^2?, the heterometallic cluster anion [Au₆(Ge₃As)(Ge₂As₂)₃]^3? is obtained as its salt [K(crypt‐222)]₃[Au₆(Ge₃As)(Ge₂As₂)₃]?en?2 tol ( 1 ). The anion represents a rare example of a superpolyhedral Zintl cluster, and it comprises the largest number of Au atoms relative to main group (semi)metal atoms in such clusters. The overall supertetrahedral structure is based on a (non‐bonding) octahedron of six Au atoms that is face‐capped by four (Ge_xAs_4?x)^x? (x=2, 3) units. The Au atoms bind to four main group atoms in a rectangular manner, and this way hold the four units together to form this unprecedented architecture. The presence of one (Ge₃As)^3? unit besides three (Ge₂As₂)^2? units as a consequence of an exchange reaction in solution was verified by detailed quantum chemical (DFT) calculations, which ruled out all other compositions besides [Au₆(Ge₃As)(Ge₂As₂)₃]^3?. Reactions of the heavier homologues (Tt₂Pn₂)^2? (Tt=Sn, Pb; Pn=Sb, Bi) did not yield clusters corresponding to that in 1 , but dimers of ternary nine‐vertex clusters, {[AuTt₅Pn₃]₂}^4? (in 2 – 4 ; Tt/Pn=Sn/Sb, Sn/Bi, Pb/Sb), since the underlying pseudo‐tetrahedral units comprising heavier atoms do not tend to undergo the said exchange reactions as readily as (Ge₂As₂)^2?, according to the DFT calculations.     

[Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}2{Ge(SiMe3)3}]–: The Mixed Substituted Metalloid Germanium Cluster and the Intermetalloid Cluster [ZnGe18{Si(SiMe3)3}4{Ge(SiMe3)3}2]

The novel metalloid germanium cluster [Ge₉(Hyp)₂Hyp^Ge]^– ( 1 ) was synthesized, exhibiting two different bulky groups [Hyp = Si(SiMe₃)₃; Hyp^Ge = Ge(SiMe₃)₃]. Further reaction of 1 with ZnCl₂ gives the derivative [ZnGe₁₈(Hyp)₄(Hyp^Ge)₂] ( 2 ) in good yield, showing that the substitution of Si(SiMe₃)₃ by Ge(SiMe₃)₃ within a metalloid Ge₉R₃^– compound leads to a comparable reactivity. 1 and 2 are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry ( 1 ) and single crystal structure analyses ( 2 ). 1 and 2 are the first metalloid germanium clusters bearing germyl groups.     

A 3D 12‐Ring Zeolite with Ordered 4‐Ring Vacancies Occupied by (H2O)2 Dimers

A germanate zeolite, PKU‐14, with a three‐ dimensional large‐pore channel system was structurally characterized by a combination of high‐resolution powder X‐ray diffraction, rotation electron diffraction, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Ordered Ge₄O₄ vacancies inside the [4⁶.6¹²] cages has been found in PKU‐14, in which a unique (H₂O)₂ dimer was located at the vacancies and played a structure‐directing role. It is the first time that water clusters are found to be templates for ordered framework vacancies.     

Quaternary Germanides RE3TRh4Ge4 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd; T = Nb,Ta) – A New Coloring Variant of the Aristotype AlB2

The quaternary germanides RE₃TRh₄Ge₄ (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd; T = Nb, Ta) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent annealing in a muffle furnace. The structure of Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, Pbam, a = 719.9(2), b = 1495.0(3), c = 431.61(8), wR₂ = 0.0678, 1004 F² values, and 40 variables. Isotypy of the remaining phases was evident from X‐ray powder patterns. Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ is a new superstructure variant of the aristotype AlB₂ with an ordering of cerium and tantalum on the aluminum site, whereas the honey‐comb network is built up by a 1:1 ordering of rhodium and germanium. This crystal‐chemical relationship is discussed based on a group‐subgroup scheme. The distinctly different size of tantalum and cerium leads to a pronounced puckering of the [Rh₄Ge₄] network, which shows the shortest interatomic distances (253–271 pm Rh–Ge) within the Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ structure. Another remarkable structural feature concerns the tantalum coordination with six shorter Ta–Rh bonds (265–266 pm) and six longer Ta–Ge bonds (294–295 pm). The [Rh₄Ge₄] network fully separates the tantalum and cerium atoms (Ce–Ce > 387 pm, Ta–Ta > 431 pm, and Ce–Ta > 359 pm). The electronic density of states DOS from DFT calculations show metallic behavior with large contributions of localized Ce 4f as well as itinerant ones from all constituents at the Fermi level but no significant magnetic polarization on Ce could be identified. The bonding characteristics described based on overlap populations illustrate further the crystal chemistry observations of the different coordination of Ce1 and Ce2 in Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄. The Rh–Ge interactions within the network are highlighted as dominant. The bonding magnitudes follow the interatomic distances and identify differences of Ta bonding vs. Ce1/Ce2 bonding with the Rh and Ge substructures.