Double aromaticity puts a hex on gallium

An image showing GaBe6Au6+

Source: © Sudip Pan/Philipps-University Marburg

Planar hexacoordinate cluster isn’t stable when other group 13 elements replace gallium

Theoretical scientists have predicted the first stable hexavalent planar gallium structure. The simulated cluster maintains a flat structure due to double aromaticity and a balance of steric forces, and isn’t stable when other group 13 elements replace gallium.