Expansion of Germanato‐Polyoxovanadate Cluster Cores: Solvothermal Syntheses and Selected Properties of (trenH2)2[{M(tren)}4V15Ge6O48(H2O)] (M = Co and Zn)

Two germanato‐polyoxovanadates with the {V₁₅Ge₆O₄₈} cluster core are extended by covalent bonds to four transition metal amine complexes [M(tren)]²⁺ (M = Co and Zn, tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine). The complexes have bonds to terminal atoms of the Ge₂O₇ units and such expansion of a germanato‐polyxovanadate was never observed before. The characterization of these compounds revealed the presence of two protonated tren molecules charge balancing the negative charges of the [{M(tren)}₄V₁₅Ge₆O₄₈(H₂O)]^4– anion.     

Structural and Magnetic Properties of CoGen− (n=2–11) Clusters: Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Calculations

A series of cobalt‐doped germanium clusters, CoGe_n^?/0 (n=2–11), are investigated by using anion photoelectron spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. For both anionic and neutral CoGe_n (n=2–11) clusters, the critical size of the transition from exo‐ to endohedral structures is n=9. Natural population analysis shows that there is electron transfer from the Ge_n framework to the Co atom at n=7–11 for both anionic and neutral CoGe_n clusters. The magnetic moments of the anionic and neutral CoGe_n clusters decrease to the lowest values at n=10 and 11. The transfer of electrons from the Ge_n framework to the Co atom and the minimization of the magnetic moments are related to the evolution of CoGe_n structures from exo‐ to endohedral.     

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.     

Analysis of Germanium Hydride Molecular Clusters

Isotope clusters in library electron ionization mass spectra of germanes often appear a few u lower than theoretically expected from elemental composition; for example, the dominant peak of the Ge₄H₁₀⁺ pattern is shifted 8 u down. This phenomenon is due to combinations of three essential components: the molecular ion Ge _n H_2n+2⁺ and two products of hydrogen elimination, Ge _n H⁺ and Ge _n ⁺. Using these components, isotope clusters can be accurately projected for germanium hydrides from Ge₂H₆ up to Ge₅H₁₂.     

Theoretical prediction for the structures of gas phase lithium oxide clusters: (Li2O)n (n = 1–8)

We apply genetic algorithm combining directly with density functional method to search the potential energy surface of lithium‐oxide clusters (Li₂O)_n up to n = 8. In (Li₂O)_n (n = 1–8) clusters, the planar structures are found to be global minimum up to n = 2, and the global minimum structures are all three‐dimensional at n ≥ 3. At n ≥ 4, the tetrahedral unit (TU) is found in most of the stable structures. In the TU, the central Li is bonded with four O atoms in sp³ interactions, which leads to unusual charge transformation, and the probability of the central Li participating in the bonding is higher by adaptive natural density partitioning analysis, so the central Li is in particularly low positive charge. At large cluster size, distortion of structures is viewed, which breaks the symmetry and may make energy higher. The global minimum structures of (Li₂O)₂, (Li₂O)₆, and (Li₂O)₇ clusters are the most stable magic numbers, where the first one is planar and the later both have stable structural units of tetrahedral and C_4v. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

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.     

The HgF2 Ionic Switch: A Triumph of Electrostatics against Relativistic Odds

A remarkable transition in the chemical bonding in (HgF₂)_n clusters as a function of n is identified and characterized. HgF₂ is a fascinating material. Certain significant consequences of relativistic effects on the structure of the HgF₂ molecule, dimer, and trimer disappear in the extended solid. Relativistic effects in Hg ensure that HgX₂ molecules (X≡F, Cl, Br, and I) are linear, rigid, and form weakly bound dimers and trimers held together by weak electrostatic and van der Waals‐type forces (unlike ZnX₂ and CdX₂ systems in which the intermonomer contacts are strong polar covalent bonds). For HgF₂, the location and nature of an apparent transition from weak interactions in the smallest (HgF₂)_n clusters to ionic bonding in the (fluorite) HgF₂ extended solid has remained a mystery. Computational evidence obtained at the M06‐2X, B97D3, and MP2 levels of theory and reported herein indicate that polar covalent bonding in (HgF₂)_n begins as early as n=5. For n=2 through to n=13, the transition or switch from weak (primarily dipole–dipole‐type) intermonomer interactions to a preference for polar covalent bonding occurs within the range 5<n≤9. Thermodynamic evidence for this transition is provided. Our results demonstrate a significant risk associated with crystal structure prediction from the ground up (i.e., based on bonding patterns in small clusters). The path from monomers through to extended solids may be punctuated at one or several points (as n increases) with transitions in structure and bonding that are not anticipated or betrayed by the bonding in small clusters.     

