Tetrahedral reduction with elemental

Because they possess an odd number of valence electrons the elements of this group can only satisfy the 18-electron rule in their carbonyls if M-M bonds are present. In accord with this, mononuclear carbonyls are not formed. Instead [M2(CO)s], [M4(CO)i2] and [M6(CO)i6] are the principal binary carbonyls of these elements. But reduction of [Co2(CO)g] with, for instance, sodium amalgam in benzene yields the monomeric and tetrahedral, 18-electron ion, [Co(CO)4] , acidification of which gives the pale yellow hydride, [HCo(CO)4]. Reductions employing Na metal in liquid NH3 yield the super-reduced [M(CO)3] (M = Co, Rh, Ir) containing these elements in their lowest formal oxidation state. 

Arsenic, Antimony and Bismuth. These elements are obtained by reduction of their oxides with hydrogen or carbon. For As and Sb unstable yellow allotropes, presumably containing tetrahedral As4 and Sb4 molecules, can be obtained by rapid condensation of vapors. They are easily transformed into the stable forms, and yellow Sb is stable only at very low temperatures. Bismuth does not occur in a yellow form. The normal forms of As, Sb and Bi are bright and metallic in appearance and have crystal structures similar to that of black P. When heated, the metals burn in air to form the oxides, and they react directly and readily with halogens and some other non-metals. They form alloys with various other metals. Dilute non-oxidizing acids are without effect on them. With nitric acid, As gives arsenic acid, Sb gives the trioxide and Bi dissolves to form the nitrate. 

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