[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.