Molecular and crystal structure of an iodo-gold-silver-platinum cluster, [(Ph3P)(6)Au6Ag6Pt(AgI3)(2)](THF)(2), with a trimetallic icosahedral core capped with two planar [AgI3] units

The synthesis and crystal structure of the first trimetallic iodo-gold-silv er-platinum cluster, [(Ph3P)(6)Au6Ag6Pt(AgI3)(2)](THF)(2), with a centered icosahedral metal core and two planar AgI3 capping units are described. The cluster core serves as the basic building block for a new series of trimet allic (Au-Ag-Pt) polyicosahedral clusters with iodo ligands. In the crystal , the clusters form a clathrate structural network capable of stabilizing w eakly hydrogen-bonded (THF)(2) dimers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.