Synthesis, crystal and magnetic structure of a novel brownmillerite-type compound Ca2Co1.6Ga0.4O5

The novel compound Ca₂Co_1.6Ga_0.4O₅ with brownmillerite (BM) structure has been prepared from citrates at 950 °C. The crystal structure of Ca₂Co_1.6Ga_0.4O₅ was refined, from neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data, in space group Pnma, , , , χ²=1.798, , R_wp=0.0378 and R_p=0.0292. On the basis of the NPD refinement the compound was found to be a G-type antiferromagnet (space group Pn^′m^′a) at room temperature, with the magnetic moments of cobalt atoms directed along chains of tetrahedra in the BM structure. Electron diffraction and electron microscopy studies revealed disorder in the crystallites, which can be interpreted as the presence of slabs with BM-type structure of Pnma and I2mb symmetry.     

Synthesis, structure, and physical properties of Ce2PdGa10

A new ternary compound, Ce₂PdGa₁₀, has been synthesized using Ga flux and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ce₂PdGa₁₀ adopts a tetragonal structure in the I₄/mmm space group and is isostructural to Ce₂NiGa₁₀. Lattice parameters are , , , and Z=2. The compound is metallic (dρ/dT>0), with the resistance decreasing roughly linearly with temperature from 300 to 175 K. The magnetic susceptibility of Ce₂PdGa₁₀ is consistent with local-moment paramagnetism and no long-range magnetic ordering occurs down to 2 K. A large positive magnetoresistance over 200% is observed at 2 K for fields of 9 T. In this paper, we present the structure and physical properties of Ce₂PdGa₁₀ and compared them to CePdGa₆.     

Crystal structure and vibrational properties of new luminescent hosts K3YF6 and K3GdF6

The luminescence hosts K₃YF₆ and K₃GdF₆ were obtained in a single-crystal form. Their crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Both crystals adopt monoclinic system with space group P2₁/n, Z=2. Lattice parameters for K₃YF₆ are refined to the following values , , , β=90.65(3) and for K₃GdF₆, , , β=90.80(3). The vibrational analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy at room temperature, was applied to these compounds in order to study the site symmetry of Y³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions.     

The thermodynamic dissociation constants of losartan, paracetamol, phenylephrine and quinine by the regression analysis of spectrophotometric data

The mixed dissociation constants of four drug acids - losartan, paracetamol, phenylephrine and quinine - at various ionic strengths I of range 0.01 and 1.0 and at temperatures of 25 and 37 °C were determined using SPECFIT32 and SQUAD(84) regression analysis of the pH-spectrophotometric titration data. A proposed strategy of efficient experimentation in a dissociation constants determination, followed by a computational strategy for the chemical model with a dissociation constants determination, is presented on the protonation equilibria of losartan. Indices of precise methods predict the correct number of components, and even the presence of minor ones when the data quality is high and the instrumental error is known. Improved identification of the number of species uses the second or third derivative function for some indices, namely when the number of species in the mixture is higher than 3 and when, due to large variations in the indicator values even at logarithmic scale, the indicator curve does not reach an obvious point where the slope changes. The thermodynamic dissociation constant was estimated by nonlinear regression of {pK_a, I} data at 25 and 37 °C: for losartan and 3.57(3), and 4.80(3), for paracetamol and 9.65(1), for phenylephrine and 8.95(1), and 10.22(1), for quinine and 4.12(1), and 8.46(2). Goodness-of-fit tests for various regression diagnostics enabled the reliability of the parameter estimates to be found.     

Large magnetoresistance in a ferromagnetic cobaltite: The 12H Ba0.9CoO2.6

The magnetic and transport properties of a hexagonal cobaltite related to the perovskite structure have been studied. By combining transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and iodometric titration, it is found that Ba_0.9CoO_2.6 crystallizes in the 12H structure [P6₃/mmc, a=5.6612 (1) Å and c=28.4627(8) Å]. Interestingly, this compound is a ferromagnet with a Curie temperature T_C=50 K and a saturation magnetization . This value is smaller than expected from the effective paramagnetic moment, μ_eff=3.7μ_B/Co, corresponding to an average spin per Co, from which one would expect . This suggests either a canted structure or a strong local magnetic anisotropy related to the crystal field of the CoO_n polyhedra. A clear transition in the electrical resistivity is found at T_C consistent with a spin scattering reduction as the sample becomes ferromagnetic. The spin-charge coupling is evidenced by the large negative magnetoresistance effect optimum near T_C=50 K, with .     

A novel inorganic-organic compound: Synthesis and structural characterization of tin(II) phenylbis(phosphonate), Sn2(PO3C6H4PO3)

A novel tin(II) phenylbis(phosphonate) compound has been synthesized hydrothermally and its structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c (no. 14), a=4.8094(4), b=16.2871(13), ; β=106.292(6)°, , Z=2. The three-dimensional structure consists of 3-coordinated tin and 4-coordinated phosphorus double layers separated (pillared) by phenyl rings. These phenyl rings are placed 4.8 Å apart along the a-axis in the structure resulting in lower surface area (∼14 m²/g). The porosity has been increased by replacing phenyl groups by methyl groups (∼31 m²/g).     

