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The molecular Pt nanocluster [Pt27(CO)31]4- (14-) was obtained by thermal decomposition of [Pt15(CO)30]2- in tetrahydrofuran under a H2 atmosphere. The reaction of 14- with increasing amounts of HBF4·Et2O afforded the previously reported [Pt26(CO)32]2- (32-) and [Pt26(CO)32]- (3-). The new nanocluster 14- was characterized by IR and UV-visible spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, direct-current superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry, cyclic voltammetry, IR spectroelectrochemistry (IR SEC), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cluster displays a cubic-close-packed Pt27 framework generated by the overlapping of four ABCA layers, composed of 3, 7, 11, and 6 atoms, respectively, that encapsulates a fully interstitial Pt4 tetrahedron. One Pt atom is missing within layer 3, and this defect (vacancy) generates local deformations within layers 2 and 3. These local deformations tend to repair the defect (missing atom) and increase the number of Pt-Pt bonding contacts, minimizing the total energy. The cluster 14- is perfectly diamagnetic and displays a rich electrochemical behavior. Indeed, six different oxidation states have been characterized by IR SEC, unraveling the series of 1n- (n = 3-8) isostructural nanoclusters. Computational studies have been carried out to further support the interpretation of the experimental data.

Today, we are faced with immense global challenges in finding sustainable equilibria between socio-economic, political, and ecological concerns. The European Chemistry Thematic Network (ECTN), the European University Association (EUA) and the European Commission are committed to sustainable improvement of the quality of university chemistry education to cope with these challenges. In this position paper, we advocate the creation of the Eurolecturer Academy (ELA), an innovative, European state of the art higher education learning platform serving academics in their continuous professional development of teaching competences and thereby supporting academics to educate students to be successful in the changing world. Within this newly established educational entity, there will be two levels of membership, Associated membership and Full membership. The ELA will not only facilitate continuous professional development of university teaching staff but will at the same time create a structure to support recognition of teaching competences of lecturers within the European dimension in teaching and learning. The certification will profit from the new 5th European Qualification Framework for micro-credentials, providing a much needed “academic currency” for the purpose of recognition of academic credentials. The ELA micro-credentials will be issued by certifying the learning outcomes of short-term learning experiences in the field of teaching and learning in higher education. The ELA will provide a micro-credentials catalogue that will address the needs for professional development of lecturers and ensure the quality of the micro-credentials through close cooperation with the internationally operating accreditation organization ASIIN (https://www.asiin.de/en/) using quality standards and valid assessment according to international best practice. Keywords: continuous professional development, chemistry education, Eurolecturer Academy, university teaching staff

Molecular alloy Pt–Ni nanoclusters of increasing sizes were synthesized, their structures determined by X-ray crystallography, Pt–Ni distribution computationally investigated, and the effect of Pt–Ni replacement electrochemically studied.

First generation DASA derivatives can be reversibly isomerized from the coloured, open form to the colourless, closed isomer upon protonation, thus behaving as acidochromic compounds in halogenated organic solvent.

The elusive mono-hydride tri-anion [HRu

The reactions of [HRu3(CO)11]- (1) with M(I) (M = Cu, Ag, and Au) compounds such as [Cu(CH3CN)4][BF4], AgNO3, and Au(Et2S)Cl afford the 2-D molecular alloy clusters [CuRu6(CO)22]- (2), [AgRu6(CO)22]- (3), and [AuRu5(CO)19]- (4), respectively. The reactions of 2-4 with PPh3 result in mixtures of products, among which [Cu2Ru8(CO)26]2- (5), Ru4(CO)12(CuPPh3)4 (6), Ru4(CO)12(AgPPh3)4 (7), Ru(CO)3(PPh3)2 (8), and HRu3(OH)(CO)7(PPh3)3 (9) have been isolated and characterized. The molecular structures of 2-6 and 9 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The metal-metal bonding within 2-5 has been computationally investigated by density functional theory methods. In addition, the [NEt4]+ salts of 2-4 have been tested as catalyst precursors for transfer hydrogenation on the model substrate 4-fluoroacetophenone using iPrOH as a solvent and a hydrogen source.

The elusive mono-hydride tri-anion [HRu4(CO)12]3- (4) has been isolated and fully characterized for the first time. Cluster 4 can be obtained by the deprotonation of [H3Ru4(CO)12]- (2) with NaOH in DMSO. A more convenient synthesis is represented by the reaction of [HRu3(CO)11]- (6) with an excess of NaOH in DMSO. The molecular structure of 4 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) as the [NEt4]3[4] salt. It displays a tetrahedral structure of pseudo C3v symmetry with the unique hydride ligand capping a triangular Ru3 face. Variable temperature (VT) 1H and 13C{1H} NMR experiments indicate that 4 is fluxional in solution and reveal an equilibrium between the C3v isomer found in the solid state and a second isomer with Cs symmetry. Protonation-deprotonation reactions inter-converting H4Ru4(CO)12 (1), [H3Ru4(CO)12]- (2), [H2Ru4(CO)12]2- (3), [HRu4(CO)12]3- (4) and the purported [Ru4(CO)12]4- (5) have been monitored by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Whilst attempting the optimization of the synthesis of 4, crystals of [NEt4]2[Ru3(CO)9(CO3)] ([NEt4]2[7]) were obtained. Anion 7 contains an unprecedented CO32- ion bonded to a zero-valent Ru3(CO)9 fragment. Finally, the reaction of 6 as the [N(PPh3)2]+ ([PPN]+) salt with NaOH in DMSO affords [Ru3(CO)9(NPPh3)]- (9) instead of 4. Computational DFT studies have been carried out in order to support experimental evidence and the location of the hydride ligands as well as to shed light on possible isomers.