Au@Gen (n=2-9)团簇的几何结构和电子性质的理论研究

本文选用密度泛函B3LYP方法在Lan L2DZ基组上对Au Gen+(n=2~9)团簇的几何结构和电子性质进行了理论研究,其中包括结构优化、平均键能、HOMO-LUMO能隙和电荷转移等。结果表明,随着锗原子数的不断增加,这些掺杂团簇逐渐形成了三维立体结构,并发现Au Ge7+和Au Ge9+两个掺杂团簇是相对稳定的,而且这些掺杂团簇的电荷转移主要是由金原子到锗原子骨架上。此外,还模拟了这些掺杂团簇的红外光谱,为以后实验研究提供有价值的理论参考。     

The Geometric Structure of Silver‐Doped Silicon Clusters

Cationic silver‐doped silicon clusters, Si_nAg⁺ (n=6–15), are studied using infrared multiple photon dissociation in combination with density functional theory computations. Candidate structures are identified using a basin‐hopping global optimizations method. Based on the comparison of experimental and calculated IR spectra for the identified low‐energy isomers, structures are assigned. It is found that all investigated clusters have exohedral structures, that is, the Ag atom is located at the surface. This is a surprising result because many transition‐metal dopant atoms have been shown to induce the formation of endohedral silicon clusters. The silicon framework of Si_nAg⁺ (n=7–9) has a pentagonal bipyramidal building block, whereas the larger Si_nAg⁺ (n=10–12, 14, 15) clusters have trigonal prism‐based structures. On comparing the structures of Si_nAg⁺ with those of Si_nCu⁺ (for n=6–11) it is found that both Cu and Ag adsorb on a surface site of bare Si_n⁺ clusters. However, the Ag dopant atom takes a lower coordinated site and is more weakly bound to the Si_n⁺ framework than the Cu dopant atom.     

A Series of Novel Organically Templated Germanium Antimony Sulfides

A series of novel organically templated germanium antimony sulfides have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally, thermally, and optically characterized. The compound [Me₂NH₂]₆[(Ge₂Sb₂S₇)(Ge₄S₁₀)] ( 1 ) features two distinct tetranuclear [Ge₂Sb₂S₇]^2? and [Ge₄S₁₀]^4? isolated clusters. The compound [(Me)₂NH₂][DabcoH]₂[Ge₂Sb₃S₁₀] ( 2 ) (Dabco=triethylenediamine) features a 1D‐[Ge₂Sb₃S₁₀]_n^3n? ribbon constructed with two [GeSbS₅]_n^3n? chains bridged by Sb³⁺ ion in ψ‐SbS₄ configuration. Compounds [M(en)₃][GeSb₂S₆] (M=Ni ( 3 ), Co ( 4 ) en=ethylenediamine) feature the unique 2D grid layer structures of [GeSb₂S₆]_n^2n?. The compound [(Me)₂NH₂]₂[GeSb₂S₆] ( 5 ) previously reported by us features a 3D chiral microporous structure with the chiral channels. The optical absorption spectra indicate that all the compounds are wide bandgap semiconductors. Thermal stabilities of these compounds have been investigated by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA).     

