Metal Assisted Synthesis of Cationic Sulfidobismuth Cubanes in Ionic Liquids

Bi₂S₃ was dissolved in the presence of either AuCl/PtCl₂ or AgCl in the ionic liquids [BMIm]Cl ⋅ xAlCl₃ (BMIm=1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium; x=4–4.3) through annealing the mixtures at 180 or 200 °C. Upon cooling to room temperature, orange, air-sensitive crystals of [BMIm](Bi₄S₄)[AlCl₄]₅ ( 1 ) or Ag(Bi₇S₈)[S(AlCl₃)₃]₂[AlCl₄]₂ ( 2 ) precipitated, respectively. 1 did not form in the absence of AuCl/PtCl₂, suggesting an essential role of the metal cations. X-ray diffraction on single-crystals of 1 revealed a monoclinic crystal structure that contains (Bi₄S₄)⁴⁺ heterocubanes and [AlCl₄]⁻ tetrahedra as well as [BMIm]⁺ cations. The intercalation of the ionic liquid was confirmed via solid state NMR spectroscopy, revealing unusual coupling behavior. The crystal structure of 2 consists of (Bi₇S₈)⁵⁺ spiro-dicubanes, [S(AlCl₃)₃]²⁻ tetrahedra triples, isolated [AlCl₄]⁻ tetrahedra, and heavily disordered silver(I) cations. No cation ordering took place in 2 upon slow cooling to 100 K.     

The Intermetalloid Clusters [Ni2Bi12]4+ and [Rh2Bi12]4+ – Ionothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Chemical Bonding

The intermetalloid clusters [M₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺ (M = Ni, Rh) were synthesized as halogenido‐aluminates in Lewis‐acidic ionic liquids. The reaction of bismuth and NiCl₂ in [BMIm]Cl · 5AlCl₃ (BMIm = 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) at 180 °C yielded black, triclinic (P1 ) crystals of [Ni₂Bi₁₂][AlCl₄]₃[Al₂Cl₇]. Black, monoclinic (P2₁/m) crystals of [Rh₂Bi₁₂][AlBr₄]₄ precipitated after dissolving the cluster salt Bi_12–xRhX_13–x (X = Cl, Br; 0 < x < 1) in [BMIm]Br·4.1AlBr₃ at 140 °C. In the cationic cluster [Ni₂Bi₁₂]⁴⁺, the nickel atoms center two base‐sharing square antiprisms of bismuth atoms (symmetry close to D_4h). The valence‐electron‐poorer rhodium‐containing cluster is a distorted variant of this motif: the terminating Bi₄ rings are folded to bicyclic “butterflies“ and the central square splits into two dumbbells (symmetry close to D_2h). DFT‐based calculations and real‐space bonding analyses place the intermetalloid units between a triple‐decker complex and a conjoined Wade‐Mingos cluster.     

Supramolecular Ionic‐Liquid Gels with High Ionic Conductivity

Supramolecular ionogels were prepared by the gelation of room‐temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF₄]) with (S,S)‐bis(leucinol)oxalamide. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity of solutions and ionogels with low gelator concentrations is higher than that of neat [BMIm][BF₄]. On the basis of molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations, the origin of this phenomenon is attributed to the higher affinity of gelator molecules towards [BF₄]^? ions, which reduces the electrostatic attraction between [BMIm]⁺ and [BF₄]^? and thus increases their mobility. With increasing gelator concentration, the ionic conductivity decreases due to the formation of a denser gelator matrix, which hinders the pathways for ionic transport. However, even for very dense ionogels, this decrease is less than one order of magnitude relative to neat [BMIm][BF₄], and thus they can be classified as highly conductive materials with strong potential for application as functional electrolytes.     

