Synthesis and characterization of pristine closo-[Ge10]2−

Abstract

The first [Ge₁₀]²⁻ Zintl anion, which is neither filled nor connected to another metal atom is presented in terms of X-ray structure, Raman-spectrum and ESI-MS. Pure [Ge₁₀]²⁻, adapting a D_4d symmetric closo-structure, were crystallized from a Rb₄Ge₉/ethylendiamine solution, containing 7-amino-1-trimethylsilyl-5-aza-hepta-3-en-1-yne. The role of the latter on the formation of [Rb(222-crypt)]₂[Ge₁₀](en)_1.5 is discussed.