The Largest Metalloid Group 14 Cluster,Ge18[Si(SiMe3)3]6: An Intermediate on the Way to Elemental Germanium

The oxidation of [Ge₉(Hyp)₃]^? (Hyp=Si(SiMe₃)₃) with an Fe^II salt leads to Ge₁₈(Hyp)₆ ( 1 ), the largest Group 14 metalloid cluster that has been structurally characterized to date. The arrangement of the 18 germanium atoms in 1 shows similarities to that found in the solid‐state structure Ge(cF136). Furthermore, 1 can be described as a macropolyhedral cluster of two Ge₉ units. Quantum‐chemical calculations further hint at a strained arrangement so that 1 can be considered as a first trapped intermediate on the way from Ge₉ units to elemental germanium with the clathrate‐II structure (Ge(cF136)).     

Reactivity of [Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3]− Towards Transition‐Metal M2+ Cations: Coordination and Redox Chemistry

Recently the metalloid cluster compound [Ge₉Hyp₃]^? ( 1 ; Hyp=Si(SiMe₃)₃) was oxidatively coupled by an iron(II) salt to give the largest metalloid Group 14 cluster [Ge₁₈Hyp₆]. Such redox chemistry is also possible with different transition metal (TM) salts TM²⁺ (TM=Fe, Co, Ni) to give the TM⁺ complexes [Fe(dppe)₂][Ge₉Hyp₃] ( 3 ; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), [Co(dppe)₂][Ge₉Hyp₃] ( 4 ), [Ni(dppe)(Ge₉Hyp₃)] ( 5 ) and [Ni(dppe)₂(Ge₉Hyp₃)]⁺ ( 6 ). Such a redox reaction does not proceed for Mn, for which a salt metathesis gives the first open shell [Hyp₃Ge₉‐M‐Ge₉Hyp₃] cluster ( 2 ; M=Mn). The bonding of the transition metal atom to 1 is also possible for Ni (e.g., compound 6 ), in which one or even two nickel atoms can bind to 1 . In contrast to this in case of the Fe and Co compounds 3 and 4 , respectively, the transition‐metal atom is not bound to the Ge₉ core of 1 . The synthesis and the experimentally determined structures of 2 – 6 are presented. Additionally the bonding within 2 – 6 is analyzed and discussed with the aid of EPR measurements and quantum chemical calculations.     

On the Reactivity of Silylated Ge9 Clusters: Synthesis and Characterization of [ZnCp*(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], [CuPiPr3(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)], and [(CuPiPr3)4{Ge9(SiPh3)2}2]

We report on the synthesis of new derivatives of silylated clusters of the type [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^? (R = SiMe₃, Me = CH₃; R = Ph, Ph = C₆H₅) as well as on their reactivity towards copper and zinc compounds. The silylated cluster compounds were synthesized by heterogeneous reactions starting from the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉. Reaction of K[Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃] with ZnCl₂ leads to the already known dimeric compound [Zn(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)₂] ( 1 ), whereas upon the reaction with [ZnCp*₂] the coordination of [ZnCp*]⁺ to the cluster takes place (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) under the formation of [ZnCp*(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 2 ). A similar reaction leads to [CuPiPr₃(Ge₉{Si(SiMe₃)₃}₃)] ( 3 ) from [CuPiPr₃Cl] (iPr=isopropyl). Further we investigated the novel silylated cluster units [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₃]^? ( 4 ) and [Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]^? ( 5 ), which could be identified by mass spectroscopy. Bis‐ and tris‐silylated species can be synthesized by the respective stoichiometric reactions, and the products were characterized by ESI‐MS and NMR experiments. These clusters show rather different reactivity. The reaction of the tris‐silylated anion 4 with [CuPiPr₃Cl] leads to [(CuPiPr₃)₃Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂]⁺ as shown from NMR experiments and to [(CuPiPr₃)₄{Ge₉(SiPh₃)₂}₂] ( 6 ), which was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6 shows a new type of coordination of the Cu atoms to the silylated Zintl clusters.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the two Lithium Hypersilylcuprates LiCu2[Si(SiMe3)3]3 and [Li7(OtBu)6][Cu2{Si(SiMe3)3}3]

