Heavy-metal aromatic and conjugated species: rings, oligomers, and chains of tin in Li(9)(-)(x)EuSn(6+)(x), Li(9)(-)(x)CaSn(6+)(x), Li(5)Ca(7)Sn(11), Li(6)Eu(5)Sn(9), LiMgEu(2)Sn(3), and LiMgSr(2)Sn(3)

The title compounds were synthesized from the elements by heating the corresponding mixtures at high temperature. Their structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Li(9)(-)(x)()EuSn(6+)(x)(), Li(9)(-)(x)()CaSn(6+)(x)(), Li(5)Ca(7)Sn(11), and Li(6)Eu(5)Sn(9) contain columns of stacked aromatic pentagons of Sn(5)(6)(-) that are analogous to the cyclopentadienyl anion C(5)H(5)(-). The pentagons are separated with Ca(2+) or Eu(2+) in the columns and resemble a polymeric metallocene. In addition to the columns, the isostructural Li(9)(-)(x)()EuSn(6+)(x)() and Li(9)(-)(x)()CaSn(6+)(x)() contain isolated tin atoms and bent tin trimers while Li(5)Ca(7)Sn(11) and Li(6)Eu(5)Sn(9) contain flat zigzag hexamers and flat zigzag infinite chains of tin, respectively. The isostructural LiMgEu(2)Sn(3) and LiMgSr(2)Sn(3) do not contain columns of pentagons but only flat zigzag infinite chains of tin. The aromaticity of the pentagons and the conjugation of the pi-systems of the hexamers and the infinite chains are discussed. The title compounds are also characterized by magnetic and conductivity measurements.     

Sn19.3Cu4.7As22I8: a new clathrate-I compound with transition-metal atoms in the cationic framework

Sn19.3Cu4.7As22I8, a new clathrate-I compound with a cationic host framework containing transition metals, has been synthesized, and its crystal structure has been determined. It crystallizes in the cubic space group Pmn with a unit cell parameter a = 11.1736(3) angstroms and Z = 1 (R = 0.031 for 329 independent reflections and 22 variables). Tin, copper, and arsenic form the cationic clathrate framework hosting the guest iodine anions in cages of two different shapes. Sn19.3Cu4.7As22I8 does not contain vacancies in the framework but reveals three partially occupied positions of the metal atoms, leading to the formation of Sn-Sn and Sn-Cu bonds that differ in length. The 119Sn M?ssbauer spectrum confirms the local environment of tin atoms. The hyperfine constants obtained from the M?ssbauer spectra for different cationic tin clathrates are discussed. Electron diffraction and electron microscopy reveal that the splitting affects the short-range ordering but does not lead to a superstructure. Though containing a transition metal, Sn19.3Cu4.7As22I8 is diamagnetic, and its composition corresponds to the Zintl formalism.     

The [Sn(9)Pt(2)(PPh(3))](2)(-) and [Sn(9)Ni(2)(CO)](3)(-) complexes: two markedly different Sn(9)M(2)L transition metal zintl ion clusters and their dynamic behavior

