Atmospheric chemistry of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)CHO (x = 1, 2, 3, 4): fate of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) radicals

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric fate of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) (x = 1, 2, 3, 4) radicals in 700 Torr O(2)/N(2) diluent at 298 +/- 3 K. A competition is observed between reaction with O(2) to form n-C(x)()F(2)(x)()(+1)C(O)O(2) radicals and decomposition to form n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1) radicals and CO. In 700 Torr O(2)/N(2) diluent at 298 +/- 3 K, the rate constant ratio, k(n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) + O(2) --> n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O)O(2))/k(n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) --> n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1) + CO) = (1.30 +/- 0.05) x 10(-17), (1.90 +/- 0.17) x 10(-19), (5.04 +/- 0.40) x 10(-20), and (2.67 +/- 0.42) x 10(-20) cm(3) molecule(-1) for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively. In one atmosphere of air at 298 K, reaction with O(2) accounts for 99%, 50%, 21%, and 12% of the loss of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) radicals for x = 1, 2, 3, 4, respectively. Results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry of n-C(x)F(2)(x)(+1)C(O) radicals and their possible role in contributing to the formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids in the environment.     

Theoretical probing of deltahedral closo-auroboranes B(x)Au(x)2- (x = 5-12)

Using density functional theory calculations, here we show that a series of B(x)Au(x)2- (x = 5-12) dianions possesses structure and bonding similar to the famous deltahedral closo-borane cages, B(x)H(x)2-. Effective atomic charges on Au in B(x)Au(x)2- are very similar to those on H in B(x)H(x)2-, indicating that Au in the closo-auroboranes is indeed analogous to H in the closo-boranes. The present theoretical predictions of B(x)Au(x)2- suggest that the closo-auroborane species are viable new chemical building blocks that may be synthesized in bulk. The Au atoms in the closo-auroboranes represent highly atomically dispersed Au and may potentially exhibit novel catalytic and chemical properties.     

Very large breathing effect in the first nanoporous chromium(III)-based solids: MIL-53 or Cr(III)(OH) x [O(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)] x [HO(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)H](x) x H(2)O(y)

The first three-dimensional chromium(III) dicarboxylate, MIL-53as or Cr(III)(OH) x [O(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)].[HO(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)H](0.75), has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions (as: as-synthesized). The free acid can be removed by calcination giving the resulting solid, MIL-53ht or Cr(III)(OH) x [O(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)]. At room temperature, MIL-53ht adsorbs atmospheric water immediately to give Cr(III)(OH) x [O(2)C-C(6)H(4)-CO(2)] x H(2)O or MIL-53lt (lt: low-temperature form, ht: high-temperature form). Both structures, which have been determined by using X-ray powder diffraction data, are built up from chains of chromium(III) octahedra linked through terephthalate dianions. This creates a three-dimensional structure with an array of one-dimensional large pore channels filled with free disordered terephthalic molecules (MIL-53as) or water molecules (MIL-53lt); when the free molecules are removed, this leads to a nanoporous solid (MIL-53ht) with a Langmuir surface area over 1500 m(2)/g. The transition between the hydrated form (MIL-53lt) and the anhydrous solid (MIL-53ht) is fully reversible and followed by a very high breathing effect (more than 5 A), the pores being clipped in the presence of water molecules (MIL-53lt) and reopened when the channels are empty (MIL-53ht). The thermal behavior of the two solids has been investigated using TGA and X-ray thermodiffractometry. The sorption properties of MIL-53lt have also been studied using several organic solvents. Finally, magnetism measurements performed on MIL-53as and MIL-53lt revealed that these two phases are antiferromagnetic with Néel temperatures T(N) of 65 and 55 K, respectively. Crystal data for MIL-53as is as follows: orthorhombic space group Pnam with a = 17.340(1) A, b = 12.178(1) A, c = 6.822(1) A, and Z = 4. Crystal data for MIL-53ht is as follows: orthorhombic space group Imcm with a = 16.733(1) A, b = 13.038(1) A, c = 6.812(1) A, and Z = 4. Crystal data for MIL-53lt is as follows: monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 19.685(4) A, b = 7.849(1) A, c = 6.782(1) A, beta = 104.90(1) degrees, and Z = 4.     

