Phenylseleninate-Connected Telluroxane Clusters

Hydrolysis of PhTeI3 in the presence of sodium phenylseleninate and M3+ ions (M = Y, Nd, Ce) gives well-defined, bowl-shaped telluroxane clusters. Each of the two half-spheres of the compositions [(PhTe)18{ML}O24]7+/8+ ({ML} = {Y(NO3)(H2O)}2+ (1), {Nd(NO3)(H2O)2+} (2), or {Ce(NO3)2}+ (3)) are connected by two (compound 3) or four (compounds 1 and 2) PhSeO2– bridges. The resulting chalcogenoxane spheres have internal volumes of approximately 1500 Å3. Charge compensation is provided by nitrate ions and/or [Na2(NO3)8]6– clusters, which are located inside and surrounding these spheres.