Sigma aromaticity of the bimetallic Au5Zn+ cluster.
Experimental and theoretical evidence for a "sigma aromatic" bimetallic cluster is presented. A mass spectrometric analysis of AuNZn+ (N = 2-44) photofragments shows Au5Zn+ to be very abundant, proving its high stability. Calculations predict that Au5Zn+ has a planar geometry and six valence s electrons occupying delocalized sigma-bonded molecular orbitals in a manner similar to that of aromatic organic compounds, except for their nodal properties in the molecular plane. The delocalized sigma electrons provide diamagnetic ring currents, suggesting Au5Zn+ is aromatic.
Tanaka
Hiromasa
H
Laboratorium voor Vaste-Stoffysica en Magnetisme, Departement Natuurkunde en Sterrenkunde, K.U.Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Neukermans
Sven
S
Janssens
Ewald
E
Silverans
Roger E
RE
Lievens
Peter
P