{Ge9[Si(SiMe3)2(SiPh3)]3}-: Ligand Modification in Metalloid Germanium Cluster Chemistry

The influence of the stabilizing ligand on the physical and chemical properties of a metalloid cluster compound is important for nanotechnology as metalloid clusters are ideal model compounds for metal nanoparticles. Here we present the synthesis of a differently substituted metalloid {Ge9R3}(-) cluster: {Ge-9[Si(SiMe3)(2)(SiPh3)](3)}(-) 1, which is obtained in good yield by the reaction of K4Ge9 with ClSi(SiMe3)(2)(SiPh3). 1 is characterized via NMR and mass spectrometry, but crystallization is hindered. However, the reaction with HgCl2 gives the neutral compound HgGe18[Si-(Si-Me-3)(2)(SiPh3)](6) 2, which can be crystallized and structurally characterized. The presented results are a first step for the investigation of the ligand's influence on the properties of a metalloid germanium cluster compound.