THE TETRA-DECKER SANDWICH: A NOVEL ION IN THE CLASS OF ZINTL IONS CONTAINING ARSENIC CLUSTERS
Open Access
Author:
Biziak, Darlene Stacy
Graduate Program:
Chemistry
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
April 30, 2009
Committee Members:
Ayusman Sen, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Ayusman Sen, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
arsenic clusters tetra-decker sandwich Zintl ions
Abstract:
This thesis is focused on a new ion formed in the field of cluster-based materials synthesis. Arsenic clusters have been used extensively in new materials synthesis because of the flexibility they can provide in materials with novel electronic and optical properties. Chapter 1 of this thesis discusses Zintl ions, the class of compound to which arsenic clusters belong. It discusses how the various properties may be changed in order to synthesize new materials. Chapter 2 explains the synthetic route to making the tetra-decker sandwich compound, a novel compound formed during development of new materials containing arsenic clusters. Chapter 3 compares our novel structure to some of the known structures which resemble the tetra-decker sandwich, namely some triple-decker sandwiches. A discussion of similarities and differences shows the novelty of our compound in comparison to others.