The composite structure of Cu2.33−xV4O11

The copper vanadium oxide bronze Cu_2.33−xV₄O₁₁ exhibits a three part composite structure refined on the basis of XRD low-temperature studies. It crystallizes in the triclinic system with the non-centric superspace group X1 and cell parameters ; ; ; α=90.0°; β=101.95(3)°; γ=90.0° with a modulation q-vector equal to (0,0.11,0). The three different parts of this composite structure differ by their b-unit cell repeat defined as b₁ ; () and (). These parts are respectively associated to the V₄O₁₁ substructure and to each of the two different copper sites. Such refinement allows us to describe the structure using only one and fully occupied crystallographic site for each of the Cu ions. The maximum composition (x=0) is then achieved. Bond valence sum calculations on the basis of such composite structure is in agreement with electronic structure calculation made using the average one and allows us to attribute the proper valence state to each Cu ions. Then, the calculated ratio appears, contrary to the average structure, in prefect agreement with the one deduced from XPS experiment.     

Synthesis and structure of three manganese oxalates: MnC2O4·2H2O, [C4H8(NH2)2][Mn2(C2O4)3] and Mn2(C2O4)(OH)2

Three manganese oxalates have been hydrothermally synthesized, and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. MnC₂O₄·2H₂O (I) is orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, , , , , Z=4, final R, R_w=0.0832, 0.1017 for 561 observed data (I>3σ(I)). The one-dimensional structure consists of chains of oxalate-bridged manganese centers. [C₄H₈(NH₂)₂][Mn₂(C₂O₄)₃] (II) is triclinic, , , , , α=81.489(2)°, β=81.045(2)°, γ=86.076(2)°, , Z=1, final R, R_w=0.0467, 0.0596 for 1773 observed data (I > 3σ (I)). The three-dimensional framework is constructed from seven coordinate manganese and oxalate anions. The material contains extra-framework diprotonated piperazine cations. Mn₂(C₂O₄)(OH)₂ (III) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, , , , β=91.10(3)°, , Z=1, final R₁, wR2=0.0710, 0.1378 for 268 observed data (I>2σ (I)). The structure is also three dimensional, with layers of MnO₆ octahedra pillared by oxalate anions. The hydroxide group is found bonded to three manganese centers resulting in a four coordinate oxygen.     

Crystal growth, characterization and physical properties of PrNiSb3, NdNiSb3 and SmNiSb3

The crystal structures of three new intermetallic ternary compounds in the LnNiSb₃ (Ln=Pr, Nd and Sm) family have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. PrNiSb₃, NdNiSb₃ and SmNiSb₃ all crystallize in an orthorhombic space group, Pbcm (No. 57), Z=12, with , , , and ; , , , and ; and , , , and , for Ln=Pr, Nd and Sm, respectively. These compounds consist of rare-earth atoms located above and below layers of nearly square, buckled Sb nets, along with layers of highly distorted edge- and face-sharing NiSb₆ octahedra. Resistivity data indicate metallic behavior for all three compounds. Magnetization measurements show antiferromagnetic behavior with (PrNiSb₃), 4.6 K (NdNiSb₃), and 2.9 K (SmNiSb₃). Effective moments of 3.62 μ_B, 3.90 μ_B and 0.80 μ_B are found for PrNiSb₃, NdNiSb₃ and SmNiSb₃, respectively, and are consistent with Pr³⁺ (f ²), Nd³⁺ (f ³), and Sm³⁺ (f ⁴).     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the phase transition of BaZr(PO4)2: Evidence for a trigonal structure of the high-temperature polymorph

We have studied the structural evolution of monoclinic BaZr(PO₄)₂ during heating up to 835 K by Raman spectroscopy. In agreement with previous studies we found a first-order phase transition at about 730 K during heating while upon cooling the reverse transition occurs at 705 K. However, some disagreement about the crystal structure of the high-temperature polymorph occurs in the literature. While the space group has not yet been determined, the X-ray diffraction pattern of the high-temperature phase has been indexed on either an orthorhombic or a hexagonal unit cell. We found that the number of Raman active internal PO₄ vibrational modes decrease from nine to six during the transition. A group theoretical survey through all orthorhombic, trigonal, and hexagonal factor groups revealed that the observed number of vibrations would only be consistent with the Ba and Zr atoms located at a site, the P and two O atoms at a C_3v(3m), and six O atoms at a C_s(m) site in the D_3d factor group. Based on our Raman data, the space group of the high-temperature polymorph is thus either , , or .     