Tuning intermolecular magnetic exchange interactions in the solids C(x)F(2)(x)(CNSSS)(2)(AsF(6))(2): structural, EPR, and magnetic characterization of dimeric (x = 2, 4) diradicals

A series of diradical containing salts CxF2x(CNSSS)2(**2+0(AsF6-)2 {x = 2, 1[AsF6]2; x = 3, 3[AsF6]2; x = 4, 2[AsF6]2} have been prepared. 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2 were fully characterized by X-ray, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, and solid-state EPR measurements, further allowing us to extend the number of examples of the family of rare 7pi RCNSSS(*+) radical cations. 1[AsF6]2: a = 6.5314(7) A, b = 7.5658(9) A, c = 9.6048(11) A, alpha = 100.962(2) degrees , beta = 96.885(2) degrees , gamma = 107.436(2) degrees , triclinic, space group P, Z = 1, T = 173 K. 2[AsF6]2: a = 10.6398(16) A, b = 7.9680(11) A, c = 12.7468(19) A, beta = 99.758(2) degrees , monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z = 2, T = 173 K. In the solid-state, CxF2x(CNSSS)2(**2+) (x = 2, 4) formed one-dimensional polymeric chains of dications containing discrete centrosymmetric radical pairs in which radicals were linked by four centered two-electron pi*-pi* bonds [12+, d(S...S) = 3.455(1) A; 22+, d(S...S) = 3.306(2) A]. The exchange interactions in these bonds were determined to be -500 +/- 30 and -900 +/- 90 cm-1, by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, respectively, providing rare experimental data on the singlet-triplet gaps in the field of thiazyl radicals. For 2[AsF6]2, the thermally excited triplet state was unambiguously characterized by EPR techniques [/D/ = 0.0254(8) cm(-1), /E/ = 0.0013(8) cm(-1)]. These experimental data implied a weakly associated nature of the radical moieties contained in the solids 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2. Computational analysis of the dimerization process is presented, and we show that the 2c 4 electron pi*-pi* bonds in 1[AsF6]2 and 2[AsF6]2 have ca. 50% and 40% diradical character, respectively. In contrast, 3[AsF6]2.SO2, containing diradical C3F6(CNSSS)2(**2+) with an odd number of CF2 spacers, showed magnetic behavior that was consistent with the presence of monomeric radical centers in the solid state.     

Electronic properties of adsorbates on GaAs(001)-c(2x8)/(2x4)

A systematic experimental and theoretical study was performed to determine the causes of oxide-induced Fermi level pinning and unpinning on GaAs(001)-c(2 x 8)/(2 x 4). Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and density functional theory (DFT) were used to study four different adsorbates' (O(2), In(2)O, Ga(2)O, and SiO) bonding to the GaAs(001)-c(2 x 8)/(2 x 4) surface. The STS results revealed that out of the four adsorbates studied, only one left the Fermi level unpinned, Ga(2)O. DFT calculations were used to elucidate the causes of the Fermi level pinning. Two distinct pinning mechanisms were identified: direct (adsorbate induced states in the band gap region) and indirect pinnings (generation of undimerized As atoms). For O(2) dissociative chemisorption onto GaAs(001)-c(2 x 8)/(2 x 4), the Fermi level pinning was only indirect, while direct Fermi level pinning was observed when In(2)O was deposited on GaAs(001)-c(2 x 8)/(2 x 4). In the case of SiO on GaAs(001)-c(2 x 8)/(2 x 4), the Fermi level pinning was a combination of the two mechanisms.     

