Bromine’s nine: The first crystal structure of a higher polybromide monoanion, [NPr₄][Br₉] is reported along with its IR and Raman spectra (see picture). Owing to its low melting point and vapor pressure, this substance can be classified as an ionic liquid. It shows surprisingly high conductivity which may enable its applications as electrolyte in batteries.

Publication in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.

A state of eight: Iridium atoms insert into dioxygen to form iridium dioxide molecules in solid noble-gas matrixes. Annealing allows formation of the iridium dioxide superoxide complex [(¹-O₂)IrO₂], which isomerizes under IR irradiation to the iridium dioxide peroxide complex [(²-O₂)IrO₂]. These complexes photochemically rearrange to the more stable iridium tetroxide molecule with an iridium oxidation state of +VIII.

Publication in Angew. Chem.

C&EN reports about Iridium VIII as IrO₄

Ir^VIII wieder im Rennen

New Species / High Oxidation States

Mercury Tetrafluoride Synthesized

Our calculations indicate clearly that the species claimed to be AuF₇ had not been synthesized. Instead, a new gold fluoride complex AuF₅·F₂ was prepared.