New salts of the waterstable P(2)Se(6)(4-) anion

The structures of two new salts of the P(2)Se(6)(4-) anion, [(py(2)Li)](4)[P(2)Se(6)].2py and [pyH](4)[P(2)Se(6)].H(2)O, prepared using a new synthetic route in solution starting from easily available educts, are presented. The salts are characterized also in solution by means of multinuclear ((31)P, (77)Se, (7)Li) NMR spectroscopy. The (31)P and (77)Se NMR spectrum of the waterstable P(2)Se(6)(4-) anion are discussed in detail for the first time. The chemical shift of the P(2)Se(6)(4-) anion in the Li(+) salts depends strongly on the solvent used. Remarkably, the newly synthesized salts are stable in water.