[Sn(9)Pt(2)(PPh(3))](2)(-) (2) was prepared from Pt(PPh(3))(4), K(4)Sn(9), and 2,2,2-cryptand in en/toluene solvent mixtures. The [K(2,2,2-cryptand)](+) salt is very air and moisture sensitive and has been characterized by ESI-MS, variable-temperature (119)Sn, (31)P, and (195)Pt NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The structure of 2 comprises an elongated tricapped Sn(9) trigonal prism with a capping PtPPh(3), an interstitial Pt atom, a hypercloso electron count (10 vertex, 20 electron) and C(3)(v)() point symmetry. Hydrogenation trapping experiments and deuterium labeling studies showed that the formation of 2 involves a double C-H activation of solvent molecules (en or DMSO) with the elimination of H(2) gas. The ESI-MS analysis of 2 showed the K[Sn(9)Pt(2)(PPh(3))](1)(-) parent ion, an oxidized [Sn(9)Pt(2)(PPh(3))](1)(-) ion, and the protonated binary cluster anion [HSn(9)Pt(2)](1)(-). 2 is highly fluxional in solution giving rise to a single time-averaged (119)Sn NMR signal for all nine Sn atoms but the Pt atoms remain distinct. The exchange is intramolecular and is consistent with a rigid, linear Pt-Pt-PPh(3) rod embedded in a liquidlike Sn(9) matrix. [Sn(9)Ni(2)(CO)](3)(-) (3) was prepared from Ni(CO)(2)(PPh(3))(2), K(4)Sn(9), and 2,2,2-cryptand in en/toluene solvent mixtures. The [K(2,2,2-cryptand)](+) salt is very air and moisture sensitive, is paramagnetic, and has been characterized by ESI-MS, EPR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 3 is a 10-vertex 21-electron polyhedron, a slightly distorted closo-Sn(9)Ni cluster with an additional interstitial Ni atom and overall C(4)(v)() point symmetry. The EPR spectrum showed a five-line pattern due to 4.8-G hyperfine interactions involving all nine tin atoms. The ESI-MS analysis showed weak signals for the potassium complex [K(2)Sn(9)Ni(2)(CO)](1-) and the ligand-free binary ions [K(2)Sn(9)Ni(2)](1)(-), [KSn(9)Ni(2)](1)(-), and [HSn(9)Ni(2)](1)(-).     

New halide-centered discrete Ag(I)(8) cubic clusters containing diselenophosphate ligands, [Ag(8)(X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)](PF(6)) (X = Cl, Br; R = Et, Pr, (i)Pr): syntheses, structures, and DFT calculations

Six clusters Ag(8)(micro(8)-X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)(PF(6)) (R = Et, X = Cl, 1a, X = Br, 1b; R = Pr, X = Cl, 2a, X = Br, 2b; R = (i)Pr, X = Cl, 3a, X = Br, 3b) were isolated from the reaction of [Ag(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)), NH(4)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)], and Bu(4)NX in a molar ratio of 4:3:1 in CH(2)X(2). Positive FAB mass spectra show m/z peaks at 2573.2 for 1a, 2617.3 for 1b, 2740.9 for 2a, 2786.9 for 2b, 2742.3 for 3a, and 2787.0 for 3b due to respective molecular cation, (M - PF(6))(+). (31)P NMR spectra of 1a-3b display a singlet at delta 82.3, 81.5, 82.9, 81.7, 76.3, and 75.8 ppm with a set of satellites (J(PSe) = 661, 664, 652, 652, 656, and 656 Hz, respectively). The X-ray structure (1a-2b) consists of a discrete cationic cluster in which eight silver ions are linked by six diselenophosphate ligands and a central micro(8)-Cl or micro(8)-Br ion with a noncoordinating PF(6)(-) anion. The shape of the molecule is a halide-centered distorted Ag(8) cubic cluster. The dsep ligand exhibits a tetrametallic tetraconnective (micro(2), micro(2)) coordination pattern, and each caps on a square face of the cube. Each silver atom of the cube is coordinated by three selenium atoms and the central chloride or bromide ion. Additionally, molecular orbital calculations at the B3LYP level of the density functional theory have been carried out to study the Ag-micro(8)-X (X = Cl, Br) interactions for cluster cations [Ag(8)(micro(8)-X)[Se(2)P(OR)(2)](6)](+). Calculations show very weak bonding interactions exist between micro(8)-X and Ag atoms of the cube.     

