Arsenic clusters Asn (n = 6-16) and their anions: Structures, thermochemistry, and electron affinities

► As7 or As8 is basic unit of ground state structure of Asn/Asn- except for As10. ► There is odd-even alternation in AEA, but not in VDE. ► Theoretical AEAs and VDEs agree well with those of limited experimental values. ► DE characterized even number Asn- (n⩾4) as less stable than odd number cluster. ► Reliable bonding energy per atom of Asn has been predicted.