Two new cluster ions, Ga[GaH3]4(5-) with a neopentane structure in Rb8Ga5H15 and [GaH2]n(n-) with a polyethylene structure in Rb(n)(GaH2)n, represent a new class of compounds with direct Ga-Ga bonds mimicking common hydrocarbons.

The first examples of a new class of gallium hydride clusters with direct Ga-Ga bonds and common hydrocarbon structures are reported. Neutron powder diffraction was used to find a GaGaH(3)(5-) cluster ion with a neopentane structure in a novel cubic structure type of Rb(8)Ga(5)H(15). Another cluster ion with a polyethylene structure, GaH(2)(n-), was found in a second novel (RbGaH(2))(n) hydride. These hydrocarbon-like clusters in gallium hydride materials have significant implications for the discovery of hydrides for hydrogen storage as well as for interesting electronic properties.