XIm][FeI(CO)(3)(SnI(3))(2)] (XIm: EMIm, EHIm, PMIm) containing a barbell-shaped FeSn(2)-carbonyl complex

By reacting Fe(CO)(5) and SnI(4) in the ionic liquids [XIm][NTf(2)] (XIm: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium/EMIm, 1-ethyl-imidazolium/EHIm, 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium/PMIm; NTf(2): bistrifluoridomethansulfonimide), the compounds [XIm][FeI(CO)(3)(SnI(3))(2)] are obtained as transparent, dark red crystals. According to single-crystal structure analysis, the title compounds crystallize monoclinically and contain the anionic carbonyl complex [FeI(CO)(3)(SnI(3))(2)](-) as well as [EMIm](+), [EHIm](+) or [PMIm](+) cations. The anionic carbonyl is composed of a Sn-Fe-Sn barbell-shaped building unit with Fe-Sn distances of 252.0(1) pm. Herein, tin is coordinated distorted tetrahedrally by iodine; iron is coordinated pseudo-octahedrally by three carbonyl ligands, one iodine atom and two tin atoms. Bonding situation and valence state are investigated in detail for [EMIm][FeI(CO)(3)(SnI(3))(2)] based on bond-lengths considerations, infrared spectroscopy, M?ssbauer spectroscopy, density functional theory and DFT-based Mulliken population analysis. Hence, the formal oxidation state of the metal atoms can be concluded to Fe(±0) and Sn(3+).     

Synthesis, characterization, and structural studies of mixed-ligand diorganotin esters, [R2Sn(OP(O)(OH)Ph)(OS(O)2R1)]n [R = n-Bu, R1 = Me (1), n-Pr(2); R = Et, R1 = Me (3)] with 1D and 3D coordination polymeric motifs

Mixed-ligand diorganotin esters, [R 2Sn(OP(O)(OH)Ph)(OS(O) 2R (1))] n [R = n-Bu, R (1) = Me ( 1), n-Pr ( 2); R = Et, R (1) = Me ( 3)], have been synthesized by reacting the tin precursors, R 2Sn(OR (1))OS(O) 2R with an equimolar amount of phenylphosphonic acid under mild conditions (room temperature, 6-8 h, CH 2Cl 2). These have been characterized by IR, multinuclear ( (1)H, (13)C{ (1)H}, (31)P, and (119)Sn) NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The asymmetric unit of 1 is comprised of a tetramer with four crystallographically unique tin atoms. The structure reveals a central eight-membered (Sn-O-S-O) 2 cyclic ring with two exocyclic tin atoms, which results from micro 3-binding of the two methanesulfonate groups. The remaining two sulfonates are monodentate and contribute in O...HO(P) hydrogen bonding. The molecular structure is extended into a 3D coordination polymer with the aid of hydrogenphenylphosphonate group on each tin atom, acting in a micro 2-O 2P mode and forms a series of eight-membered (Sn-O-P-O) 2 rings in the structural framework. 2 and 3 are isostructural and represent linear 1D coordination polymers via micro 2-binding mode of both alkanesulfonate and hydrogenphenylphosphonate groups.     

Pyrophosphate Complexation of Tin(II) in Aqueous Solutions as Applied in Electrolytes for the Deposition of Tin and Tin Alloys Such as White Bronze

Electrodeposition of tin and tin alloys from electrolytes containing tin(II) and pyrophosphates is an important process in metal finishing, but the nature of the tin pyrophosphate complexes present in these solutions in various pH regions has remained unknown. Through solubility and pH studies, IR and (31)P and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopic investigations of solutions obtained by dissolving Sn(2)P(2)O(7) in equimolar quantities of either Na(4)P(2)O(7)·10H(2)O or K(4)P(2)O(7) the formation of anionic 1:1 complexes {[Sn(P(2)O(7))]}(n)(2n-) has now been verified and the molecular structures of the monomer (n = 1) and the dimer (n = 2) have been calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Whereas the alkali pyrophosphates Na/K(4)P(2)O(7) give strongly alkaline aqueous solutions (pH ～13), because of partial protonation of the [P(2)O(7)](4-) anion, the [Sn(P(2)O(7))](2-) anion is not protonated and the solutions of Na/K(2)[Sn(P(2)O(7))] are almost neutral (pH ～8). The monomeric dianion appears to have a ground state with C(2v) symmetry with the Sn atom in a square pyramidal coordination and the lone pair of electrons in the apical position, while the dimer approaches C(2) symmetry with the Sn atoms in a rhombic pyramidal coordination, also with a sterically active lone pair. A comparison of experimental and calculated IR details favors the monomer as the most abundant species in solution. With an excess of pyrophosphate, 3:2 and 2:1 complexes (P(2)O(7)):(Sn) are first formed, which, in the presence of more pyrophosphate, undergo rapid ligand exchange on the NMR time scale. The structure of the 2:1 complex [Sn(P(2)O(7))(2)](6-) was calculated to have a pyramidal complexation by two 1,5-chelating pyrophosphate ligands. Neutralization of these alkaline solutions by sulfuric or sulfonic acids (H(2)SO(4), MeSO(3)H), as also practiced in electroplating, appears to afford the tin(II) hydrogen pyrophosphates [Sn(P(2)O(7)H)](-) and [Sn(H(2)P(2)O(7))](0). The molecular structures of the mononuclear model units have also been calculated and were shown to have an unsymmetrical complexation and to feature trigonal pyramidal (pseudotetrahedral) coordination. NMR observations have shown that, contrary to the results obtained for Sn(II) compounds, Sn(IV) as present in K(2)SnO(3) or its hydrated form (K(2)Sn(OH)(6)) does not form a pyrophosphate complex in aqueous solution near pH 7. There is also no interference of sulfite.     

