W6Cl18: New syntheses, new structure refinement, electronic structure, andmagnetism

Pure W6Cl18 was synthesized after two methods, by oxidizing W6Cl12 With CCl 4 in an autoclave, and by reaction of W6Cl12 in a chlorine gas now. At temp eratures above 400 degreesC and under atmospheric pressure W6Cl18 transform s into W6Cl12. The crystal structure of W6Cl18 was refined after the Rietve ld method on X-ray powder data. The unusual electronic conditions of the 18 electron cluster [W6Cl12]Cl-6 are compared with those of the Electron-prec ise 24 electron cluster [W6Cl8]Cl-4. The compound exhibits paramagnetic beh aviour with two electrons in antibonding energy levels.