Gold chemistry has experienced in the last decades exponential attention for a wide spectrum of chemical applications, but the +3 oxidation state, traditionally assigned to gold, remains somewhat questionable. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of the electronic structure of the pentanuclear bow tie Au/Fe carbonyl cluster [Au{η2-Fe2(CO)8}2]- together with its two one-electron reversible reductions. A new interpretation of the bonding pattern is provided with the help of inverted ligand field theory. The classical view of a central gold(III) interacting with two [Fe2(CO)8]2- units is replaced by Au(I), with a d10 gold configuration, with two interacting [Fe2(CO)8]- fragments. A d10 configuration for the gold center in the compound [Au{η2-Fe2(CO)8}2]- is confirmed by the LUMO orbital composition, which is mainly localized on the iron carbonyl fragments rather than on a d gold orbital, as expected for a d8 configuration. Upon one-electron stepwise reduction, the spectroelectrochemical measurements show a progressive red shift in the carbonyl stretching, in agreement with the increased population of the LUMO centered on the iron units. Such a trend is also confirmed by the X-ray structure of the direduced compound [Au{η1-Fe2(CO)8}{η2-Fe2(CO)6(μ-CO)2}]3-, featuring the cleavage of one Au-Fe bond.

In this paper, we present a comparative study of the redox properties of the icosahedral [Rh

The thermal reactions of [NEt4][Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)] [NHC = IMes ([NEt4][1]) or IPr ([NEt4][2]); IMes = C3N2H2(C6H2Me3)2; IPr = C3N2H2(C6H3iPr2)2], Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)2 [NHC = IMes (3) or IPr (4)], Fe(CO)4(AuIMes)(AuIPr) (5), and Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)(AuPPh3) [NHC = IMes (6) or IPr (7)] were investigated in different solvents [CH2Cl2, CH3CN, dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso)] and at different temperatures (50–160 °C) in an attempt to obtain higher-nuclearity clusters. 1 and 2 completely decomposed in refluxing CH2Cl2, resulting in [Fe2(CO)8(AuNHC)]− [NHC = IMes (10) or IPr (11)]. Traces of [Fe3(CO)10(CCH3)]− (12) were obtained as a side product. Conversely, 6 decomposed in refluxing CH3CN, affording the new cluster [Au3{Fe(CO)4}2(PPh3)2]− (15). The relative stability of the two isomers found in the solid state structure of 15 was computationally investigated. 4 was very stable, and only after prolonged heating above 150 °C in dmso was limited decomposition observed, affording small amounts of [Fe3S(CO)9]2– (9), [HFe(CO)4]− (16), and [Au16S{Fe(CO)4}4(IPr)4]n+ (17). A dicationic nature for 17 was proposed on the basis of density functional theory calculations. All of the other reactions examined led to species that were previously reported. The molecular structures of the new clusters 11, 12, 15, and 17 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as their [NEt4][11]·1.5toluene, [Au(IMes)2][15]·0.67CH2Cl2, [NEt4][12], and [17][BF4]n·solvent salts, respectively., The nuclearity of Au−Fe molecular clusters has been increased by thermal methods, resulting in heterometallic species stabilized by CO, NHC, and phosphine ligands.

Reductive carbonylation of RuCl3·3H2O at CO-atmospheric pressure results in the [H3Ru4(CO)12]- (1) polyhydride carbonyl cluster. The one-pot synthesis involves the following steps: heating RuCl3·3H2O at 80 °C in 2-ethoxyethanol for 2 h, addition of three equivalents of KOH, heating at 135 °C for 2 h, addition of a fourth equivalent of KOH and heating at 135 °C for 1 h. The resulting K[1] salt is transformed into [NEt4][1] upon metathesis with [NEt4]Br in H2O. The IR, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopic data are in agreement with those reported in the literature. [Ru8(CO)16(X)4(CO3)4]4- (X = Cl, Br, I; 2-X) is formed as a by-product during the synthesis of 1, and the two compounds are separated on the basis of their different solubilities in organic solvents. The nature of the halide of 2-X depends on the [NEt4]X salt used for metathesis. 2-Br is transformed into [Ru10(CO)20(Br)4(CO3)4]2- (3) upon reaction with an excess of HBF4·Et2O. 1 is readily deprotonated by strong bases affording the previously known [H2Ru4(CO)12]2- (4). The reaction of 1 with [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] affords [H3Ru4(CO)12(CuMeCN)] (7), whereas [H2Ru4(CO)12(CuBr)2]2- (8) is obtained from the reaction of 4 with [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4]/[NEt4]Br. All the compounds have been spectroscopically characterized, their molecular structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and investigated using DFT methods in selected cases in order to confirm the hydride positions and to study the relative stability of possible isomers.

The direct reactions of homometallic [Ni6(CO)12]2– and [Pt6(CO)12]2– Chini carbonyl clusters result in heterometallic Ni–Pt Chini-type clusters of the general formula [Pt6–xNix(CO)12]2– (x = 0–6). Their molecular structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), showing a common octahedral (staggered, D3d) structure analogous to that of [Ni6(CO)12]2–, whereas [Pt6(CO)12]2– displays a trigonal-prismatic (eclipsed, D3h) structure. This structural change after replacing one single Pt with Ni may be classified as an alloying effect, and it has been theoretically investigated by DFT methods. Spectroscopic (IR and 195Pt and 13C NMR) and ESI-MS studies indicate that mixtures of [Pt6–xNix(CO)12]2– (x = 0–6) clusters are actually present in solution, whose compositions may be varied in an almost continuous way. Thus, they may be viewed as random alloy clusters whose overall compositions depend on the stoichiometry of the reagents., Molecular Pt−Ni random alloy clusters adopting a Chini-type structure have been obtained upon mixing related homometallic clusters and investigated by structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical methods.

