Al Cluster Superatoms as Halogens in Polyhalides and as Alkaline Earths in Iodide Salts
Abstract
Two classes of gas-phase aluminum-iodine clusters have been identified whose stability and reactivity can be understood in terms of the spherical shell jellium model. Experimental reactivity studies show that the Al13Ix- clusters exhibit pronounced stability for even numbers of I atoms. Theoretical investigations reveal that the enhanced stability is associated with complementary pairs of I atoms occupying the on-top sites on the opposing Al atoms of the Al13- core. We also report the existence of another series, Al14Ix-, that exhibits stability for odd numbers of I atoms. This series can be described as consisting of an Al14I3- core upon which the I atoms occupy on-top locations around the Al atoms. The potential synthetic utility of superatom chemistry built upon these motifs is addressed.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- January 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1105820
- Bibcode:
- 2005Sci...307..231B
- Keywords:
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- CHEMISTRY