Stability and electronic properties of isoelectronic heteroatomic analogs of Sn52-

► Ga2Bi3-, In2Bi3-, and In2Sb3- are isoelectronic to the Zintl ion Sn52-. ► Photoelectron spectra and theoretical studies reveal similar electronic structures. ► HOMO-LUMO gaps and stability of isomers depend on size and location of heteroatoms.