Na₁₁Hg₅₂: Complexity in a Polar Metal

Abstract

The mercury puzzle: Using the new technique of electrocrystallization the sodium mercury alloy Na11Hg52 could be obtained in a phase pure form. This amalgam is a key component in the industrially important chloralkali process. The combination of different bonding situations in this phase results in it having the typical properties of a “bad” metal.