The Cluster Ion [Pt12O8(SO4)12]4−

Platinum dumbbells: The reaction of platinum nitrate with concentrated sulfuric acid at 350 °C leads to the deep red oxide–sulfate (NH4)Pt3O2(SO4)3, in which six [Pt2]6+ dumbbells are linked by oxide ions and sulfate groups to the novel cluster anion [Pt12O8(SO4)12]4− (see picture). The structure of the core of this anion matches exactly the recent prediction for dodecanuclear complexes built from six metal dumbbells.