In this paper, we present a comparative study of the redox properties of the icosahedral [Rh12E(CO)27]n− (n = 4 when E = Ge or Sn and n = 3 when E = Sb or Bi) family of clusters through in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry experiments and density functional theory computational studies. These clusters show shared characteristics in terms of molecular structure, being all E-centered icosahedral species, and electron counting, possessing 170 valence electrons as predicted by the electron-counting rules, based on the cluster-borane analogy, for compounds with such metal geometry. However, in some cases, clusters of similar nuclearity, and beyond, may show multivalence behavior and may be stable with a different electron counting, at least on the time scale of the electrochemical analyses. The experimental results, confirmed by theoretical calculations, showed a remarkable electron-sponge behavior for [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4− (1), [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3− (3), and [Rh12Bi(CO)27]3− (4), with a cluster charge going from −2 to −6 for 1 and 3 and from −2 to −7 for cluster 4, making them examples of molecular electron reservoirs. The [Rh12Sn(CO)27]4− (2) derivative, conversely, presents a limited ability to exist in separable reduced cluster species, at least within the experimental conditions, while in the gas phase it appears to be stable both as a penta- and hexa-anion, therefore showing a similar redox activity as its congeners. As a fallout of those studies, during the preparation of [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3−, we were able to isolate a new species, namely, [Rh11Sb(CO)26]2−, which presents a Sb-centered nido-icosahedral metal structure possessing 158 cluster valence electrons, in perfect agreement with the polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory.

The molecular nanocluster [Ni36–xPd5+x(CO)46]6– (x = 0.41) (16–) was obtained from the reaction of [NMe3(CH2Ph)]2[Ni6(CO)12] with 0.8 molar equivalent of [Pd(CH3CN)4][BF4]2 in tetrahydrofuran (thf). In contrast, [Ni37–xPd7+x(CO)48]6– (x = 0.69) (26–) and [HNi37–xPd7+x(CO)48]5– (x = 0.53) (35–) were obtained from the reactions of [NBu4]2[Ni6(CO)12] with 0.9–1.0 molar equivalent of [Pd(CH3CN)4][BF4]2 in thf. After workup, 35– was extracted in acetone, whereas 26– was soluble in CH3CN. The total structures of 16–, 26–, and 35– were determined with atomic precision by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their metal cores adopted cubic close packed structures and displayed both substitutional and compositional disorder, in light of the fact that some positions could be occupied by either Ni or Pd. The redox behavior of these new Ni–Pd molecular alloy nanoclusters was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry. All three compounds 16–, 26–, and 35– displayed several reversible redox processes and behaved as electron sinks and molecular nanocapacitors. Moreover, to gain insight into the factors that affect the current–potential profiles, cyclic voltammograms were recorded at both Pt and glassy carbon working electrodes and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments performed for the first time on molecular carbonyl nanoclusters., The synthesis, molecular structure, electrochemical, and infrared spectroelectrochemical behavior of three new atomically precise Ni−Pd alloy carbonyl nanoclusters are reported, together with the first electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigation of redox active carbonyl nanoclusters.

Reductive carbonylation of RuCl3·3H2O at CO-atmospheric pressure results in the [H3Ru4(CO)12]− (1) polyhydride carbonyl cluster. The one-pot synthesis involves the following steps: heating RuCl3·3H2O at 80 °C in 2-ethoxyethanol for 2 h, addition of three equivalents of KOH, heating at 135 °C for 2 h, addition of a fourth equivalent of KOH and heating at 135 °C for 1 h. The resulting K[1] salt is transformed into [NEt4][1] upon metathesis with [NEt4]Br in H2O. The IR, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopic data are in agreement with those reported in the literature. [Ru8(CO)16(X)4(CO3)4]4− (X = Cl, Br, I; 2-X) is formed as a by-product during the synthesis of 1, and the two compounds are separated on the basis of their different solubilities in organic solvents. The nature of the halide of 2-X depends on the [NEt4]X salt used for metathesis. 2-Br is transformed into [Ru10(CO)20(Br)4(CO3)4]2− (3) upon reaction with an excess of HBF4·Et2O. 1 is readily deprotonated by strong bases affording the previously known [H2Ru4(CO)12]2− (4). The reaction of 1 with [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] affords [H3Ru4(CO)12(CuMeCN)] (7), whereas [H2Ru4(CO)12(CuBr)2]2− (8) is obtained from the reaction of 4 with [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4]/[NEt4]Br. All the compounds have been spectroscopically characterized, their molecular structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and investigated using DFT methods in selected cases in order to confirm the hydride positions and to study the relative stability of possible isomers.

The reaction of [HFe4(CO)12(IrCOD)]2− (1) with CO at ambient conditions afforded [HFe4Ir(CO)14]2− (2), that, in turn, reacted with HBF4·Et2O affording [Fe4Ir(CO)15]− (3). 1 reacted with a slight excess of PPh3 resulting in a mixture of [HFe2Ir2(CO)10(PPh3)2]− (ca. 37%) (5) and [H2Fe3Ir(CO)10(PPh3)2]− (ca. 63%) (6). 5 and 6 co-crystallized as their [NEt4][H1+xFe2+xIr2-x(CO)10(PPh3)2]·CH2Cl2 (x = 0.63) salt. The reaction of 1 with Au(PPh3)Cl afforded [Fe3Ir(CO)12(AuPPh3)]2− (7). The related hydride [HFe3Ir(CO)12]2− (9) was prepared from the reaction of [HFe4(CO)12]3− (8) with [Ir(COE)2Cl]2 (COE = cyclo-octene). For sake of comparison, [HFe3Co(CO)12]2− (10) was obtained from 8 and Co2(CO)8. All the new clusters have been fully characterized via IR, 1H,13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies and their structures determined by means of single crystal X-ray crystallography. Possible isomers have been investigated by DFT calculations.

