title: Gas phase, solution, and solid state alkali ion binding by the [NbE8](3-) (E = As, Sb) complexes: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopy.
abstract: Toluene solutions of Nb(toluene)(2) react with ethylenediamine solutions of K(3)E(7) (E = As, Sb) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt to give [NbAs(8)](3-) (2) and [NbSb(8)](3-) (3) ions, respectively, in low yields. The (133)Cs NMR spectroscopy, ESIMS results (negative ion mode), and single-crystal X-ray structures of the ions are reported. The complexes have S(8)-like E(8) rings with Nb atoms in the center. The 1:1 complex of 2 with Cs+ was observed in solution and also in the gas phase as the oxidized ion [CsNbAs(8)](1-). The anion 2 selectively binds to Cs(+) in solution even in the presence of excess Na(+). Other gas-phase ions formed include [Cs(2)(NbAs(8))](1-), [KCs(NbAs(8))](1-), [KCs(NbAs(8))(2)](1-), [KNbAs(8)](1-), and [K(2)NbAs(8)](1-).
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 , USA.
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kesanli
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fettinger
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Eichhorn