Gas phase analogs of stable sodium-tin Zintl ions: Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and electronic structure

Authors

W.-J. Zheng, Johns Hopkins University
O. C. Thomas, Johns Hopkins University
J. M. Nilles, Johns Hopkins University
K. H. Bowen Jr., Johns Hopkins UniversityFollow
A. C. Reber, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
S. N. Khanna, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2011

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The Journal of Chemical Physics

Volume

134

Issue

22

DOI of Original Publication

10.1063/1.3597604

Comments

Originally published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3597604

Date of Submission

October 2015

Abstract

Mass spectrometry and photoelectron spectroscopy together with first principles theoretical calculations have been used to study the electronic and geometric properties of the following sodium-tin, cluster anion/neutral cluster combinations, (Na_nSn₄)⁻/(Na_nSn₄), n = 0–4 and (NaSn_m)⁻/(NaSn_m), m = 4–7. These synergistic studies found that specific Zintl anions, which are known to occur in condensed Zintl phases, also exist as stable moieties within free clusters. In particular, the cluster anion, (Na₃Sn₄)⁻ is very stable and is characterized as (Na⁺)₃(Sn₄)⁻⁴; its moiety, (Sn₄)⁻⁴ is a classic example of a Zintl anion. In addition, the cluster anion, (NaSn₅)⁻was the most abundant species to be observed in our mass spectrum, and it is characterized as Na⁺(Sn₅)²⁻. Its moiety, (Sn₅)²⁻ is also known to be present as a Zintl anion in condensed phases.

Rights

Zheng, W. J., Thomas, O. C., & Nilles, J. M., et al. Gas phase analogs of stable sodium-tin Zintl ions: Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and electronic structure. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 134, 224307 (2011). Copyright © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Is Part Of

VCU Physics Publications