Synthesis and characterization of Mo(6) chalcobromides and cyano-substituted compounds built from a novel [(Mo(6)Br(i)(6)Y(i)(2))L(a)(6)](n)()(-) discrete cluster unit (Y(i) = S or Se and L(a) = Br or CN)

The syntheses, crystal structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and characterizations of new Mo(6) cluster chalcobromides and cyano-substituted compounds with 24 valence electrons per Mo(6) cluster (VEC = 24), are presented in this work. The structures of Cs(4)Mo(6)Br(12)S(2) and Cs(4)Mo(6)Br(12)Se(2) prepared by solid state routes are based on the novel [(Mo(6)Br(i)(6)Y(i)(2))Br(a)(6)](4)(-) (Y = S, Se) discrete units in which two chalcogen and six bromine ligands randomly occupy the inner positions, while the six apical ones are fully occupied by bromine atoms. The interaction of these two compounds with aqueous KCN solution results in apical ligand exchange giving the two first Mo(6) cyano-chalcohalides: Cs(0.4)K(0.6)(Et(4)N)(11)[(Mo(6)Br(6)S(2))(CN)(6)](3).16H(2)O and Cs(0.4)K(0.6)(Et(4)N)(11)[(Mo(6)Br(6)Se(2))(CN)(6)](3).16H(2)O. Their crystal structures, built from the original [(Mo(6)Br(i)(6)Y(i)(2))(CN)(a)(6)](4)(-) discrete units, will be compared to those of the two solid state precursors and other previously reported Mo(6) cluster compounds. Their redox properties and (77)Se NMR characterizations will be presented. Crystal data: Cs(4)Mo(6)Br(12)S(2), orthorhombic, Pbca (No. 61), a = 11.511(5) A, b = 18.772(5) A, c = 28.381 A (5), Z = 8; Cs(4)Mo(6)Br(12)Se(2), Pbca (No. 61), a = 11.6237(1) A, b = 18.9447(1) A, c = 28.4874(1) A, Z = 8; Cs(0.4)K(0.6)(Et(4)N)(11)[(Mo(6)Br(6)S(2))(CN)(6)](3).16H(2)O, Pm-3m (No. 221), a = 17.1969(4) A, Z = 1; Cs(0.4)K(0.6)(Et(4)N)(11)[(Mo(6)Br(6)Se(2))(CN)(6)](3).16H(2)O, Pm-3m (No. 221), a = 17.235(5) A, Z = 1.     

