{Sn[Zn₄Sn₄S₁₇]}^6-: A robust open framework based on metal-linked penta-supertetrahedral [Zn ₄Sn₄S₁₇]^10- clusters with ion-exchange properties

(Chemical Equation Presented) Like zeolites, K₆Sn[Zn ₄Sn₄S₁₇] (see structure) has remarkable ion-exchange properties and forms CsK₅Sn[Zn₄Sn ₄S₁₇] and RbK₅Sn[Zn₄Sn ₄S₁₇] in the presence of the Cs⁺ and Rb ⁺ ions, respectively. These compounds have an open framework comprising [Zn₄Sn₄S₁₇]^10- clusters linked by Sn⁴⁺ centers and are remarkably stable. One-fifth of the K⁺ ions play an important templating role in stabilizing the framework. Zn blue, Sn red, S yellow, K orange.