[CuSn5Sb3]24− as a dual spherical–spherical aromatic heterometallic cluster bridged via an antiaromatic Cu2Sn2 motif

Abstract

The formation of [CuSn₅Sb₃]₂⁴⁻ serves as a template for heterometallic species to evaluate the resulting aromatic properties. Our results indicated that the spherical aromatic characteristics of the [CuSn₅Sb₃]²⁻ building unit remained in the overall aggregate, featuring an induced shielding cone from different orientations of the external field. Furthermore, the isostructural and isoelectronic [Sn₁₈]⁴⁻ cluster sustained similar characteristics, which supported the notion of a direct relationship between [CuSn₅Sb₃]₂⁴⁻ and [Sn₁₈]⁴⁻ cluster dimers. This indicated the suitable application of the pseudo-element concept relating similar connectivity between isoelectronic atoms, which could lead to further heterometallic clusters.