The mixed network former effect in glasses: solid state NMR and XPS structural studies of the glass system (Na2O)(x)(BPO4)(1-x)

The structural organization of sodium borophosphate glasses with composition (Na(2)O)(x)(BPO(4))(1-x) (0.25 ≤x≤ 0.55) has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as single- and double resonance (11)B and (31)P magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR. (11)B MAS-NMR data indicate the dominance of anionic four-coordinated boron units, and (31)P MAS NMR reveals the successive transformation of neutral P(3) into singly charged P(2) units and their further transformation into doubly charged P(1) units at high Na(2)O contents. The quantification of these units provides detailed insight into the competition of the network formers borate and phosphate for the network modifier oxide. At low modifier content (x < 0.35), the anionic species are almost exclusively borate (B(4)) units, whereas at higher sodium concentrations, large numbers of anionic phosphate (P(2) and P(1)) species are formed. O-1s XPS data provide a quantitative distinction between B-O-B, B-O-P, and P-O-P linkages as well as non-bridging oxygen atoms, and comparable numbers can be extracted from (11)B and (31)P MAS-NMR experiments. Both XPS as well as (31)P{(11)B} and (11)B{(31)P} rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR results reveal strong interactions between the two network formers boron oxide and phosphorus oxide, resulting in a preferred formation of B-O-P linkages. For higher Na(2)O contents, however, the successive network modification diminishes this preference, resulting in close-to-statistical network connectivities. Compositional trends of T(g) in the Na(2)O-B(2)O(3)-P(2)O(5) glass forming system can be correlated with the overall network connectedness, expressed by the total number of bridging oxygen atoms per network former species. However, separate linear correlations are observed for different compositional lines, indicating also the relevance of the type of network former linkages present.     

The first silicon-based cationic clathrate III with high thermal stability: Si172-xPxTey (x=2y, y>20)

A new representative of a very rare clathrate III family, Si130P42Te21, has been synthesized from the elements. It crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4(2)/mnm (no. 136) with the unit cell parameters a=19.2632(3) angstroms, c=10.0706(2) angstroms. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and solid state 31P NMR revealed a non-random distribution of phosphorus atoms over the framework positions. The crystal structure features a peculiar packing of large polyhedra Te@(Si/P)(n) never observed before for cationic clathrates. Despite the structural complexity, the composition of the novel clathrate Is in accordance with the Zintl rule, which was confirmed by a combination of optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDXS), as well as by diamagnetic and semiconducting behavior of the synthesized phase. Clathrate Si130P42Te21 exhibits the highest reported thermal stability for this class of materials, it decomposes at 1510 K. This opens new perspectives for the creation of clathrate-based materials for high-temperature applications.     

Ordering of vacancies in type-I tin clathrate: superstructure of Rb8Sn44 square2

One important step toward the understanding of the mechanisms of thermoelectric properties is the knowledge about local distortions and vacancy ordering in clathrates. The type-I clathrate Rb8Sn44 shows in single-crystal and powder diffraction patterns a 2 x 2 x 2 supercell of the primitive cubic unit cell (Pmn), which originates from an ordering of the partially occupied site. The latter is distributed around a 41 screw axis, and the vacancies lead to a relaxation of the tin framework, thereby creating a local distortion of the tetrakaidecahedron.     

Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) as a versatile building block for the design of heterometallic systems: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O, [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O, and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O [bipy = 2,2'-Bipyridine; M = Mn and Zn

The new cyano complexes of formulas PPh(4)[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)] x H(2)O (1), [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] x 4H(2)O with M = Mn (2) and Zn (3), and [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)Zn(II)] x 2H(2)O (4) [bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and PPh(4) = tetraphenylphosphonium cation] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of complex 1 is made up of mononuclear [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) anions, tetraphenyphosphonium cations, and water molecules of crystallization. The iron(III) is hexacoordinated with two nitrogen atoms of a chelating bipy and four carbon atoms of four terminal cyanide groups, building a distorted octahedron around the metal atom. The structure of complexes 2 and 3 consists of neutral centrosymmetric [[Fe(III)(bipy)(CN)(4)](2)M(II)(H(2)O)(4)] heterotrinuclear units and crystallization water molecules. The [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) entity of 1 is present in 2 and 3 acting as a monodentate ligand toward M(H(2)O)(4) units [M = Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3)] through one cyanide group, the other three cyanides remaining terminal. Four water molecules and two cyanide nitrogen atoms from two [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units in trans positions build a distorted octahedron surrounding Mn(II) (2) and Zn(II) (3). The structure of the [Fe(phen)(CN)(4)](-) complex ligand in 2 and 3 is close to that of the one in 1. The intramolecular Fe-M distances are 5.126(1) and 5.018(1) A in 2 and 3, respectively. 4 exhibits a neutral one-dimensional polymeric structure containing two types of [Fe(bipy)(CN)(4)](-) units acting as bismonodentate (Fe(1)) and trismonodentate (Fe(2)) ligands versus the divalent zinc cations through two cis-cyanide (Fe(1)) and three fac-cyanide (Fe(2)) groups. The environment of the iron atoms in 4 is distorted octahedral as in 1-3, whereas the zinc atom is pentacoordinated with five cyanide nitrogen atoms, describing a very distorted square pyramid. The iron-zinc separations across the single bridging cyanides are 5.013(1) and 5.142(1) A at Fe(1) and 5.028(1), 5.076(1), and 5.176(1) A at Fe(2). The magnetic properties of 1-3 have been investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. 1 is a low-spin iron(III) complex with an important orbital contribution. The magnetic properties of 3 correspond to the sum of two magnetically isolated spin triplets, the antiferromagnetic coupling between the low-spin iron(III) centers through the -CN-Zn-NC- bridging skeleton (iron-iron separation larger than 10 A) being very weak. More interestingly, 2 exhibits a significant intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction between the central spin sextet and peripheral spin doublets, leading to a low-lying spin quartet.     

Li(14.7)Mg(36.8)Cu(21.5)Ga(66): an intermetallic representative of a type IV clathrate

Synthetic explorations in the quaternary Li-Mg-Cu-Ga system yield the novel intermetallic Li(14.7(8))Mg(36.8(13))Cu(21.5(5))Ga(66) [P6m2, Z = 1, a = 14.0803(4) A, c = 13.6252 (8) A] from within a limited composition range. This contains a unique three-dimensional anionic framework consisting of distinct interbonded Ga(12) icosahedra, dimerized Li@(Cu,Mg)(10)Ga(6) icosioctahedra, and 15-vertex Li@(Cu,Mg)(9)Ga(6) and Li@Cu(3)Ga(12) polyhedra. These polyhedral clusters are hosted by M(20) (5(12)), M(24) (5(12)6(2)), and M(26) (5(12)6(3)) (M = Li/Mg) cages, respectively. The geometries and arrangements of these cages follow those in known type IV clathrate hydrates.     

Breaking the Tetra‐Coordinated Framework Rule: New Clathrate Ba8M24P28+δ (M=Cu/Zn)

A new clathrate type has been discovered in the Ba/Cu/Zn/P system. The crystal structure of the Ba₈M ₂₄P_28+δ (M =Cu/Zn) clathrate is composed of the pentagonal dodecahedra common to clathrates along with a unique 22‐vertex polyhedron with two hexagonal faces capped by additional partially occupied phosphorus sites. This is the first example of a clathrate compound where the framework atoms are not in tetrahedral or trigonal‐pyramidal coordination. In Ba₈M ₂₄P_28+δ a majority of the framework atoms are five‐ and six‐coordinated, a feature more common to electron‐rich intermetallics. The crystal structure of this new clathrate was determined by a combination of X‐ray and neutron diffraction and was confirmed with solid‐state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Based on chemical bonding analysis, the driving force for the formation of this new clathrate is the excess of electrons generated by a high concentration of Zn atoms in the framework. The rattling of guest atoms in the large cages results in a very low thermal conductivity, a unique feature of the clathrate family of compounds.     

