Synthesis and crystal structure of Na<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>3</Subscript>O)[UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SeO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>· H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Single crystals of the compound Na₃(H₃O)[UO₂(SeO₃)₂]₂ · H₂O (I) have been synthesized, and their structure has been investigated using X-ray diffraction. Compound I crystallizes in the triclinic system with the unit cell parameters a = 9.543(6)Å, b = 9.602(7)Å, c = 11.742(8)Å, α = 66.693(16)°, β = 84.10(2)°, γ = 63.686(14)°, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 2, and R = 0.0734. The uranium-containing structural units of the crystals are [UO₂(SeO₃)₂]^2? chains, which belong to the crystal-chemical group AB ² B ¹¹ (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , B ² = SeO ₃ ^2? , B ¹¹ = SeO ₃ ^2? ) of the uranyl complexes. The structures of the compounds containing the [UO₂(SeO₃)₂]^2? anionic complexes are compared.     

Crystal structure of the solid solution NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>Al<Subscript>0.62</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>0.38</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 12H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The solid solution NH₄Al_0.62Cr_0.38(SO₄)₂ · 12H₂O was studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure was determined in a series of the maximal subgroups Pa3? > R3? > P1? > P1. Reflections forbidden in sp. gr. Pa3? are indicative of symmetry lower than cubic. In the centrosymmetric models under consideration, all sulfate groups are oppositely oriented with respect to each other. In non-centrosymmetric sp. gr. P1, four of the eight sulfate groups have the same orientation, whereas the other four groups are oriented in an opposite direction.     

Optical properties and refractive indices of Gd<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ga<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>:Се<Superscript>3+</Superscript> crystals

Crystals of cerium-doped gadolinium–gallium–aluminum garnet have been grown by the Czochralski method. The transmission and reflection spectra of these crystals in the wavelength range of 250–800 nm have been obtained by optical spectroscopy. Refractive indices are calculated based on the measured Brewster angles, the experimental results are approximated using the Cauchy equation, and a dispersion dependence is obtained.     

Synthesis and structure of [(NH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>CSSC(NH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>[OsBr<Subscript>6</Subscript>]Br<Subscript>2</Subscript> · 3H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The complex [(NH₂)₂CSSC(NH₂)₂]₂[OsBr₆]Br₂ · 3H₂O is synthesized by the reaction of K₂OsBr₆ with thiocarbamide in concentrated HBr and characterized using electronic absorption and IR absorption spectroscopy. Its crystal structure is determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are orthorhombic, a = 11.730(2) Å, b = 14.052(3) Å, c = 16.994(3) Å, space group Cmcm, and Z = 4. The [OsBr₆]^2? anionic complex has an octahedral structure. The Os-Br distances fall in the range 2.483–2.490 Å. The α,α′-dithiobisformamidinium cation is a product of the oxidation of thiocarbamide. The S-S and C-S distances are 2.016 and 1.784 Å, respectively. The H₂O molecules, Br^?ions, and NH₂ groups of the cation are linked by hydrogen bonds.     

Investigation of the structure and properties of K<Subscript>9</Subscript>H<Subscript>7</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>8</Subscript> · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O single crystals

The features of the conductivity of K₉H₇(SO₄)₈ · H₂O single-crystal samples in the temperature range of superprotonic phase transition have been investigated. The K₉H₇(SO₄)₈ · H₂O crystal structure is determined and refined taking into account hydrogen atoms by X-ray diffraction analysis at a temperature of 295 K: monoclinic symmetry, sp. gr. P2₁/c, Z = 4, a = 7.059(1), b = 19.773(1), c = 23.449(1) Å, β = 95.33(1)°, R ₁/wR ₂ = 2.71/1.71. The structural data obtained suggest that the occurrence of high conductivity in K₉H₇(SO₄)₈ · H₂O crystals with an increase in temperature is related to the diffusion of crystallization water and motion of K ions, as well as to the transformation of the system of hydrogen bonds and protonic motion. The stabilization of the high-temperature superprotonic phase and its supercooling to low temperatures are due to the presence of channels for the motion of K ions and slow backward diffusion of water in the crystal.     

