[Ge9=Ge9=Ge9=Ge9]8-: A Linear Tetramer of Nine-Atom Germanium Clusters, a Nanorod

A tetramer of nine-atom deltahedral germanium clusters and charge 8-, [Ge9=Ge9=Ge9=Ge9]8-, has been characterized as a (Rb-18C6)+ salt (18C6 = 18 -crown-6 polyether). The clusters are connected by pairs of parallel bonds, and the electrons are delocalized over the whole anion. The size of the tetramer is of nanorod dimensions, ca. 2 nm.