Metal carbonyl cluster

[5] Paolo Chini (1928–1980) was a pioneer for the synthesis and characterization of high-nuclearity metal carbonyl clusters.

His first studies started in 1958, in the attempt to repeat a patent that claimed an improved selectivity in hydroformylation.

Condensation of low-molecular-weight metal carbonyls requires decarbonylation, which can be induced thermally, photochemically, or using various reagents.

The synthesis and characterization of the platinum carbonyl dianions [Pt3n(CO)6n]2- (n = 1–10), also known as Chini clusters or more correctly Chini-Longoni clusters, are recognized by the scientific community as the most spectacular result of Chini's work.

Although these clusters were first reported in 1969 by Chatt and Booth, their structure were not established until Chini and Longoni's work in 1976.

Cluster structure is easily disrupted by deposition onto surfaces such as carbon or silicon, where the chains are broken, but the triangular subunits remain intact.

Second, the Chini clusters with redox properties act as a catalyst that helps transport sodium ions and electrons in the same direction across a liquid membrane, driven by pH-gradient.

Metal carbonyls of the iron and cobalt triads are well known to form carbido derivatives.