X-ray diffraction study of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>[(UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] · 4H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The compound Rb₂[(UO₂)₂(CrO₄)₃(H₂O)₂] · 4H₂O was studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, a = 10.695(2) Å, b = 14.684(3) Å, c = 14.125(3) Å, β = 108.396(4)°, sp. gr. P2₁/c, Z = 4, V = 2104.9(7) ų, and R = 0.0491. The main structural units are layers consisting of [(UO₂)₂(CrO₄)₃(H₂O)₂]^2? anions belonging to the crystal-chemical group A ₂ T ₂ ³ B ²M ₂ ¹ (A = UL ₂ ²⁺ , T ³ and B ² are CrO ₄ ^2? , and M ¹ is H₂O) of uranyl complexes. The uranium-containing layered groups are held together by electrostatic interactions with rubidium cations, as well as by hydrogen bonds with the participation of inner- and outer-sphere water molecules.     

Synthesis and X-ray diffraction study of [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] · 2C<Subscript>12</Subscript>H<Subscript>18</Subscript>O

The compound [UO₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2C₁₂H₁₈O was synthesized and studied by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The structure consists of the neutral island groups [UO₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂], which belong to the crystal-chemical group AB ⁰¹ ₂ M ¹ ₂ (A = UO₂ ²⁺, B ⁰¹ = NO₃⁻, M ¹ = H₂O) of uranyl complexes, and 1-adamantyl methyl ketone molecules. The characteristic features of the association of the complexes [UO₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] and 1-adamantyl methyl ketone molecules in the crystal structure via hydrogen bonds are considered with the use of Voronoi-Dirichlet polyhedra.     

Na<Subscript>3</Subscript>Tb<Subscript>3</Subscript>[Si<Subscript>6</Subscript>O<Subscript>18</Subscript>] · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O,a synthetic analogue of microporous mineral gerenite

Crystals of a new silicate, Na₃Tb₃[Si₆O₁₈] · H₂O, space group \(P\bar 1\), are obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The formula of the compound is determined in the course of structure solution. The silicate is a synthetic analogue of the gerenite mineral (Ca_1.21Na_0.57)(Y_2.24Dy_0.68)Si₆O₁₈ · 2H₂O, whose structure contains six-membered rings formed by SiO₄ tetrahedra. The [Si₆O₁₈] rings are connected by TbO₆ octahedra into a mixed microporous framework with voids filled by Na atoms and water molecules. The new silicate differs from gerenite by the occupation of the Ca position by Na atoms and population of the pores sandwiched between six-membered rings. By virtue of conditions of hydrothermal synthesis in the absence of Ca and excess of Na in the system, an additional Na position appears in the void. It is populated statistically, and in gerenite it was occupied by water molecules only. In the new structure, the position of water is split into two statistically populated positions. The inclusion of Na atoms in additional positions in framework pores and their high thermal vibrations are indicative of ion-exchange properties of the structure. Possible paths of ion exchange are discussed.     

Crystal structure of the cubic β<Subscript>ms</Subscript>-phase of a La<Subscript>1.82</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>0.18</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript> single crystal at 33 K

Single crystals of the cubic β_ms-phase of La_1.82Bi_0.18Mo₂O₉ have been characterized for the first time by precision X-ray diffraction at 33 K. The structure of a crystal determined at T = 33 K is identical to the structure studied at room temperature. It is confirmed that the La, Mo1, and O1 atoms deviate from their positions on the threefold axis in the high-temperature β-phase; part of lanthanum atoms is substituted by bismuth atoms, which are located on the threefold axis; part of the molybdenum atoms return to the position on the threefold axis.     

