Metallic clusters, ligand-free

Negatively charged clusters of some of the p-metals and semimetals are also stable in solutions and can be crystallized from them as ionic molecular compounds. Known, at present, are a number of such ligand-free anionic clusters, called Zintl ions. Some examples are the clusters with general formulas PUy", Eg , Eg , aud Ej where Pn = P, As, Sb and E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb. This chapter will limit its attention to the synthesis, structure, and functionalization of molecular anionic clusters of tin. Although both nine- and five-atom clusters are known (Figure 2.6.1), the focus will be predominantly on the nine-atom deltahedral clusters Sug and Sn which are the most readily prepared and most extensively studied species. 

In the meantime, homoatomic ligand-free Zintl clusters of tetrel atoms are known for compositions [ 4 , [ 5] , and [ g] with = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb and n = 2-4. A unique example of a cluster with ten vertices is [Pbio] with a bicapped quadratic anti-prismatic structure (Figure 3.1). The smallest clusters [ 4]" were first prepared in solid-state reactions of alkali metals (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) with elemental tetrels ( = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) in a 1 1 ratio [8]. 

Abstract This review is a summary of supported metal clusters with nearly molecular properties. These clusters are formed hy adsorption or sirnface-mediated synthesis of metal carbonyl clusters, some of which may he decarhonylated with the metal frame essentially intact. The decarhonylated clusters are bonded to oxide or zeolite supports by metal-oxygen bonds, typically with distances of 2.1-2.2 A they are typically not free of ligands other than the support, and on oxide surfaces they are preferentially bonded at defect sites. The catalytic activities of supported metal clusters incorporating only a few atoms are distinct from those of larger particles that may approximate bulk metals. 

To build the Mn4Ca cluster from its free metal ions, it is necessary to deprotonate four or more aqua ligands attached to the initially bound Mn2+ [29]. 

NMR studies of solutions of inter-metallic phases led to recognition of the potential use of polyatomic Zintl ions as reagents for the generation of new cluster compounds (Eichhorn et al., 1988). Examples of transition-metal derivatives have been discussed in Chapter 5 and the structures of the ions themselves were used as examples of ligand-free main-group clusters in Chapter 2 (Corbett, 1985 Fassler, 2001). The following examples illustrate recent developments in the chemistry of these clusters derived from solid-state syntheses. 

Solvent free methods have been used extensively in supramolecular chemistry, coordination chemistry and the formation of transition metal clusters and polymers. Reactions range from very simple ligand substitution reactions for salts of labile metal ions to more complex procedures, some of which are outlined below. 

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