The role of water in synthesised hydrotalcites of formula Mg(x)Zn(6 - x)Cr2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O and Ni(x)Co(6 - x)Cr2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O--an infrared spectroscopic study

Infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise synthesised hydrotalcites of formula Mg(x)Zn(6 - x)Cr2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O and Ni(x)Co(6 - x)Cr2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O. The infrared spectra are conveniently subdivided into spectral features based (a) upon the carbonate anion (b) the hydroxyl units (c) water units. Three carbonate antisymmetric stretching vibrations are observed at around 1358, 1387 and 1482 cm(-1). The 1482 cm(-1) band is attributed to the CO stretching band of carbonate hydrogen bonded to water. Variation of the intensity ratio of the 1358 and 1387 cm(-1) modes is linear and cation dependent. By using the water bending band profile at 1630 cm(-1) four types of water are identified (a) water hydrogen bonded to the interlayer carbonate ion (b) water hydrogen bonded to the hydrotalcite hydroxyl surface (c) coordinated water and (d) interlamellar water. It is proposed that the water is highly structured in the hydrotalcite interlayer as it is hydrogen bonded to both the carbonate anion, adjacent water molecules and the hydroxyl surface.     

Competing forward and reversed chain reactions in one-dimensional molecular line growth on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface

To explore the role of competing forward and reversed chain reactions in the growth of a one-dimensional (1D) molecular line on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface, controlled experiments were performed with various alkene molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at various temperatures. It was observed that the end dangling bond (DB) of a styrene line, fabricated by a chain reaction on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface at 300 K, initiated a reverse chain reaction at 400 K, leading to the complete disappearance of the styrene line with zero-order desorption kinetics (rate constant k = 1.17 x 10-2 s-1 at 400 K). In the case of 2,4-dimethylstyrene, the reversed chain reaction was observed even at 300 K. These results suggest that the appearance of a molecular line in an STM image is determined by the rates of competing forward and reversed chain reactions at a given temperature. As predicted, 1D lines formed by the DB-initiated chain reaction of 1-hexene and 1-heptene on Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H were observed at 180 K because of the reduced desorption rate, despite the fact that those molecules showed no line growth at 300 K. These results indicate that the scope of forming 1D molecular lines on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface with various alkenes is much wider than anticipated in previous studies.     

A three-dimensional, noninterpenetrating metal--organic framework with the moganite topology: a simple (4(2)x6(2)x8(2))(4x6(4)x8)(2) net containing two kinds of topologically nonequivalent points

Self assembly of Cu(2+) with the multifunctional ligand 2-(4-pyridyl)thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (Pytac) affords the neutral 3D coordination polymer [Cu(3)(Pytac)(6)](H(2)O)(14) (hereafter, SZL-1), which has the rare moganite topology. The mineral moganite has a topology that is closely related to the well-known quartz topology, but the two topologies are differentiated by the number of topologically inequivalent nodes. Whereas only one kind of node is present in quartz, two types of topologically inequivalent nodes are present in moganite. The title compound, which has three vertices in its repeat unit, has two types of topologically inequivalent nodes with the overall vertex symbol (4(2)x6(2)x8(2))(4x6(4)x8)(2) corresponding to the moganite net. Prior to this report, few metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) have been found to contain more than one type of node, and SZL-1 is the first MOF with the moganite topology.     

Further evidence for the tetraoxoiodate(V) anion,IO(4)(3-): hydrothermal syntheses and structures of Ba[(MoO(2))(6)(IO(4))(2)O(4)] x H(2)O and Ba(3)[(MoO(2))(2)(IO(6))(2)] x 2H(2)O

