{Ge9[Si(SiMe3)3]2}(2-): a starting point for mixed substituted metalloid germanium clusters

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Cluster Chemistry

Background:

• Zintl anions, such as Ge9(4-), are versatile precursors in cluster chemistry.
• Silylation reactions offer a pathway to functionalize and stabilize these anionic clusters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the silylation reaction of the Ge9(4-) Zintl anion.
• To synthesize and characterize novel substituted Germanium clusters.
• To explore the potential for creating mixed-substituted Ge9 clusters.

Main Methods:

• Reaction of K4Ge9 with chlorosilylated reagents (ClHyp).
• Isolation and characterization of the resulting metalloid cluster compounds.
• Further functionalization of the synthesized clusters.

Main Results:

• The synthesis of the disubstituted metalloid cluster [Ge9(Hyp)2](2-) was achieved.
• The first mixed trisubstituted metalloid cluster, [Ge9(Hyp)2(Hyp(Ph3))](-), was successfully synthesized.
• Established a method for accessing mixed-substituted Ge9 clusters.

Conclusions:

• The silylation of Ge9(4-) Zintl anions is a viable route to functionalized metalloid clusters.
• The developed methodology allows for the creation of complex, mixed-substituted Ge9 clusters.
• This research opens new avenues for exploring the chemistry of substituted Zintl clusters.