Synthesis and characterization of a novel tantalum chalcogen-rich molecular cluster with square planar metal core

Inorg Chem. 2004 Dec 13;43(25):7966-8. doi: 10.1021/ic0489239.

Abstract

Black single crystals of Ta(4)Se(9)I(8) are obtained in a high yield by heating Ta, Se, and I(2) at 300 degrees C in 1:2.2:1.0 molar ratio. In the structure, the tantalum atoms form a square, with four Se(2) ligands bridging the Ta-Ta edges and one capping the square. Each Ta atom has two terminal iodine atoms. The compound is diamagnetic and has only two electrons for metal-metal bonding.