Selective One-Pot Syntheses of Mixed Silicon-Germanium Heteroadamantane Clusters

SixGey alloys are emerging materials for modern semiconductor technology. Well-defined model systems of the bulk structures aid in understanding their intrinsic characteristics. Three such model clusters have now been realized in the form of the SixGey heteroadamantanes [0], [1], and [2] through selective one-pot syntheses starting from Me2GeCl2, Si2Cl6, and [nBu(4)N]Cl. Compound [0] contains six GeMe2 and four SiSiCl3 vertices, whereas one and two of the GeMe2 groups are replaced by SiCl2 moieties in compounds [1] and [2], respectively. Chloride-ion-mediated rearrangement quantitatively converts [2] into [1] at room temperature and finally into [0] at 60 degrees C, which is not only remarkable in view of the rigidity of these cage structures but also sheds light on the assembly mechanism.

Automated summary

SixGey alloys are emerging materials for modern semiconductor technology, and well-defined model systems aid in understanding their intrinsic characteristics. By synthesizing SixGey heteroadamantanes, the assembly mechanism and structural features can be revealed.