[P6Se12]4-: a phosphorus-rich selenophosphate with low-valent P centers.

The new selenophosphate Rb4P6Se12 features the trans-decalin-like, [P6Se12]4- anion, a phosphorus-rich species that possesses three parallel P-P bonds and formally P2+ and P4+ centers. The synthesis of Rb4P6Se12 was accomplished with the reductive addition of P to RbPSe6 and represents an interesting example of how alkali chalcophosphates can serve as starting materials to produce new compounds under mild reaction conditions.