Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe all-metal analogue of carbonate is the heteroatomic Zintl polyanion [SnBi3]5−. It contains only tin and bismuth atoms, yet it has carbonate’s 24-valence-electron count, a comparable molecular shape and delocalized bonding. Kerstin Mayer, Jasmin V. Dums, Wilhelm Klein and Thomas F. Fässler reported it in 2017 as the first carbonate-like anion obtained from solution that consists exclusively of metal atoms.
This is a fundamental inorganic-chemistry result, not a new industrial carbonate substitute. The ion can be prepared and crystallized under liquid-ammonia conditions, but it decomposes readily when exposed to traces of water.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What “all-metal ion mimics carbonate” means
The species is [SnBi3]5−
[SnBi3]5− is a cluster made from one tin atom and three bismuth atoms. The superscript 5− is its overall charge; it is not a shorthand for a conventional salt or for a mixture of separate tin and bismuth ions. In the reported compounds, the four heavy atoms form a discrete polyanion that is balanced by potassium-containing counterions.
It belongs to the Zintl-polyanion family, in which main-group elements assemble into charged clusters. Calling this ion an “all-metal carbonate analogue” describes its electron count, shape and bonding pattern. It does not mean that it contains oxygen, behaves as a carbonate buffer, or can simply replace carbonate in water-based chemistry.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why carbonate is the reference point
Ordinary carbonate, CO32−, is a familiar three-coordinate oxoanion whose electrons are distributed over the carbon–oxygen framework. The 2017 study describes [SnBi3]5− as isoelectronic with and structurally analogous to carbonate. Chemistry World’s account gives the shared total of 24 valence electrons and notes analogous resonance patterns.
“Isoelectronic” means that the two ions have the same number of valence electrons, not that they contain the same elements or have identical chemical reactivity. In [SnBi3]5−, tin and bismuth replace carbon and oxygen while preserving an electron-count framework that supports delocalized bonding. That is the specific sense in which the metal cluster mimics carbonate.
What was discovered in 2017
The first solution-made, metal-only carbonate-like anion
Mayer, Dums, Klein and Fässler reported [SnBi3]5− in Angewandte Chemie International Edition in 2017. Their paper describes it as the first carbonate-like anion obtained from solution that consists exclusively of metal atoms. The work extends a sequence of metal analogues for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to a carbonate-like species.
This progression matters because carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and carbonate are often used as benchmarks for bonding models. Reproducing a carbonate-like arrangement without carbon or oxygen tests how far familiar main-group bonding ideas can be transferred to heavier elements. The result shows that a heavy-element cluster can support a recognizable analogue of an oxoanion motif, even though its charge, orbital sizes and chemical environment are very different.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the result does not establish
The reports establish a molecular structure and a preparation route. They do not report a device, industrial process, biological role, environmental use or commercial application for [SnBi3]5−. Structural analogy alone is not evidence that the ion can perform carbonate’s roles in cement, geology, physiology, water treatment or manufacturing.
How the tin–bismuth carbonate analogue is made
Starting materials and solvent
The anion forms when a polyanionic bismuthide is reacted with a polyanionic stannide in liquid ammonia. The reported combinations are:
- K3Bi2 with K4Sn9
- K3Bi2 with K12Sn17
These reagents are potassium salts of preassembled bismuth and tin clusters. Liquid ammonia is not an incidental solvent choice: it supports the highly charged inorganic species in solution and allows the deeply colored bismuthide and stannide solutions to react under rigorously dry conditions.
Isolation as potassium salts
Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to characterize two products:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Isolated material | What it contains | How it was characterized |
|---|---|---|
| K5[SnBi3]·9NH3 | Five potassium counterions, one [SnBi3]5− cluster and nine ammonia molecules of crystallization | Single-crystal X-ray diffraction |
| K9[K(18-crown-6)][SnBi3]2·15NH3 | Two [SnBi3]5− clusters, potassium ions, a potassium–18-crown-6 complex and ammonia of crystallization | Single-crystal X-ray diffraction |
The formulas show why the isolated solid is not simply “SnBi3.” The anion carries five negative charges, so a crystal needs counterions and, in these cases, ammonia molecules incorporated into the lattice. The crown-ether-containing salt also demonstrates that the surrounding cation environment can be changed while retaining the metal cluster.
A practical preparation sequence
- Prepare the polyanionic solutions. Dissolve the potassium bismuthide K3Bi2 and one of the potassium stannides, K4Sn9 or K12Sn17, in liquid ammonia.
- Combine the solutions under dry conditions. The starting solutions are deeply colored. Mixing them enables rearrangement of the bismuthide and stannide clusters into the [SnBi3]5− composition.
- Allow the potassium salt to crystallize. The reaction can yield K5[SnBi3]·9NH3; use of a crown-ether-containing potassium environment also gave K9[K(18-crown-6)][SnBi3]2·15NH3.
- Determine the structure by diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray analysis identifies the Sn–Bi framework, its geometry and the ammonia-containing crystal lattice.
These steps describe the published laboratory chemistry, not a general aqueous synthesis. Liquid ammonia, air exclusion and specialized crystallization and diffraction equipment are essential parts of the reported route.
