[Ge9Ge9Ge9Ge9]8-: A Linear Tetramer of Nine-Atom Germanium Clusters, a Nanorod

Abstract
A tetramer of nine-atom deltahedral germanium clusters and charge 8−, [Ge9Ge9Ge9Ge9]8-, has been characterized as a (Rb-18C6)+ salt (18C6 = 18-crown-6 polyether). The clusters are connected by pairs of parallel bonds, and the electrons are delocalized over the whole anion. The size of the tetramer is of nanorod dimensions, ca. 2 nm.