A Simple Synthesis of [(Cp Al)4] and Its Conversion to the Heterocubanes [(Cp AlSe)4] and [(Cp AlTe)4] (Cp = 5-C5(CH3)5)

Al4Se4 and Al4Te4 cubes are the central structural units of the heterocubanes [(Cp AlSe)4] and [(Cp AlTe)4] 1 (structure shown on right). These compounds were formed by the reaction of the tetrameric AlI compound [(Cp Al)4] with elemental selenium and tellurium, respectively. The driving force of this smooth reaction is the conversion from AlI to AlIII. Cp = 5-C5Me5;