High electron affinity triggered by lithium coordination: quasi-chalcogen properties of Li2Sn8Be. Issue 17 (21st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Duomei; Chen, Zeren; Liu, Jingyao; Wu, Di; Li, Zhiru; Li, Ying
• Is Part Of: Physical chemistry chemical physics. Volume 24:Issue 17(2022)
• Page Start: 10611
• Page End: 10621
• Publication Date: 2022-04-21
• Subjects: Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; 541.3
• DOI: 10.1039/d2cp00967f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9076

Abstract

Abstract : A new superatom, namely Li2 Sn8 Be, has been characterized. What is extraordinary is that the introduction of Li ligands to Sn8 Be endows the system with a high electron affinity and remarkable similarity to chalcogen elements. Abstract : This work puts forward an unusual but rational strategy to design superatoms mimicking the properties of group via elements. A new dianion with closo -configuration, namely Li2 Sn8 Be 2−, has been obtained by decorating endohedral Zintl ion Sn8 Be 4− with two Li ligands. Its neutral counterpart, namely Li2 Sn8 Be, exhibits a high electron affinity of 2.526 eV, which not only exceeds that of the Sn8 Be cluster but is higher than those of chalcogen elements. Li2 Sn8 Be has the potential to form stable ionic compounds with lithium, calcium, and even superalkali and superalkali-earth-metal atoms, and has an oxidation state of −2 therein. Besides, compound analogues of CO, O2 2−, H2 O2, and Li2 O2 can also be obtained with Li2 Sn8 Be serving as the building block. The striking resemblance between Li2 Sn8 Be and oxygen-group elements not only qualifies it for membership of the superatom family, but further collaborates the theoretical framework of the "three-dimensional periodic table".