Polysulfates [SnO3n+1]2−: With the [S6O19]2− Anion, has the End been Reached?
Graphical Abstract
Where is the n-d? The connection of sulfate tetrahedra leads to polysulfate chains according to [SnO3n+1]2− and brings up the question how long the chains might be? The structural details of the new hexasulfate anion [S6O19]2− anion and theoretical investigations on such polysulfate anions seems to answer the question: The end is probably reached.
Abstract
The S6O192− ion was obtained both as rubidium and ammonium salt from the reaction of the respective sulfate with SO3. It is the largest polysulfate ion known to date and exhibits a chain of six vertex-connected [SO4] tetrahedra. The unique compound was comprehensively characterized and the bonding within the anion was elucidated by theoretical investigations.
