LOW-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF ZINTL COMPOUNDS WITH A SINGLE-SOURCE MOLECULAR PRECURSOR

Thermolysis of the heterobimetallic phosphinidene complex {[Sb(PCy)(3) ](2)L(i)6 . 6HNMe(2)} (Cy = C6H11) at 303 to 313 kelvin gives Zintl co mpounds containing (Sb-7)(3-) anions. The complex thus constitutes a s table molecular single-source precursor to Zintl compounds and provide s a potential Low-temperature route to photoactive alkali metal antimo nates. The new chemical reaction involved, which is driven thermodynam ically by the formation of P-P bonds, has implications in the Low-temp erature synthesis of other technologically important materials (such a s gallium arsenide).