Use of a fluorine-containing solvent in the synthesis of YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7 − δ</Subscript> single crystals

A laboratory technological procedure has been developed for the synthesis of high-temperature superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O_{7 ? δ} single crystals (T _c ～ 90 K, ΔT _c ～ 1.0 K) up to 0.25 cm² in size from a nonstoichiometric fluorine-containing flux of (YO_1.5)(BaO)_{4 ? x}(BaF₂)_x(CuO)₁₀, where 2 ≥ x ≥ 0, using a combination of enhanced nucleation and directional crystallization by the Czochralski method. Studies using differential thermal analysis demonstrated that the addition of BaF₂ decreased the eutectic-crystallization temperature and increased the crystal-growth rate. The optimum concentration of BaF₂ in the starting melt composition was found (x = 0.2). The single-crystal surface was studied by atomic-force nanoscopy. The morphology of single crystals that have been synthesized from a melt of their own components differs substantially from that of crystals grown from a BaF₂-containing melt.     

Crystal structure and properties of [OsO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>]SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> · H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

The structure of a single crystal of tetraammindioxoosmium(VI) sulfate [OsO₂(NH₃)₄]SO₄ · H₂O, which is synthesized by the reaction of K₂[OsO₂(OH)₄] with (NH₄)₂SO₄ in an aqueous solution, is investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P2₁/c, a = 13.102(2) Å, b = 6.158(3) Å, c = 11.866(2) Å, β = 98.13(2)°, and Z = 4. The [OsO₂(NH₃)₄]SO₄ · H₂O compound has an island structure. Two crystallographically independent osmium atoms are situated at the centers of symmetry, and their octahedral coordination includes two oxygen atoms and four nitrogen atoms of the ammonia molecules. In both octahedra, the osmyl group is linear. The Os-O distances in the octahedra are identical within the standard deviations [Os(1)-O, 1.762(2) Å; Os(2)-O, 1.769(2) Å]. The Os-N bond lengths vary from 2.082(3) to 2.101(3) Å. The cationic complexes, SO₄ groups, and water molecules are linked via the system of hydrogen bonds. The assignment of the absorption bands in the IR spectrum of the compound synthesized is performed, and its thermal behavior in air is studied.     

X-ray diffraction study of Ba<Subscript>3</Subscript>TaFe<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>14</Subscript> single crystal—a promising langasite-type multiferroic

Ba₃TaFe₃Si₂O₁₄ single crystals (sp. gr. P321, Z = 1), promising langasite-type multiferroics, have been grown by floating zone melting. An accurate X-ray diffraction study of Ba₃TaFe₃Si₂O₁₄ single crystal has been performed using two datasets, obtained independently for two different orientations of the same sample on a diffractometer equipped with a CCD area detector at 295 K. Structure refinement is performed based on an averaged dataset: a = 8.5355(1) Å, c = 5.2332(1) Å, sp. gr. P321, Z = 1; the R factors of model structure refinement were found to be R/wR = 1.02/1.23% for 4552 independent reflections. Disordering asymmetry is revealed for the magnetic Fe ion in the 3f site and the Ba cation in the 3e site.     

Peculiarities of the behavior of the W–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system in a controlled reducing atmosphere

The W–Al₂O₃ system at T = 2400 K and standard pressure (controlled Ar + H₂ atmosphere) has been calculated by stochastic simulation. It is shown that the presence of hydrogen leads to the formation of aluminum hydrides, hydrogen oxides, and aluminum hydroxides; the compounds from the two latter groups (except for water) can interact directly with tungsten. The main chemical reactions occurring in the system are determined, based on which a conclusion about the cyclic character of the processes is drawn. Some recommendations on the composition and pressure of controlled atmosphere for growing sapphire crystals are given.     

New crystals of the CsHSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–CsH<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system

Cs₆H(HSO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₄ crystals, grown for the first time based on an analysis of the phase diagram of the CsHSO₄–CsH₂PO₄–H₂O ternary system, have been investigated by structural analysis using synchrotron radiation. The atomic structure of the crystals is determined and its specific features are analyzed.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Ethylenediammonium bis iodate tetra iodic Acid: [C<Subscript>2</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript>] (IO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·4HIO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Abstract  

The synthesis and crystal structure are presented for the ethylenediammonium bis iodate tetra iodic acid. An X-ray investigation has shown that this compound crystallizes in a centrosymmetric monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with the lattice parameters: a = 7.2536(2) ?, b = 18.5351(5) ?, c = 7.5685(2) ?, β = 107.937(1)°, V = 968.10(3) ?³. The structure was solved from 5281 independent reflections with R ₁ = 0.0229 and wR ₂ = 0.0428, and refined with 156 parameters. The structure is built up of [(CH₂)₂(NH₃)₂]²⁺ cations connected to the one-dimensional [HIO₃]_n chains and to the [H₂I₄O₁₂]²⁻ clusters by a weak N–H···O hydrogen bonds.     

