Two names of stability: Spherical aromatic or superatomic intermetalloid cluster [Pd3Sn8Bi6]4−

Abstract

Abstract Amidst the general bonding patterns designed to explain stability aromaticity has leading role. Going far away beyond classic notion of organic chemistry aromaticity was proven to be a useful tool to decipher stability of many clusters, all-metal compounds and solid states. Here we present chemical bonding model for recently synthesized highly aesthetic intermetalloid cluster [Pd3Sn8Bi6]4−. We found pattern based on spherical aromaticity consistent with Hirsch 2(n\u202f+\u202f1)2 rule and responsible for bonding of Pd3 internal triangle to the external Sn-Bi cage. Spherical aromatic clusters are also referred as superatoms and due to their persistency are of primary interest for material science and nanotechnology. We also included brief guidelines how to decipher bonding pattern in complicated cases like [Pd3Sn8Bi6]4− into SI.