Zinc as a versatile connecting atom for zintl cluster oligomers

Abstract

Homoatomic cluster aggregation is a versatile route to build up atom-precise nano structures. In this work we describe the first connection of four Ge₉ clusters to a single atom: in K₆[Zn{η¹-Ge₉(Hyp)₂}₄]·10.5 Tol four bis-silylated Ge₉ clusters are linked via one central Zn atom. Furthermore we report on the bare Ge₉ cluster in (NH₃)₃Zn–Ge₉–Zn(NH₃)₃·11NH₃, which reveals two possible connectivity sites due to the NH₃ leaving groups at the Zn atoms. Both complexes can be regarded as analogue building motifs for hypothetical tetrel element structures anticipated before with Zn atoms taking the role of four-connected tetrel atoms.