Synthesis and Characterization of Ge2{Sn(X)Ar#}3 and Ga2{Ge(X)Ar#}3 (Ar# = C6H3-2,6-Mes2), X = (Cl/I): Rare Examples of Mixed Heavier Group 14/14, 13/14 Element Clusters

Treatment of Ar#ECl (Ar# = C6H3-2,6-Mes2; E = Ge or Sn) with 1 equiv of the reducing agent KC8 or ‘GaI' led to the isolation and characterization of the two new main group clusters Ge2{Sn(X)Ar#}3, 1, and Ga2{Ge(X)Ar#}3, 2 (X = Cl or Cl/I), which have trigonal bypyramidal Ge2Sn3 or Ga2Ge3 frameworks. Cluster 1 is a singlet biradicaloid, whereas 2 is a very rare heavier group 13/14 element cluster, and the first with a Ga/Ge framework.