Structural and spectral studies of di-(triphenylmethylium-hexachloroantimonate)-benzenesolvate

The crystal structure of (SbCl6C(C6H5)3)2·C6H6 has been determined. It belongs to space groupP21/c, witha=1.765(4),b=.8167(8),c=1.886(3) nm,β=115.81(3)° andZ=4. We found a host/guest structure with benzene as a guest molecule. The SbCl6 octahedrons are distorted toC4v-symmetry and are arranged in chains alongb, with a charge transfer between them. The propeller structure of the triphenylmethylium is discussed. The distances Cmeth-Cphen are about 0.01 nm shorter than in triphenylmethanes. The IR-spectra of SbCl6 in the crystalline state and in solution are recorded and discussed.