Flux synthesis of the noncentrosymmetric cluster compounds Cs2SnAs2Q9 (Q = S, Se) containing two different polychalcoarsenite beta-[AsQ4]3- and [AsQ5]3- ligands.

Two noncentrosymmetric quaternary tin chalcoarsenates, Cs(2)SnAs(2)S(9) (1) and Cs(2)SnAs(2)Se(9) (2), were synthesized by the polychalcoarsenate flux method. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmc2(1) with a = 7.386(3) A, b = 14.614(5) A, c = 14.417(5) A, and Z = 4. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) with a = 7.715(5) A, b = 17.56(1) A, c = 7.663(5) A, beta = 115.86(1) degrees, and Z = 2. Both structures contain the same tin-centered molecular cluster anions [Sn[AsQ(2)(Q(2))][AsQ(Q(2))(2)]](2)(-) (Q = S, Se) separated by Cs cations. The Sn(4+) ion is in a distorted octahedral environment coordinated by two different pyramidal-shaped tridentate ligands, [AsQ(2)(Q(2))](3)(-) and [AsQ(Q(2))(2)](3)(-). These compounds absorb visible light at energies above 1.98 and 1.45 eV for 1 and 2, respectively. Differential thermal analysis revealed that 1 melts at 350 degrees C and on cooling gives a glass. The glass recrystallizes at 268 degrees C upon subsequent heating. Compound 2 melts at 258 degrees C.