The hydrothermal reaction of MoO(3) with BaH(3)IO(6) at 180 degrees C for 3 days results in the formation of Ba[(MoO(2))(6)(IO(4))(2)O(4)] x H(2)O (1). Under similar conditions, the reaction of Ba(OH)(2) x 8H(2)O with MoO(3) and Ba(IO(4))(2) x 6H(2)O yields Ba(3)[(MoO(2))(2)(IO(6))(2)] x 2H(2)O (2). The structure of 1, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, consists of corner- and edge-sharing distorted MoO(6) octahedra that create two-dimensional slabs. Contained within this molybdenum oxide framework are approximately C(2v) tetraoxoiodate(V) anions, IO(4)(3-), that are involved in bonding with five Mo(VI) centers. The two equatorial oxygen atoms of the IO(4)(3-) anion chelate a single Mo(VI) center, whereas the axial atoms are mu(3)-oxo groups and complete the octahedra of four MoO(6) units. The coordination of the tetraoxoiodate(V) anion to these five highly electropositive centers is probably responsible for stabilizing the substantial anionic charge of this anion. The Ba(2+) cations separate the layers from one another and form long ionic contacts with neighboring oxygen atoms and a water molecule. Compound 2 also contains distorted MoO(6) octahedra. However, these solely edge-share with octahedral hexaoxoiodate(VII), IO(6)(5-), anions to form zigzagging one-dimensional, (1)(infinity)[(MoO(2))(IO(6))](3-), chains that are polar. These chains are separated from one another by Ba(2+) cations that are coordinated by additional water molecules. Bond valence sums for the iodine atoms in 1 and 2 are 5.01 and 7.03, respectively. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 13.584(1) A, b = 7.3977(7) A, c = 20.736(2) A, beta = 108.244(2) degrees, Z = 4; 2, orthorhombic, space group Fdd2, a = 13.356(7) A, b = 45.54(2) A, c = 4.867(3) A, Z = 8.     

Fabrication of interconnected 1D molecular lines along and across the dimer rows on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface through the radical chain reaction

To realize nanoscale wiring in two dimensions (2D), the fabrication of interconnected one-dimensional (1D) molecular lines through the radical chain reaction of alkene molecules (CH2=CH-R) on the H-terminated Si(100)-(2 x 1) surface have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at 300 K. By the judicious choice of R in the CH2=CH-R molecule and by creating a dangling bond (DB) at a desired point using the STM tip, the perpendicularly connected allyl mercaptan (ALM) and styrene lines have been fabricated on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface. The continuous growth of the styrene line at the end DB of a growing ALM line (or vice versa) does not occur, perhaps, due to steric hindrance or/and interaction between adsorbed molecules.     

Synthesis and characterisation of (C4N2H12)(UO2)2(PO3H)2(PO2(OH)H)2: a three dimensionally connected actinide framework

The material (C4N2H12)(UO2)2(PO3H)2(PO2(OH)H)2 (MUPH-1) has been prepared hydrothermally; it is a three dimensional structure consisting of four intersecting elliptical shaped one-dimensional channels, the largest channel has dimensions of 13.1 x 7.2 A.     

Ca(1)(-)(x)Na(2)(x)Al(2)B(2)O(7): a structure with tunable density of Na(+) vacancies

A series of samples with the composition Ca(1)(-)(x)Na(2)(x)Al(2)B(2)O(7) (0 < x < or = 1) was investigated and a hexagonal structure with unusually large range of homogeneity (at least from x = 0.01 to 0.95) was revealed. The hexagonal phase consists of [Al(2)B(2)O(7)](infinity)(2)(-) lamellae stacked along the c axis, as in CaAl(2)B(2)O(7) and Na(2)Al(2)B(2)O(7). Nevertheless, the configuration and stacking sequence of the [Al(2)B(2)O(7)](infinity)(2)(-) lamellae are different in these three structures. In the hexagonal structure of Ca(1)(-)(x)()Na(2)(x)()Al(2)B(2)O(7), Ca and half Na cations (Na1) statistically occupy the same crystallographic site which is located between the [Al(2)B(2)O(7)](infinity)(2)(-) lamellae, the other half Na cations (Na2) distribute in the planes bisecting the [Al(2)B(2)O(7)](infinity)(2)(-) lamellae. Depending on the composition, the site occupation factor of Na2 site can vary in the same range as x, leading to a tunable density of Na(+) vacancies in the structure. The AlO(4) tetrahedra and BO(3) triangles in the structure tilt in appropriate ways to improve the bond valence sum of Na2 cations which are not sufficiently bonded to the anions.     

