Dibariumplatinide: (Ba²⁺)₂Pt²⁻⋅2 e⁻and Its Relation to the Alkaline‐Earth‐Metal Subnitrides

Abstract

Solitary confinement: Ba2Pt (see structure) which contains isolated platinide ions (Pt2−) was synthesized from the elements, sealed in tantalum ampoules, at 1223 K in argon. In contrast to the related Cs2Pt, the Ba compound contains excess electrons, which are responsible for its metallic behavior. The presence of isolated Pt2− ions was confirmed by high resolution X-ray diffraction and by theoretical calculations.