High-nuclearity clusters

Abstract

The use of discrete metal cluster compounds as models of chemisorption systems in surface chemistry is described. Possible boundary conditions to such a cluster–surface analogy are examined; drawing extensively on the interfacial chemistry of benzene. In particular, the complex [Os₃(CO)₉(µ₃-C₆H₆)], which contains benzene in an important new face-capping bonding mode that accurately models benzene adsorption at a three-fold site on the surface of a close-packed metal lattice will be described and its chemistry discussed.