Molecular assembly in synthesised hydrotalcites of formula Cu(x)Zn(6 - x)Al2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O--a vibrational spectroscopic study

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy have been used to characterise synthetic hydrotalcites of formula Cu(x)Zn(6 - x)Al2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O. The spectra have been used to assess the molecular assembly of the cations in the hydrotalcite structure. The spectra may be conveniently subdivided into spectral features based (a) upon the carbonate anion (b) the hydroxyl units (c) water units. The Raman spectra of the hydroxyl-stretching region enable bands to be assigned to the CuOH, ZnOH and AlOH units. It is proposed that in the hydrotalcites with minimal cationic replacement that the cations are arranged in a regular array. For the Cu(x)Zn(6 - x)Al2(OH)16(CO3) x 4H2O hydrotalcites, spectroscopic evidence suggests that 'islands' of cations are formed in the structure. In a similar fashion, the bands assigned to the interlayer water suggest that the water molecules are also in a regular well-structured arrangement. Bands are assigned to the hydroxyl stretching vibrations of water. Three types of water are identified (a) water hydrogen bonded to the interlayer carbonate ion (b) water hydrogen bonded to the hydrotalcite hydroxyl surface and (c) interlamellar water. It is proposed that the water is highly structured in the hydrotalcite as it is hydrogen bonded to both the carbonate anion and the hydroxyl surface.     

Planarity takes over in the C(x)H(x)P(6-x) (x = 0-6) series at x = 4

In this work we examine a structural transition from non-planar three-dimensional structures to planar benzene-like structures in the C(x)H(x)P(6-x) (x = 0-6) series. The global minima of P(6), CHP(5), and C(2)H(2)P(4) species are benzvalene-like structures. The benzvalene and benzene-like structures of C(3)H(3)P(3) are close in energy with the former being slightly more stable at our best level of theory. The transition occurs at x = 4 (C(4)H(4)P(2)), where the benzene-like structures become significantly more stable than the benzvalene-like structures. We show that the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect, which is responsible for the deformation of planar P(6), CHP(5), and C(2)H(2)P(4) structures, is completely suppressed at x = 3 (benzene-like structures of C(3)H(3)P(3)). We present NICS(zz) values of all the benzene-like isomers in the series.     

Topological metastability and oxide ionic conduction in La(2)-(x)Eu(x)Mo(2)O(9)

The effect of partial substitution, up to x = 0.4, of La by trivalent Eu on the phase stability, thermal expansion, and transport properties of La2Mo2O9 are investigated using temperature-controlled X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and complex impedance spectroscopy. At low europium content (x < or = 0.1), the alpha-beta phase transition is observed at a temperature dependent on the sample shaping (powder, pellet, etc.). At high europium content (x > or = 0.25), the samples remain cubic (beta phase), regardless of the shaping. In the intermediate range of europium content (x = 0.15, 0.2), the phase stability is highly sensitive to the thermal history and the sample shaping, with a double-reversed beta-alpha-beta transition suppressed by the shaping/sintering process. The influence of the amount of europium on the transport mechanisms and parameters is studied in both low- (Arrhenius) and high-temperature (Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher = VTF) regimes. If the effect of substitution is rather mild and monotonous within each transport regime and crystallographic phase, an abrupt change in the Arrhenius parameters between the alpha- and beta-type phases is observed.     

An ionicity diagram for the family of [{Ru2(CF3CO2)4}2(TCNQR(x))] (TCNQR(x) = R-substituted 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane)

A diagram of energies between the HOMO of donor (D) and LUMO of acceptor (A) vs.ΔE(1/2)(DA) (= E(1/2)(D) - E(1/2)(A): E(1/2) = first-redox potential) clearly demonstrates the ionicity in the series of D/A assemblies, [{Ru(2)(CF(3)CO(2))(4)}(2)(TCNQR(x))]·n(solv) (TCNQR(x) = 2,5- or 2,3,5,6-R-substituted 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane; R(x) = H(4), F(2), Cl(2), Br(2), F(4), Me(2), (OMe)(2)).     