Miscellaneous 2-D molecular alloy clusters of the type [MxM′5–xFe4(CO)16]3– (M, M′ = Cu, Ag, Au; M ≠ M′) have been prepared through the reactions of [Cu3Fe3(CO)12]3–, [Ag4Fe4(CO)16]4– or [M5Fe4(CO)16]3– (M = Cu, Ag) with M′(I) salts (M′ = Cu, Ag, Au). Their formation involves a combination of oxidation, condensation, and substitution reactions. The total structures of several [MxM′5–xFe4(CO)16]3– clusters with different compositions have been determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and their nature in solution elucidated by electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and IR and UV–visible spectroscopy. Substitutional and compositional disorder is present in the solid state structures, and ESI-MS analyses point out that mixtures of isostructural clusters differing by a few M/M′ coinage metals are present. SC-XRD studies indicate some site preferences of the coinage metals within the metal cores of these clusters, with Au preferentially in corner sites and Cu in the central site. DFT studies give theoretical support to the experimental structural evidence. The site preference is mainly dictated by the strength of the Fe–M bonds that decreases in the order Fe–Au > Fe–Ag > Fe–Cu, and the preferred structure is the one that maximizes the number of stronger Fe–M interactions. Overall, the molecular nature of these clusters allows their structures to be fully revealed with atomic precision, resulting in the elucidation of the bonding parameters that determine the distribution of the different metals within their metal cores., The distribution of coinage metals in 2-D molecular alloy clusters has been investigated by IR, UV−visible, ESI-MS, X-ray crystallography, and DFT methods, revealing substitutional and compositional disorder as well as some site preference.

A redox active Ni-Pd alloy nanocluster [Ni

The reactivity of [Rh7(CO)16]3– with SbCl3 has been deeply investigated with the aim of finding a new approach to prepare atomically precise metalloid clusters. In particular, by varying the stoichiometric ratios, the reaction atmosphere (carbon monoxide or nitrogen), the solvent, and by working at room temperature and low pressure, we were able to prepare two large carbonyl clusters of nanometer size, namely, [Rh20Sb3(CO)36]3– and [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5–. A third large species composed of 28 metal atoms was isolated, but its exact formulation in terms of metal stoichiometry could not be incontrovertibly confirmed. We also adopted an alternative approach to synthesize nanoclusters, by decomposing the already known [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3– species with PPh3, willing to generate unsaturated fragments that could condense to larger species. This strategy resulted in the formation of the lower-nuclearity [Rh10Sb(CO)21PPh3]3– heteroleptic cluster instead. All three new compounds were characterized by IR spectroscopy, and their molecular structures were fully established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These showed a distinct propensity for such clusters to adopt an icosahedral-based geometry. Their characterization was completed by ESI-MS and NMR studies. The electronic properties of the high-yield [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5– cluster were studied through cyclic voltammetry and in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry, and the obtained results indicate a multivalent nature., The reactivity of [Rh7(CO)16]3− with SbCl3 has been deeply investigated as a new approach to prepare atomically precise metal nanoparticles. By varying the reaction conditions, we obtained three large carbonyl nanoclusters, [Rh20Sb3(CO)36]3−, [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5−, and [Rh28−xSbx(CO)44]6−, and the lower-nuclearity [Rh10Sb(CO)21PPh3]3− species. They have all been characterized through X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and other techniques based on their specific nature. Spectroelectrochemical studies on [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5− unravelled its multivalent nature.

Chemical research in synthesizing metal nanoparticles has been a major topic in the last two decades, as nanoparticles can be of great interest in many fields such as biology, catalysis, and nanotechnology. However, as their chemical and physical properties are size-dependent, the reliable preparation of nanoparticles at a molecular level is highly desirable. Despite the remarkable advances in recent years in the preparation of thiolate- or p-MBA or PA-protected gold and silver nanoclusters (p-MBA = p-mercaptobenzoic acid; PA = phenylalkynyl), as well as the large palladium clusters protected by carbonyl and phosphine ligands that initially dominated the field, the synthesis of monodispersed and atomically precise nanoparticles still represents a great challenge for chemists.Carbonyl cluster compounds of high nuclearity have become more and more part of a niche chemistry, probably owing to their handling issues and expensive synthesis. However, even in large size, they are known at a molecular level and therefore can play a relevant role in understanding the structures of nanoparticles in general. For instance the icosahedral pattern, proper of large gold nanoparticles, is also found in some Au-Fe carbonyl cluster compounds.Rh clusters in general can also be employed as precursors in homo- and heterogeneous catalysis, and the possibility of doping them with other elements at the molecular level is an important additional feature. The fact that they can be obtained as large crystalline species, with dimensions of about 2 nm, allows one to place them not only in the nanometric regime, but also in the ultrafine-metal-nanoparticle category, which lately has been attracting growing attention. In fact, such small nanoparticles possess an even higher density of active catalytic sites than their larger (up to 100 nm) equivalents, hence enhancing atom efficiency and reducing the cost of precious-metal catalysts. Finally, the clusters' well-defined morphology could, in principle, contribute to expand the studies on the shape effects of nanocatalysts.In this Account, we want to provide the scientific community with some insights on the preparation of rhodium-containing carbonyl compounds of increasing nuclearity. Among them, we present the synthesis and molecular structures of two new heterometallic nanoclusters, namely, [Rh23Ge3(CO)(41)](5-) and [Rh16Au6(CO)(36)](6-), which have been obtained by reacting a rhodium-cluster precursor with Ge(II) and Au(III) salts. The growth of such clusters is induced by redox mechanisms, which allow going from mononuclear complexes up to clusters with over 20 metal atoms, thus entering the nanosized regime.

This article describes a rare case of cluster core isomerism in a large molecular organometallic nanocluster. In particular, two isomers of the [HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38]2- nanocluster, referred as TP-Pd9 and Oh-Pd9, have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography as their [NMe3(CH2Ph)]2[HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38]·CH2Cl2 (ca. 1:1 TP-Pd9 and Oh-Pd9 mixture), [NMe3(CH2Ph)]2[HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38]·2CH2Cl2 (mainly TP-Pd9), [NEt3(CH2Ph)]2[HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38]·CH2Cl2 (mainly TP-Pd9), [MePPh3]2[HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38]·2.5CH2Cl2 (mainly TP-Pd9), and [MePPh3]2[HCo15Pd9C3(CO)38] (Oh-Pd9) salts. The cluster core of TP-Pd9 is a tricapped trigonal prism, whereas this is a tricapped octahedron in Oh-Pd9. The presence in the solid state of the Oh-Pd9 or TP-Pd9 isomers depends on the cation employed and/or the number and type of co-crystallized solvent molecules. Often, mixtures of the two isomers, within the same single crystal or as mixtures of different crystals within the same crystallization batch, are obtained. Structural isomerism in organometallic nanoclusters is discussed and compared to that in Au-thiolate nanoclusters.

