SYNTHESIS OF THE COBALT-TELLURIUM STELLATED OCTAHEDRAL CLUSTERS [CO-6(MU(3)-TE)(8)(PET(3))(6)](N- MOLECULAR-STRUCTURE OF [CO-6(MU(3)-TE)(8)(PET(3))(6)][PF6](2)() (N=1 OR 2) )

The mono- and di-cationic clusters [Co-6(mu(3)-Te)(8)(PEt(3))(6)][PF6] (n) (n = 1 2 or 2 3) have been prepared by oxidation of the uncharged species [Co-6(mu(3)-Te)(8)(PEt(3))(6)] 1. The diamagnetic dicationic c luster has been fully characterized by a crystal structure determinati on: space group P2(1)/c, a = 13.303(3), b = 19.043(3), c = 14.401(7) A ngstrom, beta = 112.30(4)degrees and Z = 2. The cluster cation, which is isostructural with the other stellated octahedral members of the se ries [M(6)(mu(3)-E)(8)(PEt(3))(6)](n+)(E = S or Se), is significantly distorted, with Co-Co bond distances ranging from 3.005(2) to 3.265(2) Angstrom. The magnetic behaviour of [Co-6(mu(3)-Te)(8)(PEt(3))(6)][PF 6](2) is different from that of a BF4- salt previously reported.