Communications: Tin cluster anions (Sn(n)-, n=18, 20, 23, and 25) comprise dimers of stable subunits.
The gas phase structures of tin cluster anions Sn(n)(-) have been studied by a combination of trapped ion electron diffraction and density functional theory calculations. In the size range of n=18-25 these clusters comprise dimers of stable subunits. In particular Sn(18)(-) and Sn(20)(-) are homodimers of Sn(9) and Sn(10) subunits, respectively. In Sn(23)(-) two Sn(10) units are linked by three additional bridging atoms and Sn(25)(-) is a heterodimer of Sn(10) and Sn(15) subunits. This rather unexpected growth mode is rationalized by the extraordinary stability of the building blocks Sn(9), Sn(10), and Sn(15).
Institut für Nanotechnologie, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Postfach 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Anne
A
Lechtken
Nedko
N
Drebov
Reinhart
R
Ahlrichs
Manfred M
MM
Kappes
Detlef
D
Schooss