Homoatomic polyanions of post-transition elements. Synthesis, structure and characterization of the paramagnetic nonagermanide (3 –) ion Ge 3–9, a C2v cluster with an odd skeletal electron count

Abstract

The salt K₃(2,2,2-cryptand)₃(PPh₃)₃Ge₉ has been obtained by complexation of the KGe_1.8 alloy by 2,2,2-cryptand in ethylenediamine with solute triphenylphosphine. The structure of the anion has been determined crystallographically and the results are supported by EPR and extended Hückel calculations.