The reactions of [Pt6(CO)12]2- with CH(PPh2)2 (dppm), CH2═C(PPh2)2 (P^P), and Fe(C5H4PPh2)2 (dppf) proceed via nonredox substitution and result in the heteroleptic Chini-type clusters [Pt6(CO)10(dppm)]2-, [Pt6(CO)10(P^P)]2-, and [Pt6(CO)10(dppf)]2-, respectively. Conversely, the reactions of [Pt6(CO)12]2- with Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2 (dppb) and Ph2PC≡CPPh2 (dppa) can be described as redox fragmentation that afford the neutral complexes Pt(dppb)2, Pt2(CO)2(dppa)3, and Pt8(CO)6(PPh2)2(C≡CPPh2)2(dppa)2. The oxidation of [Pt6(CO)10(dppm)]2- results in its oligomerization to yield the larger heteroleptic Chini-type clusters [Pt12(CO)20(dppm)2]2-, [Pt18(CO)30(dppm)3]2-, and [Pt24(CO)40(dppm)4]2- (for the latter there is only IR spectroscopic evidence). All the clusters were characterized by means of IR and 31P NMR spectroscopies and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Moreover, the crystal structures of [NEt4]2[Pt6(CO)10(dppm)]·CH3CN, [NEt4]2[Pt12(CO)20(dppm)2]·2CH3CN·2dmf, [NEt4]2[Pt12(CO)20(dppm)2]·4dmf, [NEt4]2[Pt6(CO)10(dppf)]·2CH3CN, Pt2(CO)2(dppa)3·0.5CH3CN, Pt8(CO)6(PPh2)2(C≡CPPh2)2(dppa)2·2thf, and Pt(dppb)2 were determined by single-crystal diffraction (dmf = dimethylformamide; thf = tetrahydrofuran).

The reaction of Collman's reagent Na2[Fe(CO)4]·2thf with one equivalent of Au(NHC)Cl (NHC = IMes, IPr; IMes = C3N2H2(C6H2Me3)2; IPr = C3N2H2(C6H3iPr2)2) in dmso resulted in the [Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)]– (NHC = IMes, 1; IPr, 2) mono-anions. 1–2 further reacted with Au(NHC)Cl or Au(PPh3)Cl affording the neutral complexes Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)2 (NHC = IMes, 3; IPr, 4), Fe(CO)4(AuIMes)(AuIPr) (5) and Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)(AuPPh3) (NHC = IMes, 6; IPr, 7). 1–7 have been spectroscopically characterized by IR, 1H, 13C1H and 31P1H NMR techniques. Moreover, the molecular structures of 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 have been determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction as their [NMe4][Fe(CO)4(AuIMes)], [NEt4][Fe(CO)4(AuIMes)], [NEt4][Fe(CO)4(AuIPr)], Fe(CO)4(AuIPr)2·1.5toluene, Fe(CO)4(AuIPr)(AuPPh3), Fe(CO)4(AuIMes)(AuPPh3)·0.5CH2Cl2 salts and solvates. The nature of the bonds in 1 and 2 was elucidated on the basis of atoms-in molecules (AIM) analyses on the DFT-optimized structures and compared with the corresponding compounds 3 and 4. 1–7 contained strong Fe-CO, Fe-Au, Au-P and Au–NHC bonds as well as weak Au···Au interactions. The different stability and reactivity of IMes-derivatives vs. IPr-ones was rationalized on the basis of steric effects.

The reactions of [Pt6(CO)6(SnX2)2(SnX3)4]4– (X = Cl, 1; Br, 2) with an excess of HBF4·Et2O afforded the new [Pt12(CO)10(SnCl)2(SnCl2)4{Cl2Sn(μ-OH)SnCl2}2]2– (3) and [Pt7(CO)6(SnBr2)4{Br2Sn(μ-OH)SnBr2}{Br2Sn(μ-Br)SnBr2}]2– (4) heterometallic clusters. The molecular structures of 3 and 4 were determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction. The bonding within these bimetallic Pt–Sn clusters were investigated computationally by means of DFT methods and Atoms-In-Molecules analyses. 3 and 4 displayed a low valent Pt core stabilised by the interaction with CO and Sn(II) based ligands. The solid state structures of these clusters revealed the presence on H-bonds involving the OH-groups of the {X2Sn(μ-OH)SnX2}– ligands.

The reaction of [NEt4]2[Ni6(CO)12] in thf with 0.5 equiv of PCl3 affords the monophosphide [Ni11P(CO)18]3- that in turn further reacts with PCl3 resulting in the tetra-phosphide carbonyl cluster [HNi31P4(CO)39]5-. Alternatively, the latter can be obtained from the reaction of [NEt4]2[Ni6(CO)12] in thf with 0.8-0.9 equiv of PCl3. The [HNi31P4(CO)39]5- penta-anion is reversibly protonated by strong acids leading to the [H2Ni31P4(CO)39]4- tetra-anion, whereas deprotonation affords the [Ni31P4(CO)39]6- hexa-anion. The latter is reduced with Na/naphthalene yielding the [Ni31P4(CO)39]7- hepta-anion. In order to shed light on the polyhydride nature and redox behavior of these clusters, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies were carried out on [Ni11P(CO)18]3-, [HNi31P4(CO)39]5-, and [H2Ni31P4(CO)39]4-. The reversible formation of the stable [Ni11P(CO)18]4- tetra-anion is demonstrated through the spectroelectrochemical investigation of [Ni11P(CO)18]3-. The redox changes of [HNi31P4(CO)39]5- show features of chemical reversibility and the vibrational spectra in the νCO region of the nine redox states of the cluster [HNi31P4(CO)39]n- (n = 3-11) are reported. The spectroelectrochemical investigation of [H2Ni31P4(CO)39]4- revealed the presence of three chemically reversible reduction processes, and the IR spectra of [H2Ni31P4(CO)39]n- (n = 4-7) have been recorded. The different spectroelectrochemical behavior of [HNi31P4(CO)39]5- and [H2Ni31P4(CO)39]4- support their formulations as polyhydrides. Unfortunately, all the attempts to directly confirm their poly hydrido nature by 1H NMR spectroscopy failed, as previously found for related large metal carbonyl clusters. Thus, the presence and number of hydride ligands have been based on the observed protonation/deprotonation reactions and the spectroelectrochemical experiments. The molecular structures of the new clusters have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. These represent the first examples of structurally characterized molecular nickel carbonyl nanoclusters containing interstitial phosphide atoms.

