The reaction of Ce with the basic polychalcophosphate flux Rb10P4Se25
yielded the quaternary selenophosphate compound Rb9Ce(PSe4)(4). The di
screte [Ce(PSe4)(4)](9-) anion possesses the highest charge observed i
n a monometallic complex. The Ce3+ center is chelated by four bidentat
e [PSe4](3-) ligands so it achieves a dodecahedral coordination geomet
ry, and the complex belongs to the dodecahedral sub-class Id (D-2d-(4)
over bar 2m), according to the Hoard and Silverton notation. The UV-V
is, optical, IR spectroscopic and magnetism data for the compound are
reported. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.