Two new titanium molybdenum arsenides: Ti2MoAs2 and Ti3MoAs3, ternary substitution variants of V3As2 and β-V4As3

The title compounds were prepared by arc-melting pre-annealed mixtures of Ti, Mo, and As. Both Ti₂MoAs₂ and Ti₃MoAs₃ adopt structures formed by the corresponding binary vanadium arsenides, V₃As₂ and β-V₄As₃. Ti₂MoAs₂ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/m, with a=9.706(4) Å, c=3.451(2) Å, V=325.1(3) Å³ (Z=4), and Ti₃MoAs₃ in the monoclinic space group C2/m, with a=14.107(3) Å, b=3.5148(7) Å, c=9.522(2) Å, β=100.66(3)°, V=464.0(2) Å³ (Z=4). In both cases, the metal atoms form infinite chains of trans edge-condensed octahedra, and the As atoms are located in (capped) trigonal prismatic voids. While most metal atom sites exhibit mixed Ti/Mo occupancies, the Mo atoms prefer the sites with more metal atom and fewer As atom neighbors. Ti₂MoAs₂ and Ti₃MoAs₃ are metallic entropy-stabilized materials that decompose upon annealing at intermediate temperatures.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, infrared and Raman spectra of Sr4Cu3(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)4·3H2O and Ba2Cu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)3

The two new compounds, Sr₄Cu₃(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃OH)₄·3H₂O (1) and Ba₂Cu₄(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃OH)₃(2), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They represent previously unknown structure types and are the first compounds synthesized in the systems SrO/BaO-CuO-As₂O₅-H₂O. Their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction [space group C2/c, a=18.536(4) Å, b=5.179(1) Å, c=24.898(5) Å, β=93.67(3)°, V=2344.0(8) Å³, Z=4 for 1; space group P4₂/n, a=7.775(1) Å, c=13.698(3) Å, V=828.1(2) Å³, Z=2 for 2]. The crystal structure of 1 is related to a group of compounds formed by Cu²⁺-(XO₄)³⁻ layers (X=P⁵⁺, As⁵⁺) linked by M cations (M=alkali, alkaline earth, Pb²⁺, or Ag⁺) and partly by hydrogen bonds. In 1, worth mentioning is the very short hydrogen bond length, D···A=2.477(3) Å. It is one of the examples of extremely short hydrogen bonds, where the donor and acceptor are crystallographically different. Compound 2 represents a layered structure consisting of Cu₂O₈ centrosymmetric dimers crosslinked by As1φ₄ tetrahedra, where φ is O or OH, which are interconnected by Ba, As2 and hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional network. The layers are formed by Cu₂O₈ centrosymmetric dimers of CuO₅ edge-sharing polyhedra, crosslinked by As1O₄ tetrahedra. Vibrational spectra (FTIR and Raman) of both compounds are described. The spectroscopic manifestation of the very short hydrogen bond in 1, and ABC-like spectra in 2 were discussed.     

Synthesis and structural investigation of the compounds containing HF2 anions: Ca(HF2)2, Ba4F4(HF2)(PF6)3 and Pb2F2(HF2)(PF6)

Three new compounds Ca(HF₂)₂, Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) were obtained in the system metal(II) fluoride and anhydrous HF (aHF) acidified with excessive PF₅. The obtained polymeric solids are slightly soluble in aHF and they crystallize out of their aHF solutions. Ca(HF₂)₂ was prepared by simply dissolving CaF₂ in a neutral aHF. It represents the second known compound with homoleptic HF environment of the central atom besides Ba(H₃F₄)₂. The compounds Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) represent two additional examples of the formation of a polymeric zigzag ladder or ribbon composed of metal cation and fluoride anion (MF⁺)_n besides PbF(AsF₆), the first isolated compound with such zigzag ladder. The obtained new compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction method and partly by Raman spectroscopy. Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=4.5870(2) Å, b=8.8327(3) Å, c=11.2489(3) Å, α=67.758(9)°, β=84.722(12), γ=78.283(12)°, V=413.00(3) Å³ at 200 K, Z=1 and R=0.0588. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 200 K: space group P1¯, a=4.5722(19) Å, b=4.763(2) Å, c=8.818(4) Å, α=86.967(10)°, β=76.774(10)°, γ=83.230(12)°, V=185.55(14) ų, Z=1 and R=0.0937. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 293 K: space group P1¯, a=4.586(2) Å, b=4.781(3) Å, c=8.831(5) Å, α=87.106(13)°, β=76.830(13)°, γ=83.531(11)°, V=187.27(18) Å³, Z=1 and R=0.072. Ca(HF₂)₂ crystallizes in an orthorhombic Fddd space group with a=5.5709(6) Å, b=10.1111(9) Å, c=10.5945(10) Å, V=596.77(10) Å³ at 200 K, Z=8 and R=0.028.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of two tin fluoride materials: NaSnF3 (BING-12) and Sn3F3PO4

