A DOUBLE-DIAMOND SUPERLATTICE BUILT-UP OF CD17S4(SCH2CH2OH)(26) CLUSTERS

A simple preparation of Cd17S4(SCH2CH2OH)(26) clusters in aqueous solu tion leads to the formation of colorless blocky crystals. X-ray struct ure determinations revealed a superlattice framework built up of coval ently linked clusters. This superlattice is best described as two enla rged and interlaced diamond or zinc blende lattices. Because both the superlattice and the clusters display the same structural features, th e crystal structure resembles the self-similarities known from fractal geometry. The optical spectrum of the cluster solution displays a sha rp transition around 290 nanometers with a large absorption coefficien t (similar to 84,000 per molar per centimeter).