Polymeric μ‐bromo‐μ‐pyridine‐3‐carboxyl­ato‐κ3O,O′:N‐mercury(II)

The asymmetric unit of the title polymeric complex, [HgBr(C₆H₄NO₂)]_n or HgBr(nic), contains mercury coordinated via two Br atoms [Hg—Br = 2.6528 (9) and 2.6468 (9) Å], two carboxyl­ate O atoms, which form a characteristic four‐membered chelate ring [Hg—O = 2.353 (6) and 2.478 (7) Å], and an N atom [Hg—N = 2.265 (5) Å], in the form of a very irregular (3+2)‐coordination polyhedron. The pronounced irregularity of the effective Hg (3+2)‐coordination is a result of the rigid stereochemistry of the nicotinate ligand. According to the covalent and van der Waals radii criteria, the strongest bonds are Hg—Br and Hg—N. These covalent interactions form a two‐dimensional poly­mer. The puckered planes are connected by van der Waals interactions, and there are only two intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds [3.428 (10) and 3.170 (10) Å].     

VB2n-(n=8~12)团簇几何结构、电子及热力学特性的理论研究

基于卡里普索结构预测程序和密度泛函理论的第一性原理计算,搜索确定了VB_2n^-（n=8~12）团簇的基态和亚稳态结构。结果发现,V原子的掺杂完全改变了原硼团簇的结构并提高了原体系的稳定性。掺杂体系基态结构分别呈现高对称性的鼓状（VB₁₆^-：C_2v）、管状（VB₁₈^-：C_2v和VB₂₀^-：C_s）及笼状（VB₂₂^-：C₂和VB₂₄^-：D_3h）结构。基于基态结构,研究了体系的电荷转移和极化率,拟合出了光电子能谱、红外和拉曼谱图,分析了流变键和芳香特性。最后,研究了体系的热力学特性,讨论了温度对热力学参数的影响。     

[Nb@Ge13/14]3−: New Family Members of Ge-Based Intermetalloid Clusters

During the past two decades, single-atom-centered medium-sized germanium clusters [M@Ge_n] (M=transition metals, n>12) have been extensively explored, both from theoretical perspectives and experimental gas-phase syntheses. However, the actual structural arrangements of the Ge₁₃ and Ge₁₄ endohedral cages are still ambiguous and have long remained an unresolved problem for experimental implementation. In this work, we successfully synthesize 13-/14-vertex Ge clusters [Nb@Ge₁₃]³⁻ ( 1 ) and [Nb@Ge₁₄]³⁻ ( 2 ), which are structurally characterized and exhibit unprecedented topologies, neither classical deltahedra nor 3-connected polyhedral structures. Theoretical analysis indicates that the major stabilization of the Ge backbones arises due to the substantial interaction of Ge 4p-AOs with the endohedral Nb 4d-AOs through three/four-center two-electron bonds with an enhanced electron density accumulated over the shortest Nb−Ge13 contact in 1 . Low occupancies of the direct two-center two-electron (2c–2e) Nb−Ge and Ge−Ge σ bonds point to a considerable degree of electron delocalization over the Ge cages revealing their electron deficiency.     

Ground State Structures,Electronic and Magnetic Properties of ScnFe (n=2–10) Clusters

The authors predict that the magnetic moment of the scandium clusters can not be efficiently enhanced with the encapsulation of Fe atom, which is different from previous works with Fe atom doped in B_n, Si_n, and Ge_n clusters. It was found that starting from n=6, the growth patterns of the ground state structures of the Sc_nFe clusters are dominated by the octahedron structures with Fe atom falling into the center of the host framework. The calculated results manifest that doping of the Fe atom contributes to strengthening the stabilities of the scandium framework. Maximum peaks are observed for clusters of n=3, 6 and 8 on the size dependence of the second‐order energy differences, implying that these clusters possess relatively higher stability. The HOMO‐LUMO gap of the Sc_nFe clusters exhibits an oscillational odd‐even character with the local peaks of n=4, 6 and 8. Especially, there is the largest oscillation of the gap with n=4 and 5. Additionally, the doped Fe atom exhibits the antiferromagnetic alignment at n=4, 5, 7 and 9. Also, the quench of the magnetic moments as n=6, 8 and 10 may be ascribed to the model of close‐shell electrons.     

