Formation of an Fe–H complex anion in YFe2: adjustment of imbalanced charge by using additional Li as an electron donor

Abstract

The novel complex hydride YLiFeH₆ with the Fe–H complex anion ([FeH₆]⁴⁻) was synthesized by hydrogenation of YFe₂ together with additional Li. Li adjusts the original imbalanced charge between Y³⁺ and [FeH₆]⁴⁻ by donating an electron to convert into Li⁺ during the hydrogenation, resulting in the formation of the well charge-balanced state of Y³⁺Li⁺[FeH₆]⁴⁻.