Sn20(SitBu3)10Cl2 – the largest metalloid group 14 cluster shows a raspberry-like arrangement of smaller units

Abstract

The reaction of a metastable Sn(I)Cl solution with NaSi^tBu₃ leads to the largest metalloid group 14 cluster Sn₂₀(Si^tBu₃)₁₀C_l2, in which the arrangement of the tin atoms in the cluster can be seen as a raspberry-like cluster of cluster arrangement, giving further insight into the process of the formation of a metalloid tin cluster from molecular precursors. Quantum chemical calculations further indicate that the arrangement of the tin atoms in the cluster core can be highly flexible, leading to the decomposition of the Sn₂₀ cluster into smaller Sn₁₀ units when the right substituent is applied.