The two hypersilylcuprates LiCu₂Hyp₃ ( 2 ) and [Li₇(O^tBu)₆][Cu₂Hyp₃] ( 3 ) (Hyp = Si(SiMe₃)₃) were synthesized by reactions of unsolvated lithium hypersilanide, LiHyp with hypersilylcopper and CuO^tBu, respectively. Both contain the novel A‐frame trihypersilyldicuprate anion [Cu₂Hyp₃]^–. In the former case a molecular compound is produced containing intimate ion pairs. In the latter case the cuprate anion and the unique large [Li₇(O^tBu)₆]⁺ cation form a salt‐like compound, only sparingly soluble in unpolar solvents. According to NBO analyses the bonding within the trihypersilyldicuprate moiety is best described by interaction of a bridging lewis‐basic hypersilanide anion with two lewis‐acidic hypersilyl copper fragments.     

Reactions with a Metalloid Tin Cluster {Sn10[Si(SiMe3)3]4}2−: Ligand Elimination versus Coordination Chemistry

Chemistry that uses metalloid tin clusters as a starting material is of fundamental interest towards understanding the reactivity of such compounds. Since we identified {Sn₁₀[Si(SiMe₃)₃]₄}^2? 7 as an ideal candidate for such reactions, we present a further step in the understanding of metalloid tin cluster chemistry. In contrast to germanium chemistry, ligand elimination seems to be a major reaction channel, which leads to the more open metalloid cluster {Sn₁₀[Si(SiMe₃)₃]₃}^? 9 , in which the Sn core is only shielded by three Si(SiMe₃)₃ ligands. Compound 9 is obtained through different routes and is crystallised together with two different countercations. Besides the structural characterisation of this novel metalloid tin cluster, the electronic structure is analysed by ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. Additionally, possible reaction pathways are discussed. The presented first step into the chemistry of metalloid tin clusters thus indicates that, with respect to metalloid germanium clusters, more reaction channels are accessible, thereby leading to a more complex reaction system.     

Functionalization of [Ge9] with Small Silanes:[Ge9(SiR3)3]– (R = iBu,iPr, Et) and the Structures of (CuNHCDipp)[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}3], (K‐18c6)Au[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}3]2, and (K‐18c6)2[Ge9{Si(iBu)3}2]

Novel silylation reactions at [Ge₉] Zintl clusters starting from the chlorosilanes SiR₃Cl (R = iBu, iPr, Et) and the Zintl phase K₄Ge₉ are reported. The formation of the tris‐silylated anions [Ge₉(SiR₃)₃]^– [R = iBu ( 1a ), iPr ( 1b ), Et ( 1c )] by heterogeneous reactions in acetonitrile was monitored by ESI‐MS measurements. For R = iBu ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR experiments confirmed the exclusive formation of 1a . Subsequent reactions of 1a with CuNHC^DippCl and Au(PPh₃)Cl result in formation of the neutral metal complex (CuNHC^Dipp)[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]·0.5 tol ( 2 ·0.5 tol) and the metal bridged dimeric unit {Au[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]₂}^– ( 3a ), isolated as a (K‐18c6)⁺ salt in (K‐18c6)Au[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₃]₂·tol ( 3 ·tol), respectively. Finally, from a toluene/hexane solution of 1a in presence of 18‐crown‐6, crystals of the compound (K‐18c6)₂[Ge₉{Si(iBu)₃}₂]·tol ( 4 ·tol), containing the bis‐silylated cluster anion [Ge₉(Si(iBu)₃)₂]^2– ( 4a ), were obtained. The compounds 2 ·0.5 tol, 3 ·tol and 4 ·tol were characterized by single‐crystal structure determination.     

A Potential Method Using Ge{iPrNC[N(SiMe3)2]NiPr}2, (Et3Si)2Te and Anhydrous Hydrazine for Germanium Tellurides

A germanium(II)‐guanidine derivative of formula Ge{iPrNC[N(SiMe₃)₂]NiPr}₂ ( 1 ) was synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction method. Thermal property was also studied to identify its thermal stability and volatility. More importantly, compound 1 was synthesized to develop a new method for germanium tellurides, where anhydrous hydrazine was introduced to prompt the activity of germanium(II) guanidines (or derivatives) towards (Et₃Si)₂Te. Solution reaction of compound 1 , (Et₃Si)₂Te, and anhydrous hydrazine was investigated to pre‐identify the feasibility of this combination for ALD process. The EDS data of the black precipitate from this reaction verified the potential of this method to manufacture germanium tellurides.     

