Molecular Tetrel and Pentel Element Anions – Productive Source for Intermetalloid Clusters and Materials

Discrete molecular clusters provide insights into the area between molecule and solid state. In this work tetrel and pentel element anions are used as source for the construction of intermetalloid clusters. Those anions are available as preformed units in solid compounds and can act as building blocks for reactions after their liberation. In this way, various intermetalloid clusters were synthesized and characterized. In a further step, germanium clusters serve as element source for the fabrication of composite materials, completing the circle from the molecular compound back to the macroscopic material.