Structure of an I- x (H2O)6 anion cluster in a 3D anion crystal host [I x (H2O)6Fe(CN)6 x H2O]4-

A planar structure of an anion cluster I- x (H2O)6 in a 3D supramolecular complex [Ru(bpy)3]2[I x (H2O)6Fe(CN)6 x H2O] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In the supramolecule, the anion cluster I- x (H2O)6, together with the anion [Fe(CN)6 x H2O]2-, acts as a 3D crystal host, and the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ cations, as the guest molecules, occupy the vacancies of the 3D host framework. This is the first crystal example of the anion cluster I- x (H2O)6.     

Self-directed chain reaction by small ketones with the dangling bond site on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface: acetophenone, a unique example

Using scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at 300 K, we studied the growth of one-dimensional molecular assemblies (molecular lines) on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface through the chain reaction of small ketone (CH 3COCH 3, PhCOPh, and PhCOCH 3) molecules with dangling bond (DB) sites of the substrate. Acetone and benzophenone show the growth of molecular lines exclusively parallel to the dimer row direction. In contrast, acetophenone molecules show some molecular lines perpendicular, in addition to parallel, to the dimer row direction. Most of the molecular lines perpendicular to the dimer row direction were grown by self-turning the propagation direction of a chain reaction from parallel to perpendicular directions relative to the dimer row. A chiral center created upon adsorption of an acetophenone molecule allows the adsorbed molecules to align with identical as well as alternate enantiomeric forms along the dimer row direction, whereas such variations in molecular arrangement are not observed in the case of acetone and benzophenone molecules. The observed molecular lines growth both parallel and perpendicular to dimer row directions appears to be unique to acetophenone among all the molecules studied to date. Hence, the present study opens new possibility for fabricating one-dimensional molecular assemblies of various compositions in both high-symmetry directions on the Si(100)-(2 x 1)-H surface.     

Novel luminescent metal-organic frameworks [Eu2L3(DMSO)2(MeOH)2] x 2 DMSO x 3 H2O and [Zn2L2(DMSO)2] x 1.6 H2O (L = 4,4'-ethyne-1,2-diyldibenzoate)

Novel metal-organic frameworks [Eu2L3(DMSO)2(MeOH)2] x 2 DMSO x 3 H2O, 1, and [Zn2L2(DMSO)2] x 1.6 H2O, 2, (L = 4,4'-ethyne-1,2-diyldibenzoate) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 is a 3D open framework while 2 features interpenetrating 2D sheets in the crystal lattice. Both compounds have been characterized with X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are red and blue-green luminescent, respectively, in the solid state at ambient temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis implies that the extensive interpenetration stabilizes the lattice of 2, although it diminishes the porosity at the same time. The luminescence of 1 can be reversibly quenched and restored by the addition and removal of iodine.     

Solvothermal syntheses of [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS4)] (Ln = La, x = 0; Ln = Nd, x = 1) and [Ln(en)4]SbS4.0.5en (Ln = Eu, Dy, Yb): a systematic study on the formation and crystal structures of new lanthanide thioantimonates(V)

New lanthanide thioantimonate(V) compounds, [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS4)] (en = ethylenediamine, Ln = La, x = 0, Ia; Ln = Nd, x = 1, Ib) and [Ln(en)4]SbS4.0.5en (Ln = Eu, IIa; Dy, IIb; Yb, IIc), were synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions by reacting Ln2O3, Sb, and S in en at 140 degrees C. These compounds were classified as two types according to the molecular structures. The crystal structure of type I (Ia and Ib) consists of one-dimensional neutral [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS(4))]infinity (x = 0 or 1) chains, in which SbS4(3-) anions act as tridentate or bidentate bridging ligands to interlink [Ln(en)3]3+ ions, while the crystal structure of type II (IIa, IIb, and IIc) contains isolated [Ln(en)4]3+ cations, tetrahedral SbS4(3-) anions, and free en molecules. A systematic investigation of the crystal structures of the five lanthanide compounds, as well as two reported compounds, clarifies the relationship between the molecular structure and the entity of the lanthanide(III) series, such as the stability of the lanthanide(III)-en complexes, the coordination number, and the ionic radii of the metals.