A new compound, sodium tin trifluoride (NaSnF₃, which we denote BING-12 for SUNY at Binghamton, Structure No. 12), was synthesized solvothermally from a pyridine-water solvent system. The new compound crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15), with a=11.7429(12) Å, b=17.0104(18) Å, c=6.8528(7) Å, β=100.6969(2)°, V=1345.1(2) Å³ and Z=16. The layered structure consists of outer pyramidal SnF₃ units, where the fluorides surround a central layer of six- and seven-coordinate sodium atoms. The layers are stabilized by charged Na⁺ galleries that reside in the center of the layers. Tin trifluorophosphate (Sn₃F₃PO₄, Compound 2) was isolated from a related synthetic system, and crystallized in the rhombohedral space group R3 (No. 146), with a=11.8647(11) Å, c=4.6291(6) Å, V=564.34(10) Å³ and Z=3. The framework is made up of helical -Sn-F- chains, which are connected by phosphate groups. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), variable temperature PXRD (VT-PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF4)(PF6), Ba(BF4)(AsF6) and Ba2(BF4)2(AsF6)(H3F4); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF4 and octahedral AF6 anions

In the system BaF₂/BF₃/PF₅/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) crystallizes in a hexagonal space group with a=10.2251(4) Å, c=6.1535(4) Å, V=557.17(5) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻ anions. In the analogous system with AsF₅ instead of PF₅ the compound Ba(BF₄)(AsF₆) was isolated and characterized. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) Å, b=6.325(3) Å, c=11.8297(17) Å, V=779.3(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF₆⁻ and four F atoms from BF₄⁻ anions. When the system BaF₂/BF₃/AsF₅/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF₂, the compound Ba₂(BF₄)₂(AsF₆)(H₃F₄) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6₃/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) Å, c=17.327(8) Å, V=708.4(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF₄⁻, three AsF₆⁻ and three H₃F₄⁻ anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H₃F₄ moiety, act as μ₂-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network.     

High-pressure high-temperature synthesis and crystal structure of the isotypic rare earth (RE)-thioborate-sulfides RE9[BS3]2[BS4]3S3, (RE=Dy-Lu)

Application of high-pressure high-temperature conditions (3.5 GPa at 1673 K for 5 h) to mixtures of the elements (RE:B:S=1:3:6) yielded crystalline samples of the isotypic rare earth-thioborate-sulfides RE₉[BS₃]₂[BS₄]₃S₃, (RE=Dy-Lu), which crystallize in space group P6₃ (Z=2/3) and adopt the Ce₆Al_3.33S₁₄ structure type. The crystal structures were refined from X-ray powder diffraction data by applying the Rietveld method. Dy: a=9.4044(2) Å, c=5.8855(3) Å; Ho: a=9.3703(1) Å, c=5.8826(1) Å; Er: a=9.3279(12) Å, c=5.8793(8) Å; Tm: a=9.2869(3) Å, c=5.8781(3) Å; Yb: a=9.2514(5) Å, c=5.8805(6) Å; Lu: a=9.2162(3) Å, c=5.8911(3) Å. The crystal structure is characterized by the presence of two isolated complex ions [BS₃]^3- and [BS₄]^5- as well as [□(S^2-)₃] units.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of (H3N(CH2)4NH3)[V6O14]

A new layered vanadium oxide [H₃N(CH₂)₄NH₃](V₆O₁₄) was synthesized hydrothermally under autogenous pressure at 180°C for 48 h from a mixture of H₂N(CH₂)₄NH₂ and V₂O₅ in aqueous solution. Its structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature with final R=0.0774 and R_w=0.0893. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁/n with a=9.74(2) Å, b=6.776(5) Å, c=12.60(2) Å, β=96.1(1)°, V=827(2) ų and Z=2). This compound contains mixed-valence V⁵⁺/V⁴⁺ vanadium oxide layers built from [V^VO₄] tetrahedra and pairs of edge-sharing [V^IVO₅] square pyramids with protonated organic amines occupying the interlayer space.     

