Hexagonal close packing of metal atoms in the new polynuclear anions [Rh 13 (CO) 24 H 5–n ] n– (n= 2 or 3); X-ray structure of [(Ph 3 P) 2 N] 2 [Rh 13 (CO) 24 H 3 ]

The [Rh13(CO)24H5–n]n–(n= 2 or 3) anions have been isolated from the reaction of the [Rh12(CO)30]2– dianion with hydrogen; they are structurally related to a close hexagonal packing of rhodium atoms having mean distances of 2.81 Å.