Synthesis, Structure, and Decay of In₄Br₇

Abstract

Molten InBr3 and metallic indium react quantitatively to form In4Br7, which crystallizes in the trigonal system with a crystal chemical formula of (In3+)3(In+)5(Br−)14. The remarkable chemical and physical sensitivity of the compound and its ready decay are attributable to both the generally weak In+ Br− bonds and the electronic instability of a particular In+ position (shown on the right).