High-pressure synthesis and structural characterization of three new polyphosphides, α-SrP3, BaP8, and LaP5

Three novel metal polyphosphides, α-SrP₃, BaP₈, and LaP₅, were prepared in BN crucibles by the reaction of the respective stoichiometric mixtures under a high pressure of 3 GPa at 950-1000°C. Their crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray data (α-SrP₃: space group C2/m, a=9.199(6) Å, b=7.288(3) Å, c=5.690(3) Å, β=113.45(4)°, Z=4, R₁/wR₂=0.0684/0.1180 for 471 observed reflections and 22 variables; BaP₈: space group P−1, a=6.762(2) Å, b=7.233(2) Å, c=8.567(2) Å, α=86.32(2)°, β=84.31(2)°, γ=70.40(2)°, Z=2, R₁/wR₂=0.0476/0.1255 for 2702 observed reflections and 82 variables; LaP₅: space group P2₁/m, a=4.885(1) Å, b=9.673(3) Å, c=5.577(2) Å, β=105.32(2)°, Z=2, R₁/wR₂=0.0391/0.1034 for 1272 observed reflections and 31 variables). α-SrP₃ is isostructural with SrAs₃ and the crystal structure consists of two-dimensional puckered polyanionic layers _∞²[P₃]²⁻ that stack along the c-axis yielding channels occupied by Sr²⁺ counterions. BaP₈ crystallizes in a new structure type which contains a three-dimensional infinite polyanionic framework _∞³[P₃]²⁻, with large channels hosting the barium cations. LaP₅ is a layered compound containing _∞²[P₅]³⁻ polyanionic layers separated by La³⁺ ions. All three compounds exhibit expected diamagnetic behaviors.     

Ga3(HPO3)4F4(H3DETA) (DETA=diethylenetriamine): A new open-framework fluorinated gallium phosphite with pentameric building unit

Ga₃(HPO₃)₄F₄(H₃DETA) is a new open-framework fluorinated gallium phosphite obtained by mild hydrothermal synthesis using diethylenetriamine as templated agent and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, the powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, TGA, ICP and elemental analyses. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a=12.741(6) Å, b=12.068(6) Å, c=11.988(5) Å, β=94.902(8)^o, V=1836.6(15) Å³, Z=4. The construction of 3D open-framework structure in the title compound may be viewed as the assembly of pentameric building units and HPO₃ groups. The pentameric building unit is the first to be found, which lead to form the three types of channels along a-, b- and c-axes, respectively, in gallium phosphite. The triprotonated DETA cations are inserted within the 10-membered ring channels and interact with anions of the framework via hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of a new 3D iron phosphite: |C4N3H14|[Fe3(HPO3)4F2(H2O)2] with intersecting channels

A new open-framework iron (III) phosphite |C₄N₃H₁₄|[Fe₃(HPO₃)₄F₂(H₂O)₂] has been solvothermally synthesized by using diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the structure-directing agent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c having unit cell parameters a=12.877(3) Å, b=12.170(2) Å, c=12.159(2) Å, β=93.99(3)°, V=1900.9(7) Å³, and Z=4 with R₁=0.0447, wR₂=0.0958. The complex structure consists of HPO₃ pseudo-tetrahedra and {Fe₃O₁₄F₂} trimer building units. The assembly of these building units generates 3D inorganic framework with intersecting 6-, 8-, and 10-ring channels. The DETA cations are located in the 10-ring channels linked by hydrogen bonds. The Mössbauer spectrum shows that there exhibit two crystallographically independent iron (III) atoms. And the magnetic investigation shows the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Further characterization of the title compound was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and elemental analyses.     

The synthesis and characterization of a new 3-D inorganic-organic hybrid framework porous material Zn3(bbdc)3(4,4′-bpy)·2(DMF)·4(H2O)

A new 3-D inorganic-organic hybrid framework microporous material Zn₃(bbdc)₃(4,4′-bpy)·2(DMF)·4(H₂O) (1), which is constructed by coordination of zinc ions with 4,4′-bibenzene-dicarboxylic acid (H₂bbdc) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy), was obtained at mild synthesis condition. Crystallographic data for the compound (1), C₅₈H₅₄N₄O₁₈Zn₃, orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, a=14. 532(3) Å, b=25.037(5) Å, c=18.184(4) Å, Z=4, V=6616(2) Å³.     