Structure and bonding: why the analogy works
Carbonate-like geometry
The [SnBi3]5− cluster has a carbonate-like shape. The four atoms occupy a compact, three-substituent framework analogous to the central atom and three surrounding atoms in carbonate. The analogy is geometric as well as electronic: the cluster is not merely a collection of atoms with the right total electron count.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Partial multiple-bond character
Although the ion has a 5− charge, its Sn–Bi bond lengths fall between values expected for conventional single and double bonds. That intermediate distance indicates that the bonds cannot be represented adequately as purely single bonds localized between individual atoms.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Density-functional calculations at the PBE0/def2-TZVPP/COSMO level attribute this partial multiple-bond character to a delocalized π-electron system. In other words, π bonding is spread over the cluster rather than confined to one fixed Sn–Bi double bond. This delocalization supports resonance descriptions analogous to those used for carbonate.
What “resonance” means here
Resonance drawings are alternative bookkeeping pictures for one delocalized electronic structure. They do not imply that [SnBi3]5− switches between separate molecules. The shared 24-electron framework permits several equivalent or near-equivalent ways to draw the bonding, while the actual cluster retains one averaged structure. The measured intermediate Sn–Bi distances are consistent with that description.
[SnBi3]5− compared with ordinary carbonate
| Comparison point | Carbonate, CO32− | All-metal analogue, [SnBi3]5− |
|---|---|---|
| Elements | Carbon and oxygen | Tin and bismuth only |
| Valence-electron count | 24 | 24, as reported by Chemistry World and described as isoelectronic in the primary paper |
| Overall charge | 2− | 5− |
| Geometry | Carbonate-type three-substituent arrangement | Carbonate-like cluster shape |
| Bonding description | Delocalized carbonate bonding and resonance descriptions | Delocalized π system; Sn–Bi distances between typical single- and double-bond values |
| Preparation context | Commonly encountered in ordinary ionic and aqueous chemistry | Generated from K3Bi2 plus K4Sn9 or K12Sn17 in liquid ammonia |
| Moisture behavior | Not comparable to the reported cluster’s extreme moisture sensitivity | Traces of water cause ready decomposition, according to the institutional account |
| Demonstrated applications | Many established chemical and industrial roles | No practical, industrial, biological or commercial application reported in the cited accounts |
The table separates analogy from equivalence. Matching electron count and shape explains the scientific comparison; the different charge, elements, preparation and stability prevent [SnBi3]5− from being treated as a drop-in carbonate replacement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Is [SnBi3]5− stable in water?
It is not water-stable under the reported conditions
The highly charged ion exists in solution when the solvent is liquid ammonia, but the institutional description warns that traces of water cause it to decompose readily. That is the clearest practical answer: [SnBi3]5− should be regarded as moisture-sensitive, not as an aqueous ion.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What moisture sensitivity means for handling
- Reagents, glassware and transfer systems must be kept rigorously dry.
- Exposure to humid air can destroy the target anion before crystals form.
- Ammonia-containing crystals must be protected from water during isolation and analysis.
- Failure to obtain the cluster does not necessarily mean the starting stoichiometry was wrong; hydrolysis or moisture exposure may have decomposed it.
The available reports do not establish a universal half-life, a safe water concentration, or a quantitative decomposition rate. It is therefore more accurate to say “decomposes readily with traces of water” than to assign a precise stability window.
Why a metal-only carbonate mimic matters
A test of heavy-element bonding models
Carbonate is usually taught as an oxygen-rich anion whose compact structure and resonance are stabilized by carbon–oxygen bonding. [SnBi3]5− shows that a related electron-count and delocalization pattern can be assembled from much heavier main-group elements. Tin and bismuth have larger, more diffuse valence orbitals than carbon and oxygen, so reproducing partial multiple-bond character in this setting is chemically nontrivial.
Expansion of the CO, CO2 and carbonate analogue series
The 2017 paper presents the cluster as completing a sequence of metal analogues of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with a carbonate-like member. The value of that sequence is conceptual: it lets chemists compare how electron count, geometry and delocalization survive—or change—when light nonmetals are replaced by heavy metals.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A platform for further fundamental chemistry
The isolated salts provide a structurally defined starting point for studying heavy-element cluster bonding, counterion effects and reactions under nonaqueous conditions. Any future reactivity or application would need to respect the ion’s moisture sensitivity. The published accounts themselves do not report such a use, so claims that the compound is a practical carbonate substitute would go beyond the evidence.
Quick Recap
Key takeaways
- Identity: [SnBi3]5− is a tin–bismuth Zintl polyanion containing no carbon or oxygen.
- Analogy: It is isoelectronic with carbonate, sharing 24 valence electrons, and has a carbonate-like shape and resonance pattern.
- Bonding: Intermediate Sn–Bi distances and PBE0/def2-TZVPP/COSMO calculations indicate delocalized π bonding and partial multiple-bond character.
- Synthesis: It forms from K3Bi2 with K4Sn9 or K12Sn17 in liquid ammonia.
- Isolation: Reported crystals include K5[SnBi3]·9NH3 and K9[K(18-crown-6)][SnBi3]2·15NH3.
- Stability: Traces of water cause ready decomposition, so the chemistry requires rigorously moisture-free handling.
- Use: The result is a fundamental bonding discovery; no practical or commercial application is established by the cited reports.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