Calculation of the electronic properties of neutral and ionized divalent-metal clusters

The electronic properties of neutral and ionized divalent-metal clusters have been studied using a microscopic theory, which takes into account the interplay between van der Waals (vdW) and covalent bonding in the neutral clusters, and the competition between hole delocalization and polarization energy in the ionized clusters. By calculating the ground-state energies of neutral and ionized Hg _n clusters, we determine the size dependence of the bond character and the ionization potentialI _p (n). For neutral Hg _n clusters we obtain a transition from van der Waals to covalent behaviour at the critical sizen _c ～10–20 atoms. Results forI _p (Hg _n ) withn≤20 are in good agreement with experiments, and suggest that small Hg _n ⁺ clusters can be viewed as consisting of a positive trimer core Hg ₃ ⁺ surrounded byn?3 polarized neutral atoms.     

Na12Ge17: A Compound with the Zintl Anions [Ge4]4— and [Ge9]4— — Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Raman Spectrum

Na₁₂Ge₁₇ is prepared from the elements at 1025 K in sealed niobium ampoules. The crystal structure reinvestigation reveals a doubling of the unit cell (space group:P2₁/c; a = 22.117(3)Å, b = 12.803(3)Å, c = 41.557(6)Å, β = 91.31(2)°, Z = 16; Pearson code: mP464), furthermore, weak superstructure reflections indicate an even larger C‐centred monoclinic cell. The characteristic structural units are the isolated cluster anions [Ge₉]^4— and [Ge₄]^4— in ratio 1:2, respectively. The crystal structure represents a hierarchical cluster replacement structure of the hexagonal Laves phase MgZn₂ in which the Mg and Zn atoms are replaced by the Ge₉ and Ge₄ units, respectively. The Raman spectrum of Na₁₂Ge₁₇ exhibits the characteristic breathing modes of the constituent cluster anions at ν = 274 cm^—1 ([Ge₉]^4—) and ν = 222 cm^—1 ([Ge₄]^4—) which may be used for identification of these clusters in solid phases and in solutions. Raman spectra further prove that Na₁₂Ge₁₇ is partial soluble both in ethylenediamine and liquid ammonia. The solution and the solid extract contain solely [Ge₉]^4—. The remaining insoluble residue is Na₄Ge₄. By heating the solvate Na₄Ge₉(NH₃)_n releases NH₃ and decomposes irreversibly at 742 K, yielding Na₁₂Ge₁₇ and Ge.     

A Crystalline Mesoporous Germanate with 48‐Ring Channels for CO2 Separation

One of the challenges in materials science has been to prepare crystalline inorganic compounds with mesopores. Although several design strategies have been developed to address the challenge, expansion of pore sizes in inorganic materials is more difficult compared to that for metal–organic frameworks. Herein, we designed a novel mesoporous germanate PKU‐17 with 3D 48×16×16‐ring channels by introducing two large building units (Ge₁₀ and Ge₇ clusters) into the same framework. The key for this design strategy is the selection of 2‐propanolamine (MIPA), which serves as the terminal species to promote the crystallization of Ge₇ clusters. Moreover, it is responsible for the coexistence of Ge₁₀ and Ge₇ clusters. To our knowledge, the discovery of PKU‐17 sets a new record in pore sizes among germanates. It is also the first germanate that exhibits a good selectivity toward CO₂ over N₂ and CH₄.     

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.     

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.     

Acetylene aggregates via cluster-building algorithm and molecular tailoring approach

Acetylene clusters are prototypical of simple non-aromatic systems bonded through C–H…π interactions. The present work explores structures and properties of acetylene clusters (C₂H₂) _n , n = 8 and 10, employing cluster-building algorithm and molecular tailoring approach (MTA). The former uses electrostatics guidelines for building (C₂H₂)₈ and (C₂H₂)₁₀ structures. These clusters are treated at MP2 level of theory with correlation-consistent basis sets using MTA. The Hessian matrix and vibrational spectra for the best five structures of (C₂H₂)₈ and (C₂H₂)₁₀ are computed employing MTA. Actual calculations on these clusters using conventional methods employing large basis sets are prohibitively difficult to perform. All the frequencies for these structures extracted using MTA-based Hessian matrix are found to be real, confirming their local minimum nature. This study points to the possibility of using the present approach for exploring structures, energetics and vibrational spectra of even larger clusters at higher levels of theory.