[Bi3GaS5]2[Ga3Cl10]2[GaCl4]2·S8 containing heterocubane-type [Bi3GaS5]2+, star-shaped [Ga3Cl10]−, monomeric [GaCl4]− and crown-like S8

Abstract

By reaction of elemental bismuth, sulfur, bismuth(III) chloride and gallium(III) chloride in the ionic liquid (BMIm)Cl (BMIm: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium), [Bi₃GaS₅]₂[Ga₃Cl₁₀]₂[GaCl₄]₂·S₈ is obtained as red transparent crystals. According to X-ray structure analysis based on single crystals, the title compound crystallizes with triclinic lattice symmetry and is composed of heterocubane-type [Bi₃GaS₅]²⁺ cations, trimeric star-shaped [Ga₃Cl₁₀]⁻ anions with three (GaCl₄) tetrahedra sharing a single central chlorine atom, monomeric [GaCl₄]⁻ tetrahedra and neutral, crown-shaped S₈-rings. Here, the heterocubane [Bi₃GaS₅]²⁺ as well as the star-shaped [Ga₃Cl₁₀]⁻ are observed as building units for the first time. [Bi₃GaS₅]₂[Ga₃Cl₁₀]₂[GaCl₄]₂·S₈ is further characterized by X-ray powder diffraction as well as by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis.