{Ge8[Fe(CO)4]8}7−: an anionic cubic germanium-iron-cluster featuring an unpaired electron

Abstract

Within the reaction of a metastable Ge(I)Cl solution and Na₂Fe₂(CO)₈ the anionic cubic cluster compound {(thf)₁₄Na₆Ge₈[Fe(CO)₄]₈}⁻ (3) is obtained. The open shell character of 3 is proven by EPR spectroscopy. Quantum chemical calculations furthermore show that also the closed shell systems should be stable, but could not be isolated so far. Additionally, 3 can be seen as an intermediate cluster compound on the formation of metalloid clusters.