[(η3-Bi3)2(IrCO)6(μ4-Bi)3]3-: a new archetype of a 15-vertex deltahedral hybrid from Bixx--coordination aggregation of cationic [IrCO]+ units

The reaction of Ir(CO)(2)(acac) (acac = acetylacetonate) and K5Bi4 in ethylenediamine (en) solution produces a new archetype of a 15-vertex deltahedral hybrid, [(eta(3)-Bi-3)(2)(IrCO)(6)(mu(4)-Bi)(3)](3-) (1a), from the Bi-x(x-)-coordination aggregation of the [Ir(CO)](+) cationic units, providing a feasible route towards new hybrid compounds made by the combination of Zintl anions and transition-metal carbonyl clusters.