Sn(20.5) square(3.5)As(22)I(8): a largely disordered cationic clathrate with a new type of superstructure and abnormally low thermal conductivity

Sn(20.5)As(22)I(8), a new cationic clathrate, has been prepared by using an ampoule technique. According to the X-ray powder diffraction data, it crystallizes in the face-centered cubic space group F23 or Fm(-)3 with a unit-cell parameter of a=22.1837(4) A. Single-crystal X-ray data allowed solution of the crystal structure in the subcell with a unit-cell parameter of a(0)=11.092(1) A and the space group Pm(-)3n (R=5.7 %). Sn(20.5)As(22)I(8) (or Sn(20.5) square(3.5)As(22)I(8), accounting for the vacancies in the framework) possesses the clathrate-I type crystal structure, with iodine atoms occupying the cages of the cationic framework composed of tin and arsenic atoms. The crystal structure is strongly disordered. The main features are a random distribution of vacancies, and shifts of the tin and arsenic atoms away from their ideal positions. The coordination of the tin atoms has been confirmed by using (119)Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Electron diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) analyses have confirmed the presence of the superstructure ordering, which results in a doubling of the unit-cell parameter and a change of the space group from Pm(-)3n to either F23 or Fm(-)3. Analysis of the crystal structure has led to the construction of four ordering models for the superstructure, which have been corroborated by HREM, and has also led to the identification of disordered regions originating from overlap of the different types of ordered domains. Sn(20.5)As(22)I(8) is a diamagnetic semiconductor with an estimated band gap of 0.45 eV; it displays abnormally low thermal conductivity, with the room temperature value being just 0.5 W m(-1) K(-1).     

Distribution of phosphorus and arsenic atoms in the solid solution Sn24AsxP19.3-xI8 with the structure of clathrate-I

The solid solution Sn₂₄As _x P_19.3-x I₈ in the range of compositions x from 0 to 16 was synthesized. The crystal structure was refined for seven compositions of the solid solution at —100 °C. All samples crystallize in the cubic space group Pm3 n with the unit cell parameters a = 10.9358(2)—11.1495(2) ? and belong to the clathrate-I structure type. The distribution of the phosphorus and arsenic atoms over two independent crystallographic positions within the clathrate framework was analyzed. The difference in the structure of the substituted clathrates with the cationic and anionic clathrate frameworks is considered.     

Benzotriazolate cage complexes of tin(II) and lithium: halide-influenced serendipitous assembly

The one-pot reactions of the tin(II) halides SnX(2) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with lithium hexamethyldisilazide, [Li(hmds)], and benzotriazole, (bta)H, produce contrasting outcomes. Tin(II) fluoride does not react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H, the outcome being the formation of insoluble [Li(bta)](∞). Tin(II) chloride and tin(II) bromide react with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in toluene to produce the hexadecametallic tin(II)-lithium cages [(hmds)(8)Sn(8)(bta)(12)Li(8)X(4)]·(n toluene) [X = Cl, 3·(8 toluene); X = Br, 4·(3 toluene)]. The reaction of tin(II) iodide with [Li(hmds)] and (bta)H in thf solvent produces the ion-separated species [{(thf)(2)Li(bta)}(3){Li(thf)}](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), [5](2)[SnI(4)]·(thf), the structure of which contains a cyclic trimeric unit of lithium benzotriazolate and a rare example of the tetraiodostannate(II) dianion.     

New metalloligands [M(SC[O]Ph)(4)](-): synthesis and characterization of polymeric [A(MeCN)(x)[M(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] compounds (A = Li,Na and K; M = Ga and In; x = 0-2)

Exploiting the ability of the [M(SC[O]Ph)(4)](-) anion to behave like an anionic metalloligand, we have synthesized [Li[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (1), [Li[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (2), [Na[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (3), [Na(MeCN)[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (4), [K[Ga(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (5), and [K(MeCN)(2)[In(SC[O]Ph)(4)]] (6) by reacting MX(3) and PhC[O]S(-)A(+) (M = Ga(III) and In(III); X = Cl(-) and NO(3)(-); and A = Li(I), Na(I), and K(I)) in the molar ratio 1:4. The structures of 2, 4, and 6 determined by X-ray crystallography indicate that they have a one-dimensional coordination polymeric structure, and structural variations may be attributed to the change in the alkali metal ion from Li(I) to Na(I) to K(I). Crystal data for 2 x 0.5MeCN x 0.25H(2)O: monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 24.5766(8) A, b = 13.2758(5) A, c = 19.9983(8) A, beta = 108.426(1) degrees, Z = 8, and V = 6190.4(4) A(3). Crystal data for 4: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 10.5774(7) A, b = 21.9723(15) A, c = 14.4196(10) A, beta = 110.121(1) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 3146.7(4) A(3). Crystal data for 6: monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 12.307(3) A, b = 13.672(3) A, c = 20.575(4) A, beta = 92.356(4) degrees, Z = 4, and V = 3458.8(12) A(3). The thermal decomposition of these compounds indicated the formation of the corresponding AMS(2) materials.     

