K10Ga3Bi6.65 – The First Compound in the Ternary A-Ga-Bi System Comprising Cyclic Tris-meta Borate-Analogous [Ga3Bi6]9– Units and Bi2 Dumbbells

Abstract

K10Ga3Bi6.65 is the first representative in the ternary system A-Ga-Bi (A = alkali metal). It contains [Ga3Bi6]9– anions with planar triangular-coordinated Ga atoms as the main structural feature, accompanied by isolated Bi–Bi dumbbells. Alkali metal cations are counterbalancing the charges and fill the space between the anionic units. According to the Zintl-Klemm concept charge balance is reached if an almost equal ratio of single and double-bonded Bi2 dumbbells are present according to (K+)10[Ga3Bi6]9–([Bi-Bi]4–)1/6([Bi=Bi]2–)1/6.