Stabilizing the Homopolycation (I4)2+ with a Hexasulfate in (I4)[S6O19] and a Borosulfate in (I4)[B(S2O7)2]2

Abstract

The reaction of elemental iodine and SO3 in a sealed glass ampoule yielded a turquoise-colored solution. At temperatures below 7 °C, deep red crystals of (I4)[S6O19] grow. With the addition of B2O3 and pyridine-SO3 complex red crystals of (I4)[B(S2O7)2]2 can be obtained after heating the mixture to 120 °C. The combination of an (I4)2+ cation with oxoanions has previously not been observed. Both anions have a significant but different influence on the structural properties of the (I4)2+ cation.