Carbon dioxide fixation by the cooperative effect of organotin and organotellurium oxides.

Hypervalency and secondary bonding are the driving forces behind the rapid absorption of gaseous carbon dioxide by two organotellurium and organotin oxides and the unexpected formation of a unique tellurastannoxane cluster (see structure; dark red Te, black Sn, gray C, light red O). The absorption is reversible with the liberation of carbon dioxide being observed at temperatures between 90 and 145 °C.