Single, double, and triple intercluster bonds: analyses of M2Au36(SR)24 (M = Au, Pd, Pt) as 14-, 12- and 10-ve superatomic molecules

Abstract

The bonding picture of the experimentally characterized species derived from the M₂Au₃₆(SR)₂₄ cluster is discussed to indicate the occurrence of the classical notion of single, double and triple chemical bonds. The bond order can be reversibly controlled by tuning their charge states which is shown to be opportunely extended to clusters in favor of the conception of molecularly structured materials.