The reaction of the [Rh7(CO)16]3− cluster anion with Ge2+ salts, in different stoichiometric ratios and under different atmospheres, leads to the formation of new heterometallic Rh–Ge clusters, representing the first known examples of Rh carbonyl compounds containing interstitial germanium atoms. More specifically, under N2 the reaction progressively affords the new [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− and [Rh14Ge2(CO)30]2− clusters in good yields, with the Ge atoms located in cubic and square-anti-prismatic cavities, respectively. However, under a CO atmosphere, the [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− derivative undergoes a significant structural and chemical rearrangement giving the new compound, [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4−, where Ge is hosted in an icosahedral metal cage. All species have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry, and their structures have been elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Additionally, preliminary biological tests on the [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3− and [Rh14Ge2(CO)30]2− clusters show that they are cytotoxic to various cell lines.

The photodimerization of anthracene derivatives constitutes a model system for intermolecular [4 + 4] cycloadditions. In this paper we deal with the elusive 9-anthracene–carboxylic case and study the crystal state of the head-to-tail dimer, obtained by the reaction of the monomer in various solvents both in its unary and solvated forms, by X-ray diffraction and confocal Raman microscopy in the lattice phonon region. A number of solvates have been identified, and their structures have been solved and here presented. The 9-anthracene–carboxylic acid dimer appears to be an exemplary case of a molecular crystal easily prone to host solvent molecules in the interstices of the framework generated by homomolecular hydrogen bonds. Alternatively, the hydrogen bonds between solvent molecules and the carboxylic group may establish supramolecular structures of closely packed architectures. Raman microscopy has also allowed us to investigate the short-lived dimer, which is produced in the crystal-to-crystal photoreaction triggered by the irradiation of the monomer single crystal.

The reaction of [Rh7(CO)16]3– with BiCl3 under N2 and at room temperature results in the formation of the new heterometallic [Bi@Rh12(CO)27]3– cluster in high yields. Further controlled addition of BiCl3 leads first to the formation of the dimeric [(Bi@Rh12(CO)26)2Bi]5– and the closo-[Bi@Rh14(CO)27Bi2]3– species in low yields, and finally, to the [Bi@Rh17(CO)33Bi2]4– cluster. All clusters were spectroscopically characterized by IR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and their molecular structures were fully determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Notably, they represent the first examples of Bi atoms interstitially lodged in metallic cages that, in this specific case, are all based on an icosahedral geometry. Moreover, [Bi@Rh14(CO)27Bi2]3– forms an exceptional network of infinite zigzag chains in the solid state, thanks to intermolecular Bi–Bi distances.

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Stefano Zacchini from Bologna University, Italy. The cover image shows the effect of aurophilic interactions on the assembly of a hexanuclear iron carbide tetraanionic cluster with two cationic gold–phosphine fragments.

The reactivity of [Rh7(CO)16]3- with SbCl3 has been deeply investigated with the aim of finding a new approach to prepare atomically precise metalloid clusters. In particular, by varying the stoichiometric ratios, the reaction atmosphere (carbon monoxide or nitrogen), the solvent, and by working at room temperature and low pressure, we were able to prepare two large carbonyl clusters of nanometer size, namely, [Rh20Sb3(CO)36]3- and [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5-. A third large species composed of 28 metal atoms was isolated, but its exact formulation in terms of metal stoichiometry could not be incontrovertibly confirmed. We also adopted an alternative approach to synthesize nanoclusters, by decomposing the already known [Rh12Sb(CO)27]3- species with PPh3, willing to generate unsaturated fragments that could condense to larger species. This strategy resulted in the formation of the lower-nuclearity [Rh10Sb(CO)21PPh3]3- heteroleptic cluster instead. All three new compounds were characterized by IR spectroscopy, and their molecular structures were fully established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These showed a distinct propensity for such clusters to adopt an icosahedral-based geometry. Their characterization was completed by ESI-MS and NMR studies. The electronic properties of the high-yield [Rh21Sb2(CO)38]5- cluster were studied through cyclic voltammetry and in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry, and the obtained results indicate a multivalent nature.

Miscellaneous 2-D molecular alloy clusters of the type [MxM′5-xFe4(CO)16]3- (M, M′ = Cu, Ag, Au; M ≠ M′) have been prepared through the reactions of [Cu3Fe3(CO)12]3-, [Ag4Fe4(CO)16]4- or [M5Fe4(CO)16]3- (M = Cu, Ag) with M′(I) salts (M′ = Cu, Ag, Au). Their formation involves a combination of oxidation, condensation, and substitution reactions. The total structures of several [MxM′5-xFe4(CO)16]3- clusters with different compositions have been determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and their nature in solution elucidated by electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and IR and UV-visible spectroscopy. Substitutional and compositional disorder is present in the solid state structures, and ESI-MS analyses point out that mixtures of isostructural clusters differing by a few M/M′ coinage metals are present. SC-XRD studies indicate some site preferences of the coinage metals within the metal cores of these clusters, with Au preferentially in corner sites and Cu in the central site. DFT studies give theoretical support to the experimental structural evidence. The site preference is mainly dictated by the strength of the Fe-M bonds that decreases in the order Fe-Au > Fe-Ag > Fe-Cu, and the preferred structure is the one that maximizes the number of stronger Fe-M interactions. Overall, the molecular nature of these clusters allows their structures to be fully revealed with atomic precision, resulting in the elucidation of the bonding parameters that determine the distribution of the different metals within their metal cores.

