Intermetalloid clusters, consisting of a main group (semi-)metal shell that embeds one or more transition metal atoms(s), have been actively investigated by many research groups over the past decades, regarding basic properties as well as their potential use as innovative materials. Some years ago, pnictogentrielide or pinctogentetrelide ions [E13/14xE15y]q– (E13/14 = Ga, In, Tl; Ge, Sn, Pb; E15 = As, Sb, Bi) proved to be useful synthetic tools for the access of ternary intermetalloid clusters [Mx@E13/14yE15z]q– by reactions with transition metal (M) compounds. These experiments also allowed first access to corresponding clusters with interstitial lanthanide cations. Recently, we extended our studies towards comprehensive exploration of the formation pathways, towards clusters with very unusual geometric and electronic structures, and towards intermetalloid clusters embedding actinide ions. While most of the clusters may be understood in terms of (semi-)metal cages that are doped by the interstitial transition metal or lanthanide ions, actinide ions have an even greater impact on the structure and bonding within such species, owing to the involvement of f electrons.

How f-block atoms behave in intermetalloid clusters: [Ln@Zintl] and [Ac@Zintl]

2019 Spring National Meeting

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