Binary and Ternary Intermetalloid Clusters

Compounds containing molecular Zintl anions, which are homo- or heteroatomic, anionic molecules of groups 13–15, have served as starting materials for a variety of derivatives. Besides ligand attachment to these clusters or oxidative coupling, the cages were used as polyatomic ligands in transition metal complexes and as sources for intermetalloid clusters and nanostructured crystalline materials. This review article deals with the structures, bonding situations, electronic properties, and formation pathways of these nanoscale heterometallic clusters.