K2Li(NH2)3 and K2Na(NH2)3—synthesis and crystal structure of two crystal-chemically isotypic mixed-cationic amides

K₂Li(NH₂)₃ (1) was the only crystalline product obtained from the reaction of potassium with dilithium decahydro-closo-decaborate Li₂B₁₀H₁₀ in liquid ammonia at −38 °C. The compound crystallizes in the space group P4₂/m with Z=4, a=6.8720(5) Å, c=11.706(1) Å and V=552.81(7) Å³. The investigated crystal-chemically isotypic sodium compound K₂Na(NH₂)₃ (2) was merohedrally twinned and crystallized from a reaction mixture containing potassium and disodium decahydro-closo-decaborate Na₂B₁₀H₁₀ in liquid ammonia with a=7.0044(5) Å, c=12.362(1) Å and V=606.48(9) Å³. The compounds contain pairs of edge sharing tetraamidolithium or tetraamidosodium tetrahedra which are interconnected by potassium ions forming three-dimensional infinite networks.     

Yb3CoSn6 and Yb4Mn2Sn5: New polar intermetallics with 3D open-framework structures

Two new ternary ytterbium transition metal stannides, namely, Yb₃CoSn₆ and Yb₄Mn₂Sn₅, have been obtained by solid-state reactions of the corresponding pure elements in welded tantalum tubes at high temperature. Their crystal structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Yb₃CoSn₆ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (no. 63) with cell parameters of a=4.662(2), b=15.964(6), c=13.140(5) Å, V=978.0(6) Å³, and Z=4. Its structure features a three-dimensional (3D) open-framework composed of unusual [CoSn₃] layers interconnected by zigzag Sn chains, forming large tunnels along the c-axis which are occupied by the ytterbium cations. Yb₄Mn₂Sn₅ is monoclinic space group C2/m (no. 12) with cell parameters of a=16.937(2), b=4.5949(3), c=7.6489(7) Å, β=106.176(4)°, V=571.70(8) Å³, and Z=2. It belongs to the Mg₅Si₆ structure type and its anionic substructure is composed of parallel [Mn₂Sn₂] ladders interconnected by unusual zigzag [Sn₃] chains, forming large tunnels along the c-axis, which are filled by the ytterbium cations. Band structure calculations based on density function theory methods were also made for both compounds.     

A rare multi-coordinate tellurite, NH4ATe4O9·2H2O (ARb or Cs): The occurrence of TeO3, TeO4, and TeO5 Polyhedra in the same material

Two new tellurites, NH₄RbTe₄O₉·2H₂O and NH₄CsTe₄O₉·2H₂O have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds were synthesized hydrothermally, in near quantitative yields, using the alkali metal halide, TeO₂, and NH₄OH as reagents. The iso-structural materials exhibit layered, two-dimensional structural topologies consisting of TeO_x (x=3, 4, or 5) polyhedra separated by NH₄⁺, H₂O, Rb⁺ or Cs⁺ cations. Unique to these materials is the presence of TeO₃, TeO₄, and TeO₅ polyhedra. Thermogravimetric and infrared spectroscopic data are also presented. Crystal data: NH₄RbTe₄O₉·2H₂O: Monoclinic I2/a (no. 15), a=18.917(3) Å, b=6.7002(11) Å, c=21.106(5) Å, β=101.813(2)°, V=2618.5(9) Å³, Z=8; NH₄CsTe₄O₉·2H₂O: Monoclinic I2/a (no. 15), a=18.9880(12) Å, b=6.7633(4) Å, c=21.476(2) Å, β=102.3460(10)°, V=2694.2(3) Å³, Z=8.     

Tripotassium trichromium (III) tetraarsenate K3Cr3(ASO4)4: synthesis, structural study, IR spectroscopy characterization and ionic behavior

The potassium chromium (III) arsenate K₃Cr₃(AsO₄)₄ is prepared by solid state reaction at 900°C from a mixture of K₂CO₃, As₂O₃ and (NH₄)₂Cr₂O₇. It is structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the Cmca (no. 64) space group with a=10.671(1) Å, b=20.911(5) Å, c=6.500(3) Å, V=1450.4(8) Å³, Z=4, R(F²)=0.0424 and Rω(F²)=0.1199 for 846 reflections with F²>2σ(F²). The structure consists of CrO₆ octahedra and AsO₄ tetrahedra sharing corners and edges to form a two-dimensional framework. The K⁺(2) cations are located in the interlayer space. Conductivity measurement () shows that K₃Cr₃(AsO₄)₄ is a poor ionic conductor.     

Two new octahedral/pyramidal frameworks containing both cation channels and lone-pair channels: syntheses and structures of Ba2MnMn2(SeO3)6 and PbFe2(SeO3)4

The hydrothermal syntheses, single crystal structures, and some properties of Ba₂Mn^IIMn₂^III(SeO₃)₆ and PbFe₂(SeO₃)₄ are reported. These related phases contain three-dimensional frameworks of vertex (FeO₆) and vertex/edge linked (MnO₆) octahedra and SeO₃ pyramids. In each case, the MO₆/SeO₃ framework encloses two types of 8 ring channels, one of which encapsulates the extra-framework cations and one of which provides space for the Se^IV lone pairs. Crystal data: Ba₂Mn₃(SeO₃)₆, M_r=1201.22, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a=5.4717 (3) Å, b=9.0636 (4) Å, c=17.6586 (9) Å, β=94.519 (1)°, V=873.03 (8) Å³, Z=2, R(F)=0.031, wR(F²)=0.070; PbFe₂(SeO₃)₄, M_r=826.73, triclinic, (No. 2), a=5.2318 (5) Å, b=6.7925 (6) Å, c=7.6445 (7) Å, α=94.300 (2)°, β=90.613 (2)°, γ=95.224 (2)°, V=269.73 (4) Å³, Z=1, R(F)=0.051, wR(F²)=0.131.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of new uranyl tungstates M2(UO2)(W2O8) (M=Na, K), M2(UO2)2(WO5)O (M=K, Rb), and Na10(UO2)8(W5O20)O8

The solid-state reactions of UO₃ and WO₃ with M₂CO₃ (M=Na, K, Rb) at 650°C for 5 days result, accordingly the starting stoichiometry, in the formation of M₂(UO₂)(W₂O₈) (M=Na (1), K (2)), M₂(UO₂)₂(WO₅)O (M=K (3), Rb (4)), and Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈ (5). The crystal structures of compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Mo(Kα) radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structures were solved by direct methods and Fourier difference techniques, and refined by a least-squares method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections. For (1), unit-cell parameters were determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, a=12.736(4) Å, b=7.531(3) Å, c=8.493(3) Å, β=93.96(2)°, ρ_cal=6.62(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.64(1) g/cm³, Z=4; 2, orthorhombic, space group Pmcn, a=7.5884(16) Å, b=8.6157(18) Å, c=13.946(3) Å, ρ_cal=6.15(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.22(1) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.029 for 80 parameters with 1069 independent reflections; 3, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.083(4) Å, b=28.724(5) Å, c=9.012(4) Å, β=102.14(1)°, ρ_cal=5.83(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=5.90(2) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1471 reflections; 4, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.234(1) Å, b=28.740(3) Å, c=9.378(1) Å, β=104.59(1)°, ρ_cal=6.13(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1452 reflections; 5, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=24.359(5) Å, b=23.506(5) Å, c=6.8068(14) Å, β=94.85(3)°, ρ_cal=6.42(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.036 for 306 parameters with 5190 independent reflections. The crystal structure of 2 contains linear one-dimensional chains formed from edge-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids connected by two octahedra wide (W₂O₈) ribbons formed from two edge-sharing WO₆ octahedra connected together by corners. This arrangement leads to [UW₂O₁₀]²⁻ corrugated layers parallel to (001). Owing to the unit-cell parameters, compound 1 probably contains similar sheets parallel to (100). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and the structure consists of bi-dimensional networks built from the edge- and corner-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. This arrangement creates square sites occupied by W atoms, a fifth oxygen atom completes the coordination of W atoms to form WO₅ distorted square pyramids. The interspaces between the resulting [U₂WO₁₀]²⁻ layers parallel to plane are occupied by K or Rb atoms. The crystal structure of compound 5 is particularly original. It is based upon layers formed from UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and two edge-shared octahedra units, W₂O₁₀, by the sharing of edges and corners. Two successive layers stacked along the [100] direction are pillared by WO₄ tetrahedra resulting in sheets of double layers. The sheets are separated by Na⁺ ions. The other Na⁺ ions occupy the rectangular tunnels created within the sheets. In fact complex anions W₅O₂₀¹⁰⁻ are built by the sharing of the four corners of a WO₄ tetrahedron with two W₂O₁₀ dimmers, so, the formula of compound 5 can be written Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Co2TeO3Cl2 and Co2TeO3Br2

The crystal structures of the two new synthetic compounds Co₂TeO₃Cl₂ and Co₂TeO₃Br₂ are described together with their magnetic properties. Co₂TeO₃Cl₂ crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m with unit cell parameters a=5.0472(6) Å, b=6.6325(9) Å, c=8.3452(10) Å, β=105.43(1)°, Z=2. Co₂TeO₃Br₂ crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pccn with unit cell parameters a=10.5180(7) Å, b=15.8629(9) Å, c=7.7732(5) Å, Z=8. The crystal structures were solved from single crystal data, R=0.0328 and 0.0412, respectively. Both compounds are layered with only weak interactions in between the layers. The compound Co₂TeO₃Cl₂ has [CoO₄Cl₂] and [CoO₃Cl₃] octahedra while Co₂TeO₃Br₂ has [CoO₂Br₂] tetrahedra and [CoO₄Br₂] octahedra. The Te(IV) atoms are tetrahedrally [TeO₃E] coordinated in both compounds taking the 5s² lone electron pair E into account. The magnetic properties of the compounds are characterized predominantly by long-range antiferromagnetic ordering below 30 K.     

The study of Bi3B5O12: synthesis, crystal structure and thermal expansion of oxoborate Bi3B5O12

The paper presents a new data on the crystal structure, thermal expansion and IR spectra of Bi₃B₅O₁₂. The Bi₃B₅O₁₂ single crystals were grown from the melt of the same stoichiometry by Czochralski technique. The crystal structure of Bi₃B₅O₁₂ was refined in anisotropic approximation using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It is orthorhombic, Pnma, a=6.530(4), b=7.726(5), c=18.578(5) Å, V=937.2(5) Å³, Z=4, R=3.45%. Bi³⁺ atoms have irregular coordination polyhedra, Bi(1)O₆ (d(B-O)=2.09-2.75 Å) and Bi(2)O₇ (d(B-O)=2.108-2.804 Å). Taking into account the shortest bonds only, these polyhedra are considered here as trigonal Bi(1)O₃ (2.09-2.20 Å) and tetragonal Bi(2)O₄ (2.108-2.331 Å) irregular pyramids with Bi atoms in the tops of both pyramids. The BiO₄ polyhedra form zigzag chains along b-axis. These chains alternate with isolated anions [B₂^IVB₃^IIIO₁₁]⁷⁻ through the common oxygen atoms to form thick layers extended in ab plane. A perfect cleavage of the compound corresponds to these layers and an imperfect one is parallel to the Bi-O chains. The Bi₃B₅O₁₂ thermal expansion is sharply anisotropic (α₁₁≈α₂₂=12, α₃₃=3×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹) likely due to a straightening of the flexible zigzag chains along b-axis and decreasing of their zigzag along c-axis. Thus the properties like cleavage and thermal expansion correlate to these chains.     

Structure of two new borates YCa3(AlO)3(BO3)4 and YCa3(GaO)3(BO3)4

By replacing Mn in YCa₃(MnO)₃(BO₃)₄ with trivalent Al and Ga, two new borates with the compositions of YCa₃(MO)₃(BO₃)₄ (M=Al, Ga) were prepared by solid-state reaction. Structure refinements from X-ray powder diffraction data revealed that both of them are isostructural to gaudefroyite with a hexagonal space group P6₃/m. Cell parameters of a=10.38775(13)Å, c=5.69198(10)Å for the Al-containing compound and a=10.5167(3)Å, c=5.8146(2)Å for the Ga analog were obtained from the refinements. The structure is constituted of AlO₆ or GaO₆ octahedral chains interconnected by BO₃ groups in the ab plane to form a Kagomé-type lattice, leaving trigonal and apatite-like tunnels. It is found that most rare-earth and Cr, Mn ions can be substituted into the Y³⁺ and M³⁺ sites, respectively, and the preference of rare-earth ions to locate in the trigonal tunnel is correlated to the sizes of the M³⁺ ions.