Reaktionen des metalloiden Clusteranions {Ge9[Si(SiMe3)3]3}– in der Gasphase. Oxidations‐ und Reduktionsschritte geben Einblicke in den Bereich zwischen metalloiden Clustern und Zintl‐Ionen

The cluster anion {Ge₉[Si(SiMe₃)₃]₃}^– ( 1 ) is transferred intact into the gas phase via the electro spray method. Subsequently the fragmentation of 1 after resonant excitation as well as the oxidation reaction with O₂ and Cl₂ are investigated in an FT‐ICR mass spectrometer (Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance). Unlike former results with off‐resonant excitation the fragmentation leads mainly to the end‐product Ge₉^–. Moreover, applying an on‐resonant excitation the dissociation experiment can be quantified; 2.0 ± 0.15 eV (193 ± 15kJ · mol^–1) for the elimination of the first two ligands and 2.7 ± 0.15 eV (261 ± 15 kJ · mol^–1) for all ligands, respectively. Particular attention is turned on the first step, where sterically encumbered Si₂(SiMe₃)₆ molecules are formed in a concerted reaction. This result, which is also important for elemental reactions on metal surfaces in catalyses, is based on experimentally determined threshold energies, DFT calculations and calculations on the lifetime of the involved species., In contrast to the high reactivity of crystalline 1 ·Li(THF)₄, gaseous 1 is inert against oxygen. The analogy to recently published spin forbidden reactions of Al₁₃^– with O₂ hints to a general importance of spin conversion during gas phase reactions of larger cluster molecules. The oxidation of 1 with Cl₂ proceeds through different reaction channels. DFT calculations give a first insight on the complex primary oxidation steps. These calculations also reveal that the delocalized bonding situation in the Ge₉ core is distorted upon oxidation. This result together with the dissociation experiments shed more light on differences and similarities between metalloid clusters and Zintl ions.     

Enhancing the Variability of [Ge9] Cluster Chemistry through Phosphine Functionalization

The synthetic approach towards molecules that contain Ge atoms with oxidation state 0, and which are exclusively connected to other Ge atoms, is explored by using anionic clusters extracted from binary solids. Besides providing a novel variable method for the introduction of alkenyl moieties to [Ge₉] cluster compounds, this work expands the spectrum of mixed-functionalized [Ge₉] cluster anions, which are suitable for the straightforward synthesis of zwitterionic compounds upon coordination to metal cations. In detail, the synthesis of a series of mixed-functionalized [Ge₉] clusters is reported, including [Ge₉{Si(TMS)₃}₃PRR^I] (R=tBu, R^I=(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂; 2 ) and [Ge₉{Si(TMS)₃}₂PRR^I]⁻ (R and R^I: alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aminoalkyl; 3 a to 11 a , TMS: (trimethyl)silyl). In 2 and 3 a , pentenyl functionalization of the [Ge₉] clusters was achieved by reaction of the novel chlorophosphine tBu{(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂}PCl ( 1 ) with silylated [Ge₉] clusters. Furthermore, the reactivity of the cluster anions 3 a to 11 a towards NHC^DippMCl (NHC^Dipp=1,3-di(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolylidine; M=Cu, Ag) showed a dependency on the steric demand of the phosphine either zwitterions ( 3 -MNHC^Dipp to 7 -MNHC^Dipp) featuring P–M interactions are formed, or Ge–M coordination ( 8 -MNHC^Dipp to 11 -MNHC^Dipp) occurs. For M=Ag, the formation of zwitterionic complexes was unequivocally proven by NMR investigations showing ¹J(³¹P-¹⁰⁷Ag/¹⁰⁹Ag) spin-spin coupling.     