The [Fe(CO)4{M(NHC)}]– (M = Cu, NHC = IMes, 1; M = Cu, NHC = IPr, 2; M = Ag, NHC = IMes, 3; M = Ag, NHC = IPr, 4; IMes = C3N2H2(C6H2Me3)2; IPr = C3N2H2(C6H3iPr2)2) mono-anions were obtained from the reaction of Na2[Fe(CO)4]·2thf with one equivalent of M(NHC)Cl (M = Cu, Ag; NHC = IMes, IPr) in dmso. Furthermore, the reaction of Na2[Fe(CO)4]·2thf with two equivalents of M(NHC)Cl in thf afforded the neutral compounds Fe(CO)4{M(NHC)}2 (M = Cu, NHC = IMes, 11; M = Cu, NHC = IPr, 12; M = Ag, NHC = IMes, 13; M = Ag, NHC = IPr, 14). 2 and 4 further reacted with one equivalent of M(IPr)Cl (M = Cu, Ag, Au) resulting in the trimetallic clusters Fe(CO)4{Cu(IPr)}{Ag(IPr)} (18), Fe(CO)4{Cu(IPr)}{Au(IPr)} (19), and Fe(CO)4{Ag(IPr)}{Au(IPr)} (20). 1-4, 11-14 and 18-20 have been spectroscopically characterized by IR, 1H and13C{1H} NMR techniques. The molecular structures of 2, 12, 18, 19 and 20 have been determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure, bonding and stability of the copper and silver IMes derivatives were compared to the related Fe-Au clusters previously reported on the basis of theoretical calculations. Stability of the Fe-M bonds decreases in the order Au > Cu > Ag, and the same trend was found for what concerns the M-IMes interactions. The decomposition products of 1-4, 11-14 and 18-20 have been studied allowing, among the others, the structural characterization of the new species [Fe2(CO)8{Ag(IPr)}]– (10) and Fe(CO)4(CH2IMes) (21).

The reaction of [Ni6(CO)12]2– as a [NBu4]+ salt in CH2Cl2 with 0.8 equiv of PCl3 afforded [Ni14P2(CO)22]2–. In contrast, the reactions of [Ni6(CO)12]2– as a [NEt4]+ salt with 0.4–0.5 equiv of POCl3 afforded [Ni22–xP2(CO)29–x]4– (x = 0.84) or [Ni39P3(CO)44]6– by using CH3CN and thf as a solvent, respectively. Moreover, by using 0.7–0.9 mol of POCl3 per mole of [NEt4]2[Ni6(CO)12] both in CH3CN and thf, [Ni23–xP2(CO)30–x]4– (x = 0.82) was obtained together with [Ni22P6(CO)30]2– as a side product. [Ni23–xP2(CO)30–x]4– (x = 0.82) and [Ni22P6(CO)30]2– were separated owing to their different solubility in organic solvents. All the new molecular nickel phosphide carbonyl nanoclusters were structurally characterized through single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) as [NBu4]2[Ni14P2(CO)22] (two different polymorphs, P21/n and C2/c), [NEt4]4[Ni23–xP2(CO)30–x]·CH3COCH3·solv (x = 0.82), [NEt4]2[Ni22P6(CO)30]·2thf, [NEt4]4[Ni22–xP2(CO)29–x]·2CH3COCH3( x = 0.84) and [NEt4]6[Ni39P3(CO)44]·C6H14·solv. The metal cores’ sizes of these clusters range from 0.59 to 1.10 nm, and their overall dimensions including the CO ligands are 1.16–1.63 nm. In this respect, they are comparable to ultrasmall metal nanoparticles, molecular nanoclusters, or atomically precise metal nanoparticles. The environment of the P atoms within these molecular Ni–P–CO nanoclusters displays a rich diversity, that is, Ni5P pentagonal pyramid, Ni7P monocapped trigonal prism, Ni8P bicapped trigonal prism, Ni9P monocapped square antiprism, Ni10P sphenocorona, Ni10P bicapped square antiprism, and Ni12P icosahedron., Five new molecular nickel phosphide carbonyl clusters have been obtained displaying overall sizes in the range 1.16−1.63 nm and very diverse environments for the phosphide atoms.

The oxidation of [Ph3P(CH2)12PPh3][Pt15(CO)30] with CF3COOH in THF afforded [Ph3P(CH2)12PPh3][Pt18(CO)36] as a precipitate which was re-crystallized from dmf/iso-propanol. This salt self-assembles in the solid state adopting an unprecedented morphology which consists of infinite chains of [Pt9(CO)18]– units. The solid state structure of [Ph3P(CH2)12PPh3][Pt18(CO)36] may be viewed as a snapshot in which [Pt9(CO)18]– units are approaching and ready to exchange outer Pt3(CO)6 fragments. The reactions of Chini clusters with isonitriles proceed via redox-fragmentation, at difference with those involving phosphines that may occur both via non-redox substitution and redox fragmentation, depending on the experimental conditions. Thus, the reaction of [Pt6(CO)12]2– with CNXyl afforded Pt5(CNXyl)10, whereas Pt9(CNXyl)13(CO) was obtained from the reaction of [Pt15(CO)30]2– with CNXyl. These two new neutral clusters have been structurally characterized as their Pt5(CNXyl)10·2toluene and Pt9(CNXyl)13(CO)·solv solvates. DFT studies on the CO exchange of [Pt6(CO)12]2– suggest an associative interchange mechanism, which may be extended also to larger Chini clusters and the initial steps of their reactions with other soft nucleophiles.

