A5TaAs4Tl2 (A = Rb, K). Transition-metal zintl phases with a novel complex ion: synthesis, structure, and bonding

Studies conducted on thallium have found the metal to be highly productive in the creation of alkali-metal compounds containing different, innovative thalium clusters, networks of clusters or both. Following experiments on some mixed Tl-Sn anionic systems, a study to derive heteroatomic cluster anions by introducing pnictogen arsenic into the Rb-Tl compounds eventually resulted in the oxidation of the Ta container and the creation of the Rb5TaAs4Tl2 compound. The synthesis and structural and bonding properties of this unusual compound are discussed.