[(η3-Bi3)2(IrCO)6(μ4-Bi)3]3-: a new archetype of a 15-vertex deltahedral hybrid from Bixx--coordination aggregation of cationic [IrCO]+ units.

The reaction of Ir(CO)2(acac) (acac = acetylacetonate) and K5Bi4 in ethylenediamine (en) solution produces a new archetype of a 15-vertex deltahedral hybrid, [(η3-Bi3)2(IrCO)6(μ4-Bi)3]3- (1a), from the Bixx--coordination aggregation of the [Ir(CO)]+ cationic units, providing a feasible route towards new hybrid compounds made by the combination of Zintl anions and transition-metal carbonyl clusters.