Amidometallate von Seltenerdelementen. Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Na(12-Krone-4)2][M{N(SiMe3)2}3(OSiMe3)] (M = Sm,Yb), [Na(THF)3Sm{N(SiMe3)2}3(C≡C–Ph)], [Na(THF)6][Lu2(μ-NH2)(μ-NSiMe3){N(SiMe3)2}4] sowie von [NaN(SiMe3)2(THF)]2. Anwendungen der Seltenerdkomplexe als Polymerisationskatalysatoren

Amido Metalates of Rare Earth Elements. Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [Na(12-crown-4)₂][M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(OSiMe₃)] (M = Sm, Yb), [Na(THF)₃Sm{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(C≡C–Ph)], [Na(THF)₆][Lu₂(μ-NH₂)(μ-NSiMe₃){N(SiMe₃)₂}₄], and of [NaN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂. Applications of Rare Earth Metal Complexes as Polymerization Catalysts The amido silyloxy complexes [Na(12-crown-4)₂][M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃(OSiMe₃)] with M = Sm ( 1 a ), Eu ( 1 b ), Yb ( 1 c ), and Lu ( 1 d ) were obtained from the trisamides M[N(SiMe₃)₃]₃ and NaOSiMe₃ in n-hexane in the presence of 12-crown-4; they form yellow to orange-red crystals, of which 1 a and 1 c were characterized crystallographically. The complexes crystallize isotypically with one another in the monoclinic space group I2/a with eight formula units per unit cell. The metal atoms of the complex anions are tetrahedrally coordinated by the three nitrogen atoms of the N(SiMe₃)₂^– ligands and by the oxygen atom of the OSiMe₃^– ligand. With 172.4° for 1 a and 179.3° for 1 c the bond angles M–O–Si are practically linear. With ethynylbenzene in the presence of NaN(SiMe₃)₂ in tetrahydrofuran the trisamides M[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ react under formation of the complexes [Na(THF)₃M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃ · (C≡C–Ph)] with M = Ce ( 2 a ), Sm ( 2 b ), and Eu ( 2 c ), of which 2 b was characterized crystallographically (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z = 4). 2 b forms an ion pair in which the terminal carbon atom of the C≡C–Ph^– ligand is connected with the samarium atom of the Sm[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ group and the sodium ion is side-on connected with the acetylido group. According to the crystal structure determination (space group P2₁2₁2₁, Z = 4) [Na(THF)₆][Lu₂(μ-NH₂)(μ-NSiMe₃) · {N(SiMe₃)₂}₄] ( 3 ), which is formed as a by-product, consists of [Na(THF)₆]⁺ ions and dimeric anions, in which the lutetium atoms are connected to form a planar Lu₂N₂ four-membered ring via a μ-NH₂ bridge with average Lu–N distances of 227.2 pm and via a μ-NSiMe₃ bridge of average Lu–N distances of 218.5 pm. According to the crystal structure determination (space group P 1, Z = 1) [NaN(SiMe₃)₂(THF)]₂ ( 4 ) forms centrosymmetric dimeric molecules with Na–N distances of the Na₂N₂ four-membered ring of 239.9 pm and distances Na–O of the terminally bonded THF molecules which are 226.7 pm. The vinylic polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) catalyzed by 1 c resulted in high molecular weight polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with moderate yields. The reaction of 1 a or 2 b with MMA did not give PMMA. Insoluble polynorbornene was obtained in low yields by reaction of norbornene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) with 1 a , 1 c , or 2 b . The ring opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolacton or δ-valerolacton catalyzed by 2 b resulted in corresponding polylactones in quantitative yields.     

Synthese und Strukturen von [Cu8As3(AsSiMe3)2(dppb)4]+‐[Cu{As2(SiMe3)2}{As4(SiMe3)4}]‐, [Cu8As3(AsSiMe3)2(dppb)4]+‐[Cu{As(SiMe3)2}2]‐ und [Cu10(Sb3)2(SbSiMe3)2(dppm)6]

The reaction of CuCl, LiAs(SiMe₃)₂ and dppb (Bis(diphenylphosphino)butane) leads to the formation of ionic cluster complexes. Depending on the reaction conditions one can isolate [Cu₈As₃(AsSiMe₃)₂(dppb)₄]⁺[Cu{As₂(SiMe₃)₂}{As₄(SiMe₃)₄}]^‐ ( 1 ) and [Cu₈As₃(AsSiMe₃)₂(dppb)₄]⁺[Cu{As(SiMe₃)₂}₂]^‐ ( 2 ). The same reaction of CuCl, dppm (Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and LiSb(SiMe₃)₂ leads to the neutral cluster complex [Cu₁₀(Sb₃)₂(SbSiMe₃)₂(dppm)₆] ( 3 ). The structures of 1‐3 have been solved by X‐ray single crystal analyses.     

