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Updated: May 20, 2026

High Precision Zinc Isotopic Measurements Applied to Mouse Organs
Published on: May 22, 2015
Can zinc really exist in its oxidation state +III?
Tobias Schlöder1, Martin Kaupp, Sebastian Riedel
1Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Quantum chemical calculations reveal that the predicted Zn(III) complex, Zn(AuF6)3, is not thermochemically stable. Furthermore, its formation would not represent a true Zinc(III) oxidation state.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Theoretical Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- A recent study predicted a thermochemically stable Zinc(III) complex, Zn(AuF6)3.
- This prediction suggested the possibility of a novel high oxidation state for zinc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermochemical feasibility of the predicted Zn(III) complex, Zn(AuF6)3.
- To determine if the compound, if formed, would represent a valid Zinc(III) oxidation state.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced quantum chemical calculations.
- Employing theoretical methods to assess compound stability and oxidation states.
Main Results:
- The calculations demonstrate that Zn(AuF6)3 is not a thermochemically feasible compound.
- The study concludes that even if synthesized, the compound would not exhibit a Zinc(III) oxidation state according to established definitions.
Conclusions:
- The predicted Zn(III) complex is thermodynamically unstable.
- The theoretical framework for Zinc(III) oxidation states requires re-evaluation in light of these findings.
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