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Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Synthesis of Nine-atom Deltahedral Zintl Ions of Germanium and their Functionalization with Organic Groups
Published on: February 11, 2012
A(5)TaAs(4)Tl(2) (A = Rb, K). Transition-Metal Zintl Phases with a Novel Complex Ion: Synthesis, Structure, and
DaPing Huang1, John D. Corbett
1Ames Laboratory-DOE(1) and Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011.
The rubidium-thallium-arsenic (Rb-Tl-As) system forms a novel compound, Rb(5)TaAs(4)Tl(2), through reactions with tantalum containers. This compound features a unique polyanion structure with multicentered bonding, confirmed by EHMO calculations.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state chemistry
- Inorganic synthesis
- Crystallography
Background:
- The Rb-Tl-As system's reactivity was investigated.
- Tantalum containers were found to influence reaction products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize new compounds in the Rb-Tl-As system.
- To elucidate the structural and bonding features of the novel compound.
Main Methods:
- High-temperature reactions in tantalum and silica containers.
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural determination.
- Extended Hückel Molecular Orbital (EHMO) calculations for bonding analysis.
Main Results:
- The compound Rb(5)TaAs(4)Tl(2) was successfully synthesized and crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (Pnma).
- An isostructural compound, K(5)TaAs(4)Tl(2), was also identified.
- The structure is characterized by a closed-shell polyanion, [TaAs(4)Tl(2)](5-), with complex multicentered bonding involving Tl, As, and Ta.
Conclusions:
- The synthesis of Rb(5)TaAs(4)Tl(2) demonstrates a new pathway for forming complex Zintl phases.
- The polyanionic structure and multicentered bonding provide insights into electron distribution and chemical interactions in these systems.
- EHMO calculations confirm the electronic interactions and bonding character within the polyanion.
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