Pb₅I₂P₂₈, _∞ ¹[PbP₁₄]^2- strands coordinated to a unique [Pb₃I₂]⁴⁺ unit

Pb₅I₂P₂₈ is the first compound containing a former unseen [P₃I₂]⁴⁺ unit, connecting two crystallographically independent adjacent [PbP₁₄]^2- polyphosphide strands. The polyanion substructure is closely related to the one realized in the HgPbP₁₄ structure type, with a homo-nuclear coordination of the cations to the polyanions. It has been prepared by using the mineralizator concept for polyphosphides from the elements and PbI₂ as the mineralizator species. The new polyphosphide has a pronounced tendency to form easy cleavable, needle shaped crystals featuring massive stacking vaults. Nevertheless, a single crystal structure determination was possible from inter-grown crystals. Pb₅I₂P₂₈ crystallizes monoclinically in the space group P2₁/n (No. 14) with lattice parameters of a = 9.792(2), b = 17.717(2), c = 19.191(3) Å, β = 96.39(1)°, V = 3308.6(8) ų. Depending on the preparation route, the aspect ratio of the needle shaped crystals can be varied.