The Borosulfate Story Goes on—From Alkali and Oxonium Salts to Polyacids

The structural principles of borosulfates derived from the B/S ratio are confirmed and extended to new representatives of this class showing novel motifs. According to the composition, Na[B(S₂O₇)₂] (P2₁/c; a=10.949(6), b=8.491(14), c=12.701(8) Å; β=110.227(1)°; Z=4) and K[B(S₂O₇)₂] (Cc; a=11.3368(6), b=14.662(14), c=13.6650(8) Å; β=94.235(1)°; Z=8) contain isolated [B(S₂O₇)₂]^? ions, in which the central BO₄ tetrahedron is coordinated by two disulfate units. The alkali cations have coordination numbers of 7 (Na) and 8 (K), respectively. The structure of Cs[B(S₂O₇)(SO₄)] (P2₁/c; a=10.4525(6), b=11.3191(14), c=8.2760(8) Å; β=103.206(1); Z=4) combines, for the first time, sulfate and disulfate units into a chain structure. Cs has a coordination number of 12. The same structural units were found in H[B(S₂O₇)(SO₄)] (P2₁/c; a=15.6974(6), b=11.4362(14), c=8.5557(8) Å; β=90.334(3)°; Z=8). This compound represents the first example of a polyacid. The hydrogen atoms were located and connect the chains to form layers through hydrogen‐bonding bridges. H₃O[B(SO₄)₂] (P4/ncc; a=9.1377(6), c=7.3423(8) Å; Z=4) is the first oxonium compound of this type to be found. The BO₄ tetrahedra are linked by SO₄ tetrahedra to form linear chains similar to those in SiS₂. The chains form a tetragonal rod packing structure with H₃O⁺ between the rods. The structures of borosulfates can be classified following the concept described by Liebau for silicates, which was extended to borophosphates by Kniep et al. In contrast to these structures, borosulfates do not comprise B‐O‐B bonds but instead contain S‐O‐S connections. All compounds were obtained as colourless, moisture‐sensitive single crystals by reaction of B₂O₃ and the appropriate alkali salt in oleum.     

Bi53+‐Polykationen in geordneten und plastischen Kristallen von Bi5[AlI4]3 und Bi5[AlBr4]3

Bi₅³⁺ Polycations in Ordered and Plastic Crystals of Bi₅[AlI₄]₃ and Bi₅[AlBr₄]₃ Dark‐red air‐sensitive crystals of pentabismuth‐tris(tetrabromoaluminate) Bi₅[AlBr₄]₃ and black crystals of Bi₅[AlI₄]₃ have been crystallized from melts of Bi, BiX₃ and AlX₃ (X = Br, I). X‐ray diffraction on a single crystal of Bi₅[AlI₄]₃ (T = 293(2) K; space group Pnma; a = 2143.6(3) pm, b = 1889.1(1) pm, c = 811.74(5) pm) revealed an ordered packing of Bi₅³⁺ trigonal bipyramids and [AlI₄]^? tetrahedra that corresponds to the PuBr₃ structure type. Contrary to the so far known Bi₅³⁺ polycations with accurate D_3h symmetry, the bismuth cluster found in Bi₅[AlI₄]₃ holds only C_s symmetry. The room temperature structure of the tetrabromoaluminate Bi₅[AlBr₄]₃, which is related to the AuCu₃ type, shows a dynamic disorder of the Bi₅³⁺ polycations (T = 293(2) K; space group ; a = 1766.2(3) pm). Slight cooling induces the transition into an ordered rhombohedral phase isostructural to Bi₅[AlCl₄]₃ (T = 260(2) K; space group a = 1241.5(8) pm, c = 3041(2) pm).     

Über Addukte und Salze von Schwefelchloriden mit AlCl3

Adducts and Salts Formed by Sulphurchlorides with AlCl₃ The instability of the adduct 2 S₂Cl₂ · AlCl₃ is proven. S₂Cl₂ · AlCl₃ and S₂Cl₂ · 2 AlCl₃ reported in the literature could not be found under proper conditions, their formation seems improbable. The product 2 SCl₄ · 3 AlCl₃, obtained by the reaction of [SCl₃]⁺[AlCl₄]^? with elementary sulphur, is characterized as a double salt [SCl₃]₂+[AlCl₄]^? [Al₂Cl₇]^?. The [Al₂Cl₇]^? anion is also found as an intermediate during the thermal decomposition of [SCl₃]⁺[AlCl₄]^? and when metallic aluminium reacts directly with S₂Cl₂. For SCl₂ · AlCl₃, the ionic character with a chlorsulfenium cation [SCl]⁺ is proven spectroscopically.     

