Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Core-Shell Metal-Organic Frameworks
Published on: February 10, 2023
An Fe2Al2 Core in an NHC-Hydroalumylene-Bridged Cluster: Structure and Bonding
Keita Sato1, Takashi Komuro1, Yuzuki Seki1
1Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
Abstract:
Heterometallic small-ring clusters incorporating low-valent Al(I)-H units remain rare. Herein, we report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a hydroalumylene-bridged Fe2Al2 cluster 1, stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes and additional Fe-H-Al interactions. The planar and asymmetrically rhombic geometry of 1 was unambiguously established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study and spectroscopic analyses. XPS measurements strongly supported the presence of monovalent Al(I) in this cluster. Computational studies, including QTAIM analysis, revealed that 1 exhibits weak but significant electron delocalization within the Fe2Al2 core, highlighting the unique bonding characteristics imparted by the hydroalumylene ligands.
Related Concept Videos
Valence Bond Theory
Valence Bond Theory
Bonding in Metals
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and...
Structure and Bonding of Alkenes
Doubly bonded carbons are sp2 hybridized and have a trigonal planar geometry. The double bond is composed of a σ bond formed by the overlap of hybrid orbitals and a π bond produced by the lateral overlap of unhybridized 2p orbitals on both the carbons. Each carbon atom is...
Lewis Structures and Formal Charges

