Catena-poly[tetrakis(3-phenylpropylammonium) [iodoplumbate(II)-tri-μ- iodo-plumbate(II)-tri-μ-iodo-iodoplumbate(II)-di-μ-iodo]]

The title compound, {(C₉H₁₄N)₄[Pb ₃I₁₀]}_n, crystallizes as an organic-inorganic hybrid. As such, the structure consists of a two-dimensional inorganic layer of [Pb₃I₁₀]_n^4n- ions extending along [100]. The asymmetric unit contains two independent Pb atoms, viz. one in a general position and the other on an inversion centre. Each Pb atom is octahedrally coordinated by six iodide ions and exhibits both face- and corner-sharing with adjacent atoms in the inorganic layer. These anionic layers alternate with 3-phenylpropylammonium cations, which hydrogen bond to the iodides. Simple face-to-edge σ-π stacking interactions are observed between the aromatic rings that stabilize the overall three-dimensional structure. This net structure has only been observed five times previously.