A new type of copper-oxide cluster in the crystal structure of NaCu<sub>12</sub>(Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>)<sub>4</sub>Cl, a new represe

A new compound NaCu12(Si2O7)4Cl was synthesized by chemical deposition from gases. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, its crystal structure was established as containing 0-dimensional copper-oxide clusters Cu12O24 of a new type, which can be described as a truncated tetragonal bipyramid built from CuO4 square groups connected by sharing common edges and vertices. The complexes are combined through the Si2O7 disilicate groups into a three-dimensional electroneutral framework [[Cu12(Si2O7)4]0, built on the principle of the bcc grid (body-centered cubic lattice). In the cavities of the framework disordered Na+ and Cl– ions are located. The structure of the 12-nucleated copper-oxide clusters is similar to those of the CunO2n polyoxocuprates found in various minerals and inorganic compounds.