Copper(I) alkynyl clusters, [Cu(x+y)(hfac)(x)(C[triple chemical bond]CR)(y)], with Cu(10)-Cu(12) cores

The facile syntheses and the structures of five new Cu(I) alkynyl clusters, [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CnPr)(4)(thf)(6)]xTHF (1), [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)] (2), [Cu(12)(hfac)(8)(C[triple chemical bond]CSiMe(3))(4)] (3), [Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)(diethyl ether)]/[Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(3)(C[triple chemical bond]CnPr)(diethyl ether)] (4) and [Cu(10)(hfac)(6)(C[triple chemical bond]CtBu)(4)(diethyl ether)] (5) are reported, in which hfacH=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentan-2,4-dione. The first independent molecule found in the crystals of 4 (4 a) proved to be chemically identical to 5. The Cu(10) and Cu(12) cores in these clusters are based on a central "square" Cu(4)C(4) unit. Whilst the connectivities of the Cu(10) or Cu(12) units remain identical the geometries vary considerably and depend on the bulk of the alkynyl group, weak coordination of ether molecules to copper atoms in the core and CuO intramolecular contacts formed between Cu-hfac units on the periphery of the cluster. Similar intermolecular contacts and interlocking of Cu-hfac units are formed in the simple model complex [Cu(2)(hfac)(2)(HC[triple chemical bond]CtBu)] (6). When linear alkynes, C(n)H(2n+1)C[triple chemical bond]CH, are used in the synthesis and non-coordinating solvents are used in the workup, further association of the Cu(4)C(4) cores occurs and clusters with more than eighteen copper atoms are isolated.     

N-Methyl-2-(methylamino)troponiminate Complexes of Tin(II), Gallium(III), and Indium(III). Syntheses of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl Using the Tin(II) Reagent [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn

The N-methyl-2-(methylamino)troponimine [(Me)(2)ATI]H reacts with bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]tin(II) to yield [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn in excellent yield. The treatment of [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn with GaI and InCl led to the bis(ligand)gallium(III) and -indium(III) compounds [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl. These metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. All three metal adducts show fluxional behavior in solution at room temperature. [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn exhibits a pseudo trigonal bipyramidal structure in the solid state. The gallium and indium atoms in [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI and [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl adopt trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the metal center with the halide occupying an equatorial site. A convenient, high-yield route to [(Me)(2)ATI]H is also reported. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 183 K: [(Me)(2)ATI](2)Sn, C(18)H(22)N(4)Sn, a = 8.4347(11) ?, b = 10.5564(13) ?, c = 11.5527(11) ?, alpha = 66.931(8) degrees, beta = 73.579(9) degrees, gamma = 67.437(7) degrees, V = 863.3(2) ?(3), triclinic, space group P&onemacr;, Z = 2, R = 0.0224; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)GaI, C(18)H(22)GaIN(4), a = 12.947(2) ?, b = 9.5834(9) ?, c = 16.0132(12) ?, beta = 107.418(8) degrees, V = 1895.8(3) ?(3), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, R = 0.0214; [(Me)(2)ATI](2)InCl, C(18)H(22)ClInN(4), a = 24.337(3) ?, b = 8.004(2) ?, c = 19.339(3) ?, beta = 101.537(13) degrees, V = 3691.1(11) ?(3), monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 8, R = 0.0224.