Multinary Zintl Phases Comprising Elements of Groups 13 - 15 and Ternary Molecular Intermetalloids

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Stefanie Dehnen
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: from 2010 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184632928

The chemistry and physics of Zintl phases and Zintl anions has been enhanced during the past 20 years by addition of novel aspects that led this traditional area of inorganic synthesis and structural chemistry into a highly topical field, addressing chemical, physical as well as material sciences issues. Within our project DE-758/12-1, we worked on Multinary Zintl-Phases comprising Elements of Groups 13-15 and Ternary Molecular Intermetalloids. Based on the great success of the project, which afforded 9 publications so far in highly reputable journals, we intend to further develop our research on binary Zintl anions and ternary intermetalloid clusters. We are planning to follow different pathways that allow for both, continuation and extension of the previous work with novel elemental combinations on the one hand and investigations on novel synthesis routes and target compounds that have so far not been studied. The project outline is dedicated to two major goals: A) Synthesis, thorough characterization and formation studies of compounds comprising ternary molecular intermetalloids according to the general formula [MxE1yE2z]q- (M = transition metal, lanthanoid, U; E1 = group 13 or 14 element; E2 = group 14 or 15 element; E1 not equal to E2). To achieve the objectives, we will make use of the variety of different elemental combinations at first place. Secondly, we will test further synthetic strategies to broaden the product spectrum as well as to get the chance of gaining new insight into formation processes in order to understand and even better control them. B) Derivatization of binary Zintl anions and ternary intermetalloid clusters with organic or organo-element ligands R, thereby utilizing the the heteropolarity of binary and ternary systems, and decomposition of binary and ternary Zintl anions according to the general formula [RnMxE1yE2z]q- (n,x larger than/equal to 0) to form novel intermetallic phases. Chemical and physical properties of all products will be subject to detailed studies using all experimental equipment available; besides determination of the identity of the samples, this should serve to elucidate formation pathways, stabilities and reactivities of compounds with binary or ternary intermetalloid Zintl anions - crucial issues for significant further development of the field. For clarification of open questions that cannot be addressed by using experimental techniques, quantum chemical investigations will represent an essential part of the project. This specific combination of high-sophisticated synthesis and multifaceted analyses has been very fruitful in the past and shall contribute to future success of the planned investigations.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants