[Zn(H2PO4)4] clusters and ∞[Zn2(HPO4)3(H2PO4)2] layers in two new zinc phosphates templated by [H2(4-amino-2.2.6.6-tetramethylpiperidine)] cations

Two zinc phosphates (ZnPO), [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]·[Zn(H₂PO₄)₄] (I) and [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]₂·[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]·H₂O (II), are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using 4-amino-2.2.6.6-tetramethylpiperidine as organic template. I crystallizes in space group with , , , α=92.57(1)°, β=89.76(1)°, γ=102.16(2)°, and Z=2. Its structure, refined to R=0.029 and R_w=0.076 for 4279 independent reflections, consists of [Zn(H₂PO₄)₄]²⁻ clusters held together through strong hydrogen bonds to form pseudo-layers between which the doubly protonated amine molecules are inserted. II is monoclinic, C2, with , , , β=103.72(5)°, and Z=4 (R=0.079, R_w=0.268, 2477 independent reflections). The structure of II consists of _∞[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]⁴⁻ inorganic (2D) layers built up from vertex-sharing [ZnO₄] and [(H₂/H)PO₄] tetrahedra. Organic cations and water molecules ensure the connection between these layers via hydrogen bonds. It is shown that numerous (1D), (2D), e.g., [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]₂·[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]·H₂O, and (3D) (ZnPO) result from the condensation of the [Zn(H₂PO₄)₄]²⁻ clusters.     

Crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mixed-valence iron phosphate Na1/2Cu4/3Fe2(PO4)3

Single crystals of a new mixed-valent iron phosphate Na_1/2Cu_4/3Fe₂(PO₄)₃ have been synthesized by a flux method and structurally characterized from X-ray diffraction data. Crystal data: space group ; ; ; ; α=105.881(1)°; β=107.202(1)°; γ=101.467(1)°; Z=2; R₁=0.03; wR₂=0.093. The three-dimensional structure was found to be closely related to that of the well known Howardevansite structural type. It results from infinite chains of CuO₅ and FeO₆ polyhedra, joined together by (Cu,□)O₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra by corner-sharing. The large cavities in framework are occupied by Na⁺ ions. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behavior with Neel temperature of approximately 40 K. The Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of iron in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and vibrational spectra characterization of MLa(PO3)4 (M=Na, Ag)

The single crystals of lanthanum metaphosphate MLa(PO₃)₄ (M=Na, Ag) have been synthesized and studied by a combination of X-ray crystal diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. The sodium and silver compounds crystallize in the same monoclinic P2₁/n space group ( factor group) with the following respective unit cell dimensions: a=7.255(2), b=13.186(3), , β=90.40(2)°, , Z=4 and a=7.300(5), b=13.211(9), , β=90.47(4)°, , Z=4. This three-dimensional framework is built of twisted zig-zag chains running along a direction and made up of PO₄ tetrahedra sharing two corners, connected to the LaO₈ and NaO₇ or AgO₇ polyhedra by common oxygen atoms to the chains. The infrared and Raman vibrational spectra have been investigated. A group factor analysis leads to the determination of internal modes of (PO₃)⁻ anion in the phosphate chain.     

Synthesis and characteristics of a new three-dimensional molybdoantimonate Na4Sb12Mo5O35

A novel three-dimensional compound of Na₄Sb₁₂Mo₅O₃₅ has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the triclinic system space group with , , , α=94.59(3)°, β=112.68(3)°, γ=92.97(3)°, , Z=2, R₁=0.0275, wR₂=0.0984 for 7364 unique reflections with I>2σ(I). The molecular structure is built up of Mo₆O₂₁, MoO₄ units, and cage-like units that contain 12 Sb atoms. IR, UV-Vis DRIS (Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflection Integral Spectrum), fluorescent spectra, and the thermogravimetric analysis of this compound were investigated.     

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).     

Synthesis, structure, band gap, and electronic structure of CsAgSb4S7

The compound CsAgSb₄S₇ has been synthesized by the reaction of the elements in a Cs₂S₃ flux at 773 K. The compound crystallizes in a new structure type with eight formula units in space group C2/c of the monoclinic system in a cell at 153 K of dimensions , , , β=97.650(1)°, and . The structure contains two-dimensional layers separated by Cs atoms. Each layer is built from edge-sharing one-dimensional and chains. Each Ag atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to four S atoms. Each Sb³⁺ center is pyramidally coordinated to three S atoms to form an SbS₃ group. CsAgSb₄S₇ is insulating with an optical band gap of 2.04 eV. Extended Hückel calculations indicate that the band gap in CsAgSb₄S₇ is dominated by the Sb 5s and S 3p states above and below the Fermi level.     

Structural and conductivity studies of CsKSO4Te(OH)6 and Rb1.25K0.75SO4Te(OH)6 materials

The crystal structures of the title compounds were solved using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. At room temperature CsKSO₄Te(OH)₆ was found to crystallize in the monoclinic system with Pn space group and lattice parameters: ; ; ; β=106.53(2)°; ; Z=4 and . The structural refinement has led to a reliability factor of R₁=0.0284 (wR₂=0.064) for 7577 independent reflections. Rb_1.25K_0.75SO₄Te(OH)₆ material possesses a monoclinic structure with space group P2₁/a and cell parameters: ; ; ; β=106.860(10)°; ; Z=4 and . The residuals are R₁=0.0297 and wR₂=0.0776 for 3336 independent reflections. The main interest of these structures is the presence of two different and independent anionic groups (TeO₆⁶⁻ and SO₄²⁻) in the same crystal.Complex impedance measurements (Z^*=Z^′—iZ^″) have been undertaken in the frequency and temperature ranges 20-10⁶ Hz and 400-600 K, respectively. The dielectric relaxation is studied in the complex modulus formalism M^*.     

Synthesis and characterization of the rare-earth dicyanamides Ln[N(CN)2]3 with Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu

The rare-earth dicyanamides Ln[N(CN)₂]₃ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) were obtained via ion exchange in aqueous medium and subsequent drying: The crystal structures were solved and refined based on X-ray powder diffraction data and they were found to be isotypic: Ln[N(CN)₂]₃; Cmcm (no. 63), Z=4, Ln=La: , , ; Ce: , , ; Pr: , , ; Nd: , , ; Sm: , , ; Eu: , , ). The compounds represent the first dicyanamides with trivalent cations. The Ln³⁺ ions are coordinated by three bridging N atoms and six terminal N atoms of the dicyanamide ions forming a three capped trigonal prism. The structure type is related to that of PuBr₃. The novel compounds Ln[N(CN)₂]₃ have been characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy (Ln=La) and the thermal behavior has been monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (Ln=Ce, Nd, Eu).     

Extension of the La7Mo7O30 structural type with La7Nb3W4O30 and La7Ta3W4O30 compounds

Two compounds of formula La₇A₃W₄O₃₀ (with A=Nb and Ta) were prepared by solid-state reaction at 1450 and 1490 °C. They crystallize in the rhombohedric space group R-3 (No. 148), with the hexagonal parameters: , and , . The structure of the materials was analyzed from X-ray, neutron and electronic diffraction. These oxides are isostructural of the reduced molybdenum compound La₇Mo₇O₃₀, which are formed of perovskite rod along [111]. An order between (Nb, Ta) and W is observed.     

Zn3(HPO3)4·Zn(H2O)6: a purely inorganic open-framework zincophosphite with octahedral zinc complex [Zn(H2O)6] encapsulating in the channels

The hydrothermal synthesis and single crystal structure of Zn₃(HPO₃)₄·Zn(H₂O)₆ are reported. The structure is built-up from vertex linking ZnO₄ tetrahedral and HPO₃ pseudo-pyramids units, giving rise to a three-dimensional framework with large 8, 16-membered ring channels. The zincophosphite is purly inorganic with the octahedral zinc complex filled in the channel. The synthesis of system required the presence of the organic amine which is not incorporated into the structure of the product. The framework-metal complex encapsulating in the channel is the first time appeared in open-framework zincophospates and zincophosphites. Crystal data: Zn₃(HPO₃)₄·Zn(H₂O)₆, M=689.52, orthorhombic, Fddd (No. 70), , , , , Z=8, , , R=0.0265, R_w=0.0406.     

Preparation, crystal structure and chemical bonding analysis of the new binary compounds Rh4Ga21 and Rh3Ga16

The two new binary compounds Rh₄Ga₂₁ (space group Cmca (Cmce), , , , Pearson symbol oC136) and Rh₃Ga₁₆ (space group Ccca (Ccce), , , , Pearson symbol oC76) were synthesised and their crystal structures were solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. From a topological point of view, both these two crystal structures and the crystal structure of PdGa₅ can be described either as inhomogeneous intergrowth structures containing three different kinds of segments, or as built up by layers of capped square antiprisms condensed via their capping atoms. Bonding analysis with bonding indicators revealed that the crystal structures of Rh₄Ga₂₁ and Rh₃Ga₁₆ have to be considered as framework polyanions formed by covalently bonded gallium atoms with embedded rhodium cations.     

Syntheses and structures of Li3ScF6 and high pressure LiScF4−, luminescence properties of LiScF4, a new phase in the system LiF-ScF3

Colorless single crystals of Li₃ScF₆ have been prepared by reacting the binary components LiF and ScF₃ at 820 °C for 16 h in argon atmosphere. This complex fluoride is the only stable phase in the system LiF-ScF₃ under ambient pressure. According to a structure refinement based on single crystal X-ray diffraction data it crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group with and . The new structure of Li₃ScF₆ is a filled variant of the Na₂GeF₆ type structure and can be described in terms of a hexagonal close packing of fluorine in which 2/3 of the octahedral holes are occupied by Sc and Li.High pressure/high temperature studies of the system LiF-ScF₃ show that the new phase LiScF₄ is formed at around 5.5 GPa and 575 °C. According to Rietveld refinements of powder X-ray diffraction data LiScF₄ adopts the Scheelite type structure (space group I4₁/a) with and . A sample of LiScF₄ doped with 1% Er exhibits an intense luminescence in the far IR region.     

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of a new one-dimensional tellurite phosphate, Ba2TeO(PO4)2

A new one-dimensional tellurite phosphate, Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ has been synthesized by standard solid-state reaction techniques using BaCO₃, TeO₂, and (NH₄)H₂PO₄ as reagents. The structure of Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 (No. 2), with , , , α=76.843(4)°, β=79.933(4)°, γ=75.688(4)°, , and Z=2. Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ has a novel one-dimensional chain structure that is composed of PO₄ tetrahedra and TeO₅ polyhedra. Te⁴⁺ cations are in asymmetric coordination environments attributable to their lone pairs. The lone pairs on the Te⁴⁺ cations point in the [100] and [−100] direction and interact with the Ba²⁺ cations. Infrared, Raman, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dipole moment calculations are also presented.     

[Zn2(HPO3)2(H2PO3)][C3H5N2] and [Zn2(HPO3)3][C4H7N2]2·2H2O: Two new layered zinc phosphites with double 12-membered rings templated by imidazole and 2-methylimidazole

Two new zinc phosphites [Zn₂(HPO₃)₂(H₂PO₃)][C₃H₅N₂] 1 and [Zn₂(HPO₃)₃][C₄H₇N₂]₂·2H₂O 2 have been hydrothermally synthesized templated by imidazole and 2-methylimidazole. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the two compounds have the similar inorganic framework structures, which both exhibit 2D double layer structures with double 12-membered rings. Due to the different space-filling effect of the guest molecules, the stacking mode of adjacent layers and the arrangement mode of the organic amines are distinct. In 1, the adjacent layers are stacked in an -ABAB- sequence and monoprotonated imidazole molecules sit in the middle of 12MR windows, while in 2, the layers are stacked in an -AAAA- pattern. Monoprotonated 2-methylimidazole molecules occupy two different sites, one inserts into 12MR and the other resides in the interlayer region. Crystal data for 1: triclinic, P-1, , , , α=114.71(3)°, β=92.78(3)°, γ=113.04(3)°, , Z=2; for 2: triclinic, P-1, , , , α=68.244(7)°, β=76.143(7)°, γ=63.113(6)°, , Z=2.     

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 actual structure of K6(VO)2(V2O3)2(PO4)4(P2O7): Ordered distribution of P2O7 groups and charge ordering of vanadium

The actual structure of the vanadium phosphate K₆(VO)₂(V₂O₃)₂(PO₄)₄(P₂O₇) has been determined, using a much larger single crystal than previously used for the isostructural Rb-phase. The actual supercell is four times larger than the corresponding orthorhombic subcell with , , , α=β=γ=90°. The structure resolution, performed in the triclinic space group C-1, shows that the P₂O₇ groups alone are responsible for the superstructure, all the other atoms keeping the atomic positions of the orthorhombic subcell. This structural study shows a perfect ordering of the P₂O₇ groups in the actual structure, in contrast to the results obtained from the subcell. Concomitantly, the V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺ are found to be ordered in the form of [110] stripes.     

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.