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We established that the transformation from Si 5 2− to Al 5 H 5 2− could be possible by the successive isoelectronic substitution of silicon atoms by Al H units. The potential energy surfaces for the series Si 5− n (AlH) n 2− ( n = 0–5) systems were explored in detail, and the global minima maintained the same overall deltahedral structure as the one of the Si 5 2− cluster. The conservation of the overall structure upon isoelectronic substitution was proven to happen due to the preservation of the chemical bonding pattern. Theoretical VDEs were calculated for the series LiSi 5− n (AlH) n − ( n = 1–4) systems to facilitate their experimental detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The potential energy surfaces of the Si4Li n (n =1–7) systems have been explored in detail and the global minimum structures were identified. The stability and growth patterns of the title clusters is rationalized in terms of the phenomenological shell model in which the tetrahedral Si4Li4 cluster is a closed shell (20 valence electron) highly stable cluster. Given that the structures reported herein are global minima on their corresponding potential energy surfaces, we propose them as good candidates for experimental detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]