Triangular clusters [{MFe(CO)

The Co6C(CO)(12)(AuPPh3)(4) carbide carbonyl cluster was obtained from the reaction of [Co6C(CO)(15)](2-) with Au(PPh3)Cl. This new species was investigated by variable-temperature P-31 NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and density functional theory methods. Three different solvates were characterized in the solid state, namely, Co6C(CO)(12)(AuPPh3)(4) (I), Co6C(CO)(12)(AuPPh3)(4).THF (II), and Co6C(CO)(12)(AuPPh3)(4).4THF (III), where THF = tetrahydrofuran. These are not merely different solvates of the same neutral cluster, but they contain three different isomers of Co6C(CO)(12)(AuPPh3)(4). The three isomers IIII possess the same octahedral [Co6C(CO)(1)2(]4) carbidocarbonyl core differently decorated by four [AuPPh3]+ fragments and showing a different Au(I)...Au(I) connectivity. Theoretical investigations suggest that the formation in the solid state of the three isomers during crystallization is governed by packing and van der Waals forces, as well as aurophilic and weak pi-pi and pi-H interactions. In addition, the closely related cluster Co6C(CO)(12)(PPh3)(AuPPh3)(2) was obtained from the reaction of [Co8C(CO)(18)](2) with Au(PPh3)Cl, and two of its solvates were crystallographically characterized, namely, Co6C(CO)(12)(PPh3)(AuPPh3)(2).toluene (IV) and Co6C(CO)(12)(PPh3)(AuPPh3)(2).0.stoluene (V). A significant, even if minor, effect of the cocrystallized solvent molecules on the structure of the cluster was observed also in this case.

The reaction of the Collman’s reagent Na2Fe(CO)4 with two equivalents of Au(NHC)Cl (NHC = IMes, IPr, IBu) in thf results in the bimetallic Fe(CO)4(AuNHC)2 (NHC = IMes, 2; IPr, 3; IBu, 4; IMes = C3N2H2(C6H2Me3)2; IPr = C3N2H2(C6H 3 i Pr2)2; IBu = C3N2H2(CMe3)2) clusters in good yields. Heating 2 in dmf at 100 °C results in the higher nuclearity cluster [Au3Fe2(CO)8(IMes)2]− (5). 2–5 have been fully characterized via IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies and their structures determined by means of single crystal X-ray crystallography. Gas-phase DFT calculations were carried out on 2–5 and the model compound cis-Fe(CO)4(AuIDM)2 (6) (IDM = C3N2H2Me2), in order to better understand the metal–metal and metal–ligand interactions in these compounds without the influence of packing forces.

The reaction of [Pt6(CO)6(SnCl2)2(SnCl3)4]4– (1) with CO under atmospheric pressure resulted in the new [Pt6(CO)8(SnCl2)(SnCl3)4]4– (2) cluster by the addition of two CO ligands and the elimination of a stannylene SnCl2 group. In turn, 2 reacted with 2 equivalents of PPh3 under a CO atmosphere to afford [Pt6(CO)8(SnCl2)(SnCl3)2(PPh3)2]2– (3) by elimination of two stannyl [SnCl3]– ligands. Conversely, the reaction of 2 with 2 equivalents of PPh3 under a N2 atmosphere resulted in a species tentatively formulated as [Pt6(CO)5(SnCl2)2(SnCl3)2(PPh3)2]2– (4–5CO) on the basis of 13C NMR, 31P NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS studies. Compounds 2–4 were spectroscopically characterized by IR spectroscopy and multinuclear (13C and 31P) variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 were determined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their bonding was computationally investigated by DFT calculations. The possible structure of 4–5CO was predicted by means of DFT methods.

The reaction of [Ni 10 (C 2 ) (CO) 16 ] 2– with CuCl in thf affords [Ni 45 C 10 (CO) 46 ] 6– as the major product. This represents the first deca-carbide carbonyl cluster and this is the highest number of C-atoms found in a molecular cluster. Besides, the new octa-carbide [HNi 42 C 8 (CO) 44 (CuCl)] 7– and the previously reported tetra-carbide [Ni 34+x C 4 (CO) 38+x ] 6– (x = 0,1) have been obtained as side-products. Whilst studying the reactions of miscellaneous Ni carbide clusters with Cu(I) salts in the search for a better synthesis of [HNi 42 C 8 (CO) 44 (CuCl)] 7– , the homoleptic [Ni 32+x C 6 (CO) 36+x ] 6– (x = 0–2) and the heteroleptic [Ni 38 C 6 (CO) 36 (MeCN) 6 (CuMeCN) 2x ] 2– clusters have been isolated in low yields. By analysing the Ni carbide clusters herein reported as well as those previously described in the literature, it results that they are built-up starting from four fundamental building blocks: octahedral Oh-Ni 6 C, trigonal prismatic TP-Ni 6 C, capped trigonal prismatic cTP-Ni 7 C and square anti-prismatic SA-Ni 8 C. These may be joined into larger Ni x C y metal-carbide frameworks by sharing vertices, edges or faces. Even though infinite combinations are possible, some Ni x C y motives are common to two or more clusters, envisioning a possible rationale behind their building-up.

Self-supporting membranes built entirely of carbon nanotubes have been prepared by wet methods and characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The membranes are used as supports for the electrodeposition of Pt nanoparticles without the use of additional additives and/or stabilizers. The Pt precursor is an ad hoc synthesized ammonium-ethylimidazolium chloroplatinate(IV) salt, [NH3(CH2)2MIM)][PtCl6]. The Pt complex was characterized using NMR spectroscopy, XRD, ESI-MS, and FTIR spectroscopy. The interaction between the Pt-carbon nanotubes nanocomposites and hydrogen is analyzed using electrochemical and quartz microbalance measurements under near-ambient conditions. The contribution of the Pt phase to the hydrogen adsorption on nanotube is found and explained by a kinetic model that takes into account a spillover event. Such a phenomenon may be exploited conveniently for catalysis and electrocatalysis applications in which the hybrid systems could act as a hydrogen transfer agent in specific hydrogenation reactions. Adsorption advantage: Self-supporting membranes of carbon nanotubes are prepared and used as supports for the electrodeposition of Pt nanoparticles by using an ad hoc synthetized ammonium-ethylimidazolium chloroplatinate(IV) salt as Pt precursor. The hydrogen adsorption on Pt-carbon nanotubes nanocomposites is studied experimentally by electrochemical and quartz microbalance measurements and explained by a kinetic model that takes into account a spillover event.