[Cu@Sn₉]³⁻ and [Cu@Pb₉]³⁻: Intermetalloid Clusters with Endohedral Cu Atoms in Spherical Environments

Abstract

Highest possible symmetry! Nine Sn atoms are arranged to give an almost perfect sphere around a Cu atom in the endohedrally filled Zintl ion [[email protected]9]3−. The rapid equilibration of the nine Sn atoms on the spectral NMR timescale leads to an exceptionally sharp 63Cu NMR signal. In contrast to the more common endohedrally filled fullerenes, the title complexes can be synthesized in macroscopic quantities as [K([2.2.2]crypt)]+ salts. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2111/2008/z800429_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.