| Abstract
| - Experimental and theoretical evidence for a “σ aromatic” bimetallic cluster is presented. A mass spectrometric analysis of AuNZn+ (N = 2−44) photofragments shows Au5Zn+ to be very abundant, proving its high stability. Calculations predict that Au5Zn+ has a planar geometry and six valence s electrons occupying delocalized σ-bonded molecular orbitals in a manner similar to that of aromatic organic compounds, except for their nodal properties in the molecular plane. The delocalized σ electrons provide diamagnetic ring currents, suggesting Au5Zn+ is aromatic.
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