[Ru2Bi14Br4](AlCl4)4 by Mobilization and Reorganization of Complex Clusters in Ionic Liquids

Two polymorphs of the new cluster compound [Ru₂Bi₁₄Br₄](AlCl₄)₄ have been synthesized from Bi₂₄Ru₃Br₂₀ in the Lewis acidic ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl/AlCl₃ ([BMIM]⁺: 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) at 140 °C. A large fragment of the precursor’s structure, namely the [(Bi₈)Ru(Bi₄Br₄)Ru(Bi₅)]⁵⁺ cluster, dissolved as a whole and transformed into a closely related symmetrical [(Bi₅)Ru(Bi₄Br₄)Ru(Bi₅)]⁴⁺ cluster through structural conversion of a coordinating Bi₈²⁺ to a Bi₅⁺ polycation, while the remainder was left intact. Both modifications have monoclinic unit cells that comprise two formula units (α form: P2₁/n, a=982.8(2), b=1793.2(4), c=1472.0(3) pm, β=109.05(3)°; β form: P2₁/n, a=1163.8(2), b=1442.7(3), c=1500.7(3), β=97.73(3)°). The [Ru₂Bi₁₄Br₄]⁴⁺ cluster can be regarded as a binuclear inorganic complex of two ruthenium(I) cations that are coordinated by terminal Bi₅⁺ square pyramids and a central Bi₄Br₄ ring. The presence of a covalent Ru? Ru bond was established by molecular quantum chemical calculations utilizing real‐space bonding indicator ELI‐D. Structural similarity of the new and parent cluster suggests a structural reorganization or an exchange of the bismuth polycations as mechanisms of cluster formation. In this top‐down approach a complex‐structured unit formed at high temperature was made available for low‐temperature use.     

[Bi4]6– – The Zintl Anion with the Highest Charge per Atom Obtained from Solution

From the dark‐purple solution of the Zintl phase KBi in liquid ammonia dark‐blue crystals of the ammonia solvate K₆[Bi₄](NH₃)₈ were obtained. In contrast to known Bi_n polyanions the chemical bond in the anion [Bi₄]^6– is in accordance with the (8‐N) rule featuring solely Bi–Bi single bonds. [Bi₄]^6– is a butane‐analog valence compound, and with 6 negative charges per 4 atoms it is the anion with the highest known charge per atom obtained from solution. The planarity of the trans‐[Bi₄]^6– unit hints at π orbital contributions of the bismuth atoms. The corresponding reactions of the phases K₅Bi₄ and K₃Bi₂ in liquid ammonia in the presence of [2.2.2]crypt(4, 7, 13, 16, 21, 24‐hexaoxa‐1, 10‐diazabicyclo‐[8.8.8]hexacosane) lead to the salt [K([2.2.2]crypt)]₂[Bi₂](NH₃)₄ with the known electron‐deficient [Bi₂]^2– polyanion and a Bi=Bi double bond.     

Chiral [2H]-Labelled Methylene Groups in Trienoic- and Dienoic Fatty Acids: A Facile Approach via Asymmetric Epoxidation of [2H] Allyl Alcohols

Chiral [²H] -labelled methylene groups flanked by two double bonds within (poly)unsaturated fatty acids are readily available from trans-2,3-epoxy[2,3-²H₂] alk-4-yn-l-ols, obtained in their turn by asymmetric epoxidation of the corresponding (E)-[2,3-²H₂] alk-2-en-4-yn-l-ols (see Scheme 3). The procedure is exemplified for (8S,3Z,6Z,9Z)-[7,8-²H₂] trideca-3,6,9-trienoic acid ((8S)- 11 ) and (8R)- 11 (Scheme 4) as well as for (5S,3Z,6Z)-[4,5^?2H₂]deca-3,6-dienoic acid ((5S)- 13 ) and (5R)- 13 (Scheme 5).     

