Nanoscale Atoms in Solid-State Chemistry

The formation of salts from atomic and small molecular ions could in principle be replicated with larger inorganic clusters. However, many clusters are stabilized by organic ligands that create a barrier for charge transfer reactions to create ions. Roy et al. (p. [157][1], published online 6 June; see the Perspective by [Batail][2] ) now report that chromium, cobalt, and nickel selenide and telluride clusters form materials by charge transfer with C60. The Co and Cr clusters formed a layered structure analogous to CdI2, while the Ni cluster formed a structure related to NaCl. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1236259 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1240813