{Sn10[Si(SiMe3)3]4}2−: A Highly Reactive Metalloid Tin Cluster with an Open Ligand Shell

The reaction of a Sn^ICl solution with LiSi(SiMe₃)₃ gave the anionic metalloid tin cluster {Sn₁₀[Si(SiMe₃)₃]₄}^2? ( 7 ) in good yield. The arrangement of the ten tin atoms in the cluster core can be described as a distorted centaur polyhedron. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that there are 26 bonding electrons in the cluster core, which may be described as an arachno cluster in agreement with Wade’s rules. NMR and mass spectrometric investigations showed that 7 is highly reactive, which may be due to the open ligand shell. The easily available tin atoms in 7 thereby open the door to further subsequent reactions, in which 7 may act as a building block to larger cluster aggregates.     

Low-Valent MxAl3 Cluster Salts with Tetrahedral [SiAl3]+ and Trigonal-Bipyramidal [M2Al3]2+ Cores (M=Si/Ge)

Schnöckel's [(AlCp*)₄] and Jutzi's [SiCp*][B(C₆F₅)₄] (Cp*=C₅Me₅) are landmarks in modern main-group chemistry with diverse applications in synthesis and catalysis. Despite the isoelectronic relationship between the AlCp* and the [SiCp*]⁺ fragments, their mutual reactivity is hitherto unknown. Here, we report on their reaction giving the complex salts [Cp*Si(AlCp*)₃][WCA] ([WCA]⁻=[Al(OR^F)₄]⁻ and [F{Al(OR^F)₃}₂]⁻; R^F=C(CF₃)₃). The tetrahedral [SiAl₃]⁺ core not only represents a rare example of a low-valent silicon-doped aluminium-cluster, but also—due to its facile accessibility and high stability—provides a convenient preparative entry towards low-valent Si−Al clusters in general. For example, an elusive binuclear [Si₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ with extremely short Al−Si bonds and a high negative partial charge at the Si atoms was structurally characterised and its bonding situation analysed by DFT. Crystals of the isostructural [Ge₂(AlCp*)₅]²⁺ dication were also obtained and represent the first mixed Al−Ge cluster.     

[Cs(Toluol)3(FIn{N(SiMe3)2}3)], ein Fluoroindat mit gestreckter Cs–F–In-Achse

[Cs(toluene)₃(FIn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃)], a Fluoroindate with Rectified Cs–F–In Axis The metalate [Cs(FIn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃)] has been prepared by the reaction of In[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ with CsF in THF: The title compound 1 can be obtained by recrystallization from toluene as colorless airsensitive needles. 1 has been characterized by NMR-, IR-, and MS-techniques as well as by an X-ray structure determination. The result of the structure analysis shows an prolated molecule with an almost linear Cs–F–In axis [174.7(1)°]. The Cs⁺ center is surrounded by the indate ion and three toluene molecules in a distorted tetrahedral fashion.     

[UIII{N(SiMe2tBu)2}3]: A Structurally Authenticated Trigonal Planar Actinide Complex

We report the synthesis and characterization of the uranium(III) triamide complex [U^III(N**)₃] [ 1 , N**=N(SiMe₂tBu)₂^?]. Surprisingly, complex 1 exhibits a trigonal planar geometry in the solid state, which is unprecedented for three‐coordinate actinide complexes that have exclusively adopted trigonal pyramidal geometries to date. The characterization data for [U^III(N**)₃] were compared with the prototypical trigonal pyramidal uranium(III) triamide complex [U^III(N“)₃] (N”=N(SiMe₃)₂^?), and taken together with theoretical calculations it was concluded that pyramidalization results in net stabilization for [U^III(N“)₃], but this can be overcome with very sterically demanding ligands, such as N**. The planarity of 1 leads to favorable magnetic dynamics, which may be considered in the future design of U^III single‐molecule magnets.     

{Ge10Si[Si(SiMe3)3]4(SiMe32)Me}-: a Ge10Si framework reveals a structural transition onto elemental germanium

The reaction of the metastable high temperature molecule GeCl synthesized via a co-condensation technique with LiSi(SiMe(3))3 leads to a metalloid Ge(10)Si cluster compound, in which the arrangement of the germanium atoms can be seen as a cutout from the structure of elemental germanium.     

