Metalloid halogen cluster compounds of Germanium, Tin and Silicon

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Schnepf
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441946734

Binary halides are of central importance for a fundamental understanding of the properties of the elements and their chemistry. In case of group 14, such investigations are focused on the well available oxidation states +II and +IV. Via the preparative co-condensation technique, we lately could show that an access to metalloid halide-clusters of germanium like Ge14Br8(PEt3)4 is possible, when the right donor molecule is applied. This first example of a germanium halide with an oxidation state lower than one, opens new areas in group 14 chemistry und can be seen as an important step towards an understanding of the formation of the element from molecular precursors. This new approach to binary halide cluster compounds of the heavier group 14 elements will be expanded within the project to enlighten the properties of such nanoscaled compounds. Thereby the investigations should be extended to other binary halide-cluster compounds of silicon and tin. Beside this, the novel halide-clusters should be used to get access to novel solid state structures and novel porous networks in the field of the heavier group 14 elements.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants