Molecular clusters of the main group elements

The ability to synthesize defined molecular clusters of main group metals and nonmetals has greatly spurred development in cluster science. Clusters of main group elements such as boron, gallium and silicon exhibit unique chemical and physical properties which make them attractive as building blocks for functional materials and for use in high-performance applications. With more than 20 contributions from leading research groups, this book provides essential information for chemists and materials scientists working with molecular clusters. Its systematic coverage of all relevant main group elements makes this the prime reference source in the field. It treats both homonuclear and heteronuclear clusters, including : the theory and concepts in main-group cluster chemistry, novel boranes and heteroboranes, silicon/germanium/tin clusters, alkali metal suboxides, clusters in alloys with mercury, chalkogen clusters and numerous other compound classes. The whole is illustrated by examples of the great potential for technical applications such as electron storage, cancer therapy and in materials synthesis.

Preface Theory and Concepts in Main-Group Cluster Chemistry HOMONUCLEAR CLUSTERS OF THE MAIN-GROUP ELEMENTS Boron Clusters Polyboranes in Cancer-Therapy: The BNCT-Project Clusters of the Heavier Group 13 Elements Discret Metal Clusters of the Group 12 and 13 Elements in Alloys Clusters of the Heavier Group 14 Elements Clusters of the Heavier Group 15 Elements (Phosphorous, Arsenic, Antimony and Bismuth) Clusters of the Chalkogens HETERONUCLEAR CLUSTERS OF THE MAIN-GROUP ELEMENTS Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Suboxide and Subnitrides Carboranes and Heterocarboranes of the Main-Group Elements Heteropolyboranes with the Heavier Group 14 Elements (Silicon, Germanium, Tin and Lead) Heteropolyboranes with Group 15 and 16 Elements Heteropolyalanes, -gallanes, -indanes und -thallanes Cluster Growing Through Ionic Aggregation: Synthesis and Structural Principles of Main Group Metal-Rich Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Arsenic Clusters