title: Selective formation of MSi16 (M = Sc, Ti, and V).
abstract: Metal-encapsulated silicon cage clusters are a new class of clusters and are opening up new avenues for silicon-based nanoscale materials. We present experimental evidence for a highly stable cluster corresponding to M@Si16 (M = Sc, Ti, and V). Mass spectrometry and anion photoelectron spectroscopy show that the cluster features an electronically closed TiSi16 neutral core which undergoes a change in the number of valence electrons involving (i) substitution of neighboring metals with Sc and V, or (ii) addition of a halogen atom to the TiSi16 anion, and that VSi16F is predicted to form an ionically bound superatom complex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology, Keio University, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
authors.forename: Kiichirou
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koyasu
authors.forename: Minoru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akutsu
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitsui
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nakajima