Two New Cluster Ions, Ga[GaH3]45– with a Neopentane Structure in Rb8Ga5H15 and [GaH2]nn– with a Polyethylene Structure in Rbn(GaH2)n, Represent a New Class of Compounds with Direct Ga–Ga Bonds Mimicking Common Hydrocarbons

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The first examples of a new class of gallium hydride clusters with direct Ga-Ga bonds and common hydrocarbon structures are reported. Neutron powder diffraction was used to find a Ga[GaH(3)](4)(5-) cluster ion with a neopentane structure in a novel cubic structure type of Rb(8)Ga(5)H(15). Another cluster ion with a polyethylene structure, [GaH(2)](n)(n-), was found in a second novel (RbGaH(2))(n) hydride. These hydrocarbon-like clusters in gallium hydride materials have significant implications for the discovery of hydrides for hydrogen storage as well as for interesting electronic properties.