Homoatomic Bonding of Main Group Elements

Abstract

Abstract Clusters of main group elements are not rare. On the contrary, it is becoming difficult to avoid the discovery of new substances of this type. Clusters are the natural intermediate stages between an element and its isolated atoms or ions. In the form of polycations and polyanions they offer models for the stepwise oxidation and reduction of an element and represent a bridge between the elements. The great majority of homonuclear bonded structures are already present in the solid phases of simple systems. Mobilization of these clusters as molecules represents a great challenge.