New coinage metal-coordinated intermetalloid E10 clusters (R3P)AuGe9(Hyp)3Pt(PPh3) (R = Bu,Et)

We present the synthesis and characterization of the inter-metalloid clusters R₃PAuGe₉(Hyp)₃Pt(PPh₃) [R = Et, Bu; Hyp = Si(SiMe₃)₃] obtained by the reaction of R₃PAuGe₉(Hyp)₃ (R = Et, Bu) with Pt(PPh₃)₄. The realized cluster enlargement is also known for the neutral cluster Ge₉(Et)(Hyp)₃, leading, however, to a different arrangement of substituents and different dynamics in the solution.     

Komplexchemie P‐reicher Phosphane und Silylphosphane. XXII. Die Bildung von [η2‐{tBu–P=P–SiMe3}Pt(PR3)2]aus (Me3Si)tBuP–P=P(Me)tBu2 und [η2‐{C2H4}Pt(PR3)2]

Coordination Chemistry of P‐rich Phosphanes and Silylphosphanes. XXII. The Formation of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂] from (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ and [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] (Me₃Si)^tBuP–P = P(Me)^tBu₂ reacts with [η²‐{C₂H₄}Pt(PR₃)₂] yielding [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PR₃)₂]. However, there is no indication for an isomer which would be the analogue to the well known [η²‐{^tBu₂P–P}Pt(PPh₃)₂]. The syntheses and NMR data of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] and [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PMe₃)₂] as well as the results of the single crystal structure determination of [η²‐{^tBu–P=P–SiMe₃}Pt(PPh₃)₂] are reported.     

Das Hexagallan [Ga6{SiMe(SiMe3)2}6] und das closo‐Hexagallanat [Ga6{Si(CMe3)3}4(CH2C6H5)2]2— — der Übergang zu einem ungewöhnlichen precloso‐Cluster

The Hexagallane [Ga₆{SiMe(SiMe₃)₂}₆] and the closo‐Hexagallanate [Ga₆{Si(CMe₃)₃}₄ (CH₂C₆H₅)₂]^2— — the Transition to an Unusual precloso‐Cluster The closo hexagallanate [Ga₆R₄(CH₂Ph)₂]^2— (R = Si^tBu₃) as well as the hexagallane Ga₆R₆ (R = SiMe(SiMe₃)₂) with only six cluster electron pairs were isolated from reactions of “GaI” with the corresponding silanides. The structure of the latter is derived from an octahedron by a Jahn‐Teller‐distortion and is different from the capped trigonal bipyramidal one expected by the Wade‐Mingos rules. Both compounds were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The bonding is discussed with simplified Ga₆H₆ and Ga₆H₆^2— models via DFT methods.     

Dihaloheptasilanes X2Si[SiMe(SiMe3)2]2 as potential precursors for silylenes, disilenes and cyclotrisilanes

The synthesis of new dihaloheptasilanes X₂Si[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ (X=Cl: 2, Br: 3, I: 4) was performed by treating dihydridoheptasilane 1 (X=H) with CCl₄, HCBr₃ or HCI₃. Difluoroheptasilane 6 (X=F) was prepared from either diphenylheptasilane 5 (X=Ph), triflic acid (HOTf), and LiF with concomitant isolation of heptasilanes 7 (X₂=Ph and OTf), 8 (X₂=F and Ph), and 9 (X₂=F and OTf), or by halogen exchange from 2 using ZnF₂. Crystal structures of 2, 3, 4, and 5 are reported. The reduction of 2 with Li, Na or KC₈ resulted in the instantaneous formation of various cyclotrisilanes, while the reduction of 3 gave exclusively the unsymmetrical cyclotrisilane (E)-1-methyl-2,3,3-tris[methylbis(trimethylsilyl)silyl]-1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)cyclotrisilane 10, which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. A mechanism for the formation of cyclotrisilanes via a silylsilylene-to-disilene rearrangement is proposed. Attempts to prepare the tetradekasilane [(Me₃Si)₂MeSi]₂SiH–SiH[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ (by reductive dehalogenation of either HClSi[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ 13 or HISi[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ 18), or the tetradekasilane [(Me₃Si)₂MeSi]₂SiPh–SiPh[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ (by reductive dehalogenation of either PhClSi[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ 14 or PhISi[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ 19) as precursors for the disilene [(Me₃Si)₂MeSi]₂Si=Si[SiMe(SiMe₃)₂]₂ failed. 14 was characterized by X-ray crystallography. All compounds described were also characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.