Synthesis and Structures of Ruthena-octahydrotetraborane Complexes

The reactivity of κ²-N,S-chelated ruthenium borate complexes, [Ru(PPh₃)(κ²-N,S-(NC₇H₄S₂)Ru{κ³-H,S,S′-H₂B (NC₇H₄S₂)₂}] ( 1 a ) and [Ru(PPh₃)(κ²-N,S-(NC₅H₄S){κ³-H,S,S′-H₂B(NC₅H₄S)₂}] ( 1 b ) with monoboranes have been explored. The prolonged room temperature reaction of [Ru(PPh₃){κ²-N,S-(NC₇H₄S₂)}{κ³-H,S,S′-H₂B(NC₇H₄S₂)₂}], 1 a with an excess of [BH₃ ⋅ THF] led to the formation of hydrogen-rich complex, arachno-[PPh₃(κ²-B₃H₈)Ru{κ³-H,S,S′-H₂B(NC₇H₄S₂)₂] ( 2 ). In a similar fashion, the isomeric ruthenatetraborane complexes of [Ru(PPh₃)(κ²-N,S-(B₃H₈){κ³-H,S,S′-H₂B(NC₅H₄S)₂}], 4 and 5 were isolated from the room temperature reaction of 1 b with [BH₃ ⋅ THF]. In complex 2 , the borate ligand, [H₂B(NC₅H₄S)₂] and the PPh₃ occupy the endo and exo sites of the butterfly-shaped RuB₃ core, respectively. In contrast, the borate unit [H₂B(NC₅H₄S)₂] in 4 sits on the exo position of the butterfly core, while the phosphine ligand occupies the endo site. Multinuclear spectroscopic analyses were done to characterize all new complexes and the structures were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to probe into the bonding modes of these complexes.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of Ag2Nb[P2S6][S2] and KAg2[PS4]

Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) was obtained from the direct solid state reaction of Ag, Nb, P₂S₅ and S at 500 °C. KAg₂[PS₄] (2) was prepared from the reaction of K₂S₃, Ag, Nd, P₂S₅ and extra S powder at 700 °C. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a=12.2188(11), b=26.3725(16), c=6.7517(4) Å, V=2175.7(3) Å³, Z=8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric tetragonal space group with lattice parameters a=6.6471(7), c=8.1693(11) Å, V=360.95(7) Å³, Z=2. The structure of Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) consists of [Nb₂S₁₂], [P₂S₆] and new found puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains which are along [001] direction. The Nb atoms are located at the center of distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. Two prisms share square face of two [S₂²⁻] to form one [Nb₂S₁₂] unit, in which Nb-Nb bond is formed. The [Nb₂S₁₂] units share all S²⁻ corners with ethane-like [P₂S₆] units to form 14-membered rings. The novel puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains are composed of distorted [AgS₄] tetrahedra and [AgS₃] triangles that share corners with each other. These chains are connected with [P₂S₆] units and [Nb₂S₁₂] units to form three-dimensional frame work. The structural skeleton of 2 is built up from [AgS₄] and [PS₄] tetrahedra linked by corner-sharing. The three-dimensional anionic framework contains orthogonal, intersecting tunnels directed along [100] and [010]. This compound possesses a compressed chalcopyrite-like structure. The structure is compressed along [001] and results from eight coordination sphere for K⁺. Both compounds are characterized with UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and compound 1 with IR and Raman spectra.     

Drei Alkalimetall‐Erbium‐Thiophosphate: Von der Schichtstruktur bei KEr[P2S7] zur dreidimensionalen Vernetzung in NaEr[P2S6] und Cs3Er5[PS4]6

Three Alkali‐Metal Erbium Thiophosphates: From the Layered Structure of KEr[P₂S₇] to the Three‐Dimensional Cross‐Linkage in NaEr[P₂S₆] and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄]₆ The three alkali‐metal erbium thiophosphates NaEr[P₂S₆], KEr[P₂S₇], and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] show a small selection of the broad variety of thiophosphate units: from ortho‐thiophosphate [PS₄]^3? and pyro‐thiophosphate [S₃P–S–PS₃]^4? with phosphorus in the oxidation state +V to the [S₃P–PS₃]^3? anion with a phosphorus‐phosphorus bond (d(P–P) = 221 pm) and tetravalent phosphorus. In spite of all differences, a whole string of structural communities can be shown, in particular for coordination and three‐dimensional linkage as well as for the phosphorus‐sulfur distances (d(P–S) = 200 – 213 pm). So all three compounds exhibit eightfold coordinated Er³⁺ cations and comparably high‐coordinated alkali‐metal cations (CN(Na⁺) = 8, CN(K⁺) = 9+1, and CN(Cs⁺) ≈ 10). NaEr[P₂S₆] crystallizes triclinically ( ; a = 685.72(5), b = 707.86(5), c = 910.98(7) pm, α = 87.423(4), β = 87.635(4), γ = 88.157(4)°; Z = 2) in the shape of rods, as well as monoclinic KEr[P₂S₇] (P2₁/c; a = 950.48(7), b = 1223.06(9), c = 894.21(6) pm, β = 90.132(4)°; Z = 4). The crystal structure of Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] can also be described monoclinically (C2/c; a = 1597.74(11), b = 1295.03(9), c = 2065.26(15) pm, β = 103.278(4)°; Z = 4), but it emerges as irregular bricks. All crystals show the common pale pink colour typical for transparent erbium(III) compounds.     

Homologous Silver Bismuth Chalcogenide Halides (N,x)P. III. The (4, x)P, (5, x)P,and (7, x)P Structure Families of Modular Compounds with Tunable Composition and Structure

The crystal structures of six members of the homologous series with general formula [BiQX]₂[Ag_xBi_1?xQ_2?2xX_2x?1]_N+1 (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br; 1/2 ≤ x ≤ 1) and N = 4, 5, or 7 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The series are characterized by the parameters N and x and are denoted ^{(N, x)}P. Ag₃Bi₄S₆Cl₃ (x = 0.60) (I) , Ag_3.5Bi_3.5S₅Br₄ (x = 0.70) (II) and Ag_3.65Bi_3.35Se_4.70Br_4.30 (x = 0.73) (III) belong to ^{(4, x})P series Ag_5xBi_7?5xQ_12?10xX_10x?3 and adopt the AgBi₆S₉ structure type. The ^{(5, x)}P compound Ag_3.66Bi_4.34S_6.68Br_3.32 (IV) , which corresponds to x = 0.61 in Ag_6xBi_8?6xS_14?12xBr_12x?4, crystallizes isostructurally to AgBi₃S₅. The compounds Ag_4.56Bi_5.44Se_8.88Br_3.12 (x = 0.57) (V) and Ag_5.14Bi_4.86S_7.76Br_4.24 (x = 0.64) (VI) , which are members of ^{(7, x)}P series Ag_8xBi_10?8xQ_18?16xBr_16x?6, adopt the Ag₃Bi₇S₁₂ structure type. In the monoclinic crystal structures (space group C2/m) two kinds of layered modules alternate along [001]. Modules of type A uniformly consist of paired rods of face‐sharing monocapped trigonal prisms around Bi atoms with octahedra around mixed occupied metal positions (M = Ag/Bi) between them. Modules of type B are composed of [MZ₆] octahedra, which are arranged in NaCl‐type fragments of thickness N. All structures exhibit Ag/Bi disorder in octahedrally coordinated metal positions as well as Q/X mixed occupation of some anion positions. Corresponding to their black color, all compounds are narrow‐gap semiconductors (E_g = 0.35 eV for (II) ). General characteristics of the entire class of ^{(N, x)}P compounds are gathered in a catalogue.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Ternary Thiobismuthates A9Bi13S24 (A = K,Rb)

Ternary alkali metal thiobismuthates A₉Bi₁₃S₂₄ (A = K, Rb) were synthesized by direct combination reactions at 650 °C. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m (no. 12) with cell parameters a = 30.919(1) Å, b = 4.1008(2) Å, c = 20.9072(9) Å, β = 105.826(3)° for K₉Bi₁₃S₂₄ ( 1 ) and a = 31.823(6) Å, b = 4.1177(8) Å, c = 21.086(4) Å, β = 105.62(3)° for Rb₉Bi₁₃S₂₄ ( 2 ). The crystal structure of 1 contains a 3D [K₂Bi₁₃S₂₄]^7– polyanionic framework, whereas 2 consists of 2D [RbBi₁₃S₂₄]^8– polyanionic slabs stacked along [201]. Both 1 and 2 are semiconductors with a band gap of 1.4 and 1.3 eV, respectively, which is supported by an electronic structure calculation. 1 melts congruently at 580 °C, while 2 melts incongruently at 575 °C. 1 and 2 are airstable and insoluble in water and organic solvents.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Trisulfate Pb[S3O10] and Theoretical Analysis of H2S3O10

The reaction of (NH₄)₂PbCl₆ and fuming sulfuric acid (65 % SO₃) in a sealed glass tube at 250 °C led to colorless single crystals of Pb[S₃O₁₀] (orthorhombic, Pbcn, Z = 4, a = 10.9908(4), b = 8.5549(3), c = 8.0130(3) Å, V = 753.42(5) ų). The compound shows a three‐dimensional linkage of the tenfold oxygen coordinated Pb²⁺ ions and exhibits the unusual trisulfate anion, [S₃O₁₀]^2–, that consists of three vertex connected [SO₄] tetrahedra. The distances S–O within the S–O–S bridges of the anion are remarkable asymmetric with distances of 155 and 169 pm, respectively. This structural feature is well reproduced by calculations on a PBE0/cc‐pVTZ and a MP2/cc‐pVTZ level of theory. Similar calculations allow also for an inspection of the yet unknown corresponding acid, H₂S₃O₁₀. Also for this acid non‐symmetric S–O–S bridges are predicted. The thermal behavior of Pb[S₃O₁₀] is characterized by the loss of two equivalents of SO₃ at low temperature and the decomposition of intermediate Pb[SO₄] at higher temperature.     

K4VP2S9

The new quaternary group V thio­phosphate K₄VP₂S₉ (tetrapotassium vanadium di­phosphorus nona­sulfide) was prepared by reacting a mixture of K₂S₃, VP, P₄S₃ and S. The crystal structure consists of discrete [VS(PS₄)₂]⁴⁻ anions and K⁺ cations. The V⁴⁺ cation is in a fivefold coordination of S atoms which form a square‐pyramidal environment. Each VS₅ group shares a common edge with two bidentate [PS₄] tetrahedra, yielding the complete anion. The anions are stacked in the direction of the crystallographic b axis and are separated by the K⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of Cd[AlCl4]2 and Cd2[AlCl4]2

Colorless single crystals of Cd[AlCl₄]₂ grow from the melt of CdCl₂ and AlCl₃ upon slow cooling from 250°C. The crystal structure [monoclinic, P1a1, Z = 2, a = 1288.7(2), b = 660.2(1), c = 705.1(1) pm, β = 92.89(1)º] may be derived from hexagonally closest packed layers of Cl^?. Octahedral and tetrahedral holes are filled with Cd²⁺ and Al³⁺ in a 1:2 ratio between all layers stacked in the [104] direction. Cd[GaCl₄]₂ and Cd[AlBr₄]₂ are isotypic. Reduction of Cd[AlCl₄]₂ with excess cadmium shot and slow cooling from 350°C yields plate-like very moisture-sensitive, colorless single crystals of Cd₂[AlCl₄]₂. The crystal structure [triclinic, C1 , Z = 2, a = 655.47(3), b = 1135.26(1), c = 935.23(6) pm, α = 89.70(2)º, β = 103.61(1)º, γ = 90.455(1)º] is built from slabs stacked in the [100] direction consisting of ethane-like [Cd₂Cl₆] units with a Cd? Cd distance of 256.1 pm sharing common vertices with [AlCl₄] tetrahedra.     