Isomorphy of structural phase transitions in LiTaOSiO4, LiTaOGeO4 and titanite, CaTiOSiO4

Structural phase transitions in LiTaOGeO₄ (LTGO) and LiTaOSiO₄ (LTSO) have been observed using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and MAS NMR spectroscopy. LTGO transforms from P2₁/c to C2/c space group symmetry at , while the isomorphic transition occurs at in LTSO. An analogous phase transition is known to occur in the structurally related mineral titanite, CaTiOSiO₄. Spontaneous strain accompanying this phase transition in LTSO is significantly stronger than in titanite. As in titanite non-vanishing strain components are observable for T_c<T<T_i, with a similar ratio T_i/T_c. MAS NMR spectroscopy in combination with computation of the electric field gradient by first principle methods confirms that the tetrahedral Li coordination environment is retained during the phase transitions in LTGO and in LTSO. In LTSO substantial motional narrowing is observed, indicating increased mobility of the Li cation above . The narrowing of the spinning sidebands is significantly modified immediately above and below the critical temperature.     

Low-temperature flux syntheses and characterizations of two 1-D anhydrous borophosphates: Na3B6PO13 and Na3BP2O8

Two new anhydrous sodium borophosphates with one-dimensional structure, Na₃B₆PO₁₃(1) and Na₃BP₂O₈(2), were synthesized by low-temperature molten salts techniques using boric acid and sodium dihydrogen phosphate as flux, respectively. The crystal structures were solved by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (1, orthorhombic, Pnma (no. 62), , , , Z=4; 2 , monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), , , , β=92.492(5)°, Z=8). Compound 1 is characterized by an infinite chain of containing eight-membered rings in which all vertexes of borate groups contribute to interconnection. Compound 2 reveals an infinite straight chain built of vertex-sharing four-membered rings, and chains in neighboring layers arranged along different orientations. The relations between structures and the synthetic conditions with only traced water are discussed.     

Reactions of pyridyl donors with halogens and interhalogens: an X-ray diffraction and FT-Raman investigation

Three different N-donors L, namely N-ethyl-N′-3-pyridyl-imidazolidine-4,5-dione-2-thione (1), N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-imidazolidine-4,5-dione-2-thione (2), and tetra-2-pyridyl-pyrazine (3), bearing one, two and four pyridyl substituents, respectively, have been reacted with halogens X₂ (X = Br, I) or interhalogens XY (X = I; Y = Cl, Br). CT σ-adducts L · nXY, bearing linear N?XY moieties (L = 3; X = I; Y = Br, I; n = 2), and salts containing the protonated cationic donors H_nLⁿ⁺ (L = 1 − 3; n = 1, 2, 4), counterbalanced by Cl⁻, Br⁻, , , , , I₂Br⁻, , or anions, have been isolated. Among the reactions products, (H1⁺)Cl⁻, (H1⁺)Br⁻, , , and 3 · 2IBr have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The nature of the products has been elucidated based on elemental analysis and FT-Raman spectroscopy supported by MP2 and DFT calculations.     

Structural characterization and ferroelectric ordering in (C3N2H5)5Sb2Br11

A ferroelectric crystal (C₃N₂H₅)₅Sb₂Br₁₁ has been synthesized. The single crystal X-ray diffraction studies (at 300, 155, 138 and 121 K) show that it is built up of discrete corner-sharing bioctahedra and highly disordered imidazolium cations. The room temperature crystal structure has been determined as monoclinic, space group, P2₁/n with: , and and β=96.19^°. The crystal undergoes three solid-solid phase transitions: ) discontinuous, continuous and discontinuous. The dielectric and pyroelectric measurements allow us to characterize the low temperature phases III and IV as ferroelectric with the Curie point at 145 K and the saturated spontaneous polarization value of the order of along the a-axis (135 K). The ferroelectric phase transition mechanism at 145 K is due to the dynamics of imidazolium cations.     

The disordered structures and low temperature dielectric relaxation properties of two misplaced-displacive cubic pyrochlores found in the Bi2O3-MO-Nb2O5 (M=Mg, Ni) systems

The disordered structures and low temperature dielectric relaxation properties of Bi_1.667Mg_0.70Nb_1.52O₇ (BMN) and Bi_1.67Ni_0.75Nb_1.50O₇ (BNN) misplaced-displacive cubic pyrochlores found in the Bi₂O₃-M^IIO-Nb₂O₅ (M=Mg, Ni) systems are reported. As for other recently reported Bi-pyrochlores, the metal ion vacancies are found to be confined to the pyrochlore A site. The B₂O₆ octahedral sub-structure is found to be fully occupied and well-ordered. Considerable displacive disorder, however, is found associated with the O′A₂ tetrahedral sub-structure in both cases. The A-site ions were displaced from Wyckoff position 16d (, , ) to 96 h (, , ) while the O′ oxygen was shifted from position 8b (, , ) to Wyckoff position 32e (, , ). The refined displacement magnitudes off the 16d and 8b sites for the A and O′ sites were 0.408 Å/0.423 Å and 0.350 Å/0.369 Å for BMN/BNN, respectively.