A new, centered 32-electron system: the predicted [U@Si20]6--like isoelectronic series

In addition to Lewis' octets and Langmuir's 18-electron principle, 32-electron centered systems are possible. We now propose a new, third example on 32e-bonding between a central metal atom and a ligand cage. Moreover, these actinide-filled Si-20 clusters could lead to novel silicon nanostructures.