K5[InSe4] and K12[InS4]2(S): New Alkali Chalcogenido Indates with [InQ4]5– ortho Anions

The new chalcogenido ortho indates(III) K₅[InSe₄] and K₁₂[InS₄]₂(S) were synthesized from melts of the elements (Se) [or with S/In₂S₃ as chalcogen source] at maximum temperatures of 700/800 °C. The two potassium salts, which were characterized by means of X-ray single crystal structure analysis, contain isolated tetrahedral ortho anions [InQ₄]^5–. K₅[InSe₄] crystallizes in a new structure type [monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 2014.2(2), b = 1553.1(2), c = 1661.1(2) pm, β = 94.716(2)°, Z = 16, R₁ = 0.0317]. The complex structure contains two crystallographically different [InSe₄]^5– tetrahedra [d(In ··· Se) = 254.3–263.6 pm], which are arranged into 4⁴ [In(1), A ] and 3².4.3.4 [In(2), B ] nets. These nets are |: ABA ' B ':| stacked along the a axis. The 11 crystallographically independent K⁺ ions are coordinated by four (1×), five (3×) and six (7×) selenido anions [d(K–Se) = 309–415 pm]. The crystal structure and the calculated electronic structure of the pure ortho indate K₅[InSe₄] are compared with the known “double salts” K₉[InSe₄]₂(Se) and K₉[InSe₄](Se₂)(Se), which exhibit selenide (and diselenide) anions in addition to the ortho metallate. Similarly, the new sulfido indate K₁₁[InS₄]₂(S) contains sulfide anions besides the indate tetrahedra. In the chiral structure (K₆[InTe₄](Cl)-type, hexagonal, space group P6₃mc, a = 1026.22(10), c = 752.34(7) pm, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0332) layers of similarly oriented [InS₄] tetrahedra [d(In ··· Se) = 246.6/248.1 pm] are hexagonally |: AB :| stacked along one threefold axis. The additional sulfide anions are centered in K⁺ octahedra. In contrast to the isotypic chloride, only every second polyhedron within the columns of face-sharing K₆ octahedra is statistically occupied by a sulfide ion. Both of the two different K positions exhibit a sixfold coordination by sulfide anions, with K–S distances between 307.1 and 382.1 pm. In the two title compounds, each of the [InQ₄] tetrahedra is overall enclosed by 18 potassium cations. The crystal chemistry of the new indates is discussed and compared with that of the (yet comparatively low number) of alkali chalcogenido metallates(III) of Fe, Al and Ga containing isolated metallate tetrahedra.     

Methylerythritol Phosphate Pathway: Enzymatic Evidence for a Rotation in the LytB/IspH-Catalyzed Reaction

IspH/LytB, an oxygen-sensitive [4Fe-4S] enzyme, catalyzes the last step of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, a target for the development of new antimicrobial agents. This metalloenzyme converts (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl diphosphate (HMBPP) into the two isoprenoid precursors: isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). Here, the synthesis of (S)-[4-²H₁]HMBPP and (R)-[4-²H₁]HMBPP is reported together with a detailed NMR analysis of the products formed after their respective incubation with E. coli IspH/LytB in the presence of the biological reduction system used by E. coli to reduce the [4Fe-4S] center. (S)-[4-²H₁]HMBPP was converted into [4-²H₁]DMAPP and (E)-[4-²H₁]IPP, whereas (R)-[4-²H₁]HMBPP yielded [4-²H₁]DMAPP and (Z)-[4-²H₁]IPP, hence providing the direct enzymatic evidence that the mechanism catalyzed by IspH/LytB involves a rotation of the CH₂OH group of the substrate to display it away from the [4Fe-4S].