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CaO–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> glass containing nucleation agent P<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Fe₂O₃–CaO–SiO₂ glass ceramics containing nucleation agent P₂O₅/TiO₂ were prepared by sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The activation energy and kinetic parameters for crystallization of the samples were calculated by the Johnson-Mehi-Avrami (JMA) model and Augis-Bennett method according to the results of DSC. The results showed that the crystallization mechanism of Fe₂O₃–CaO–SiO₂ glass, whose non-isothermal kinetic parameter n = 2.3, was consistent with surface crystallization of the JMA model. The kinetics model function of Fe₂O₃–CaO–SiO₂ glass, f(α) = 2.3(1–α)[–ln(1–α)]^0.57, was also obtained. The addition of nucleation agent P₂O₅/TiO₂ could reduce the activation energy, which made the crystal growth modes change from onedimensional to three-dimensional.     

Structural investigation of anion-deficient manganites La<Subscript>0.7</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3 − δ</Subscript>

The crystal structure of the anion-deficient manganites La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO_{3 ? δ} (δ = 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) is investigated using high-resolution neutron diffraction. At room temperature, the crystal structure of the stoichiometric manganite La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ and the anion-deficient manganite La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO_2.9 is satisfactorily described in rhombohedral space group R \(\bar 3\) c. The anion-deficient manganite La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO_2.85 is characterized by two perovskite phases with space groups R \(\bar 3\) c and 14/mcm. The crystal structure of the La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO_2.8 manganite corresponds to the structure of a perovskite phase with space group I4/mcm. It is established that the phase separation in the crystal structure of the La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO_{3 ? δ} manganites at a temperature of 293 K is associated with a nonuniform distribution of oxygen vacancies.     

Pseudosymmetry in Cr(urea)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>·3NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Abstract  

The low temperature crystal structure of the complex, Cr(urea)₄(H₂O)₂·3NO₃ (1), displays intriguing pseudosymmetry that complicates the structure determination. 1 crystallises in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2₁/c with Z = 8 and Z′ = 2; a = 18.3338(4) ?, b = 16.5472(4) ?, c = 13.9252(3) ? and β = 106.3260(10)°, V = 4054.19(16) ?³. The two symmetry independent [Cr(urea)₄(H₂O)₂]³⁺ ions in the asymmetric unit both feature coordinated urea (O=C(NH₂)₂) and lie on general positions. A further six independent nitrate anions complete the structure. The unit cell is primitive but the two Cr³⁺ ions are related by a pseudo translation of ?, ?, 0. The deviation from a truly C-centred cell is clear from an examination of geometry of the urea ligands and the hydrogen bonds which they form. The identification of the space group in this case is described and methods for quantifying the degree of deviation from a C-centred cell discussed.     

Crystal Growth of A<Subscript>3</Subscript>A′MO<Subscript>6</Subscript> Oxides

Abstract  

Single crystals of two new oxides, Sr₃LiNbO₆ and Sr₃LiTaO₆, and the analogous antimonates, Ba₃NaSbO₆, Sr₃NaSbO₆ and Sr₃LiSbO₆, were grown out of hydroxide melts contained in silver/alumina crucibles. The crystal structures of all five oxides are isotypic with that of the 2H-hexagonal perovskite related A₃A′MO₆ family of oxides and consist of one-dimensional chains of face-shared MO₆ octahedra and A′O₆ trigonal prisms; infinite chains of distorted AO₈ square antiprisms separate these chains from one another.     

Nitrilotris(methylenephosphonato)potassium K[μ<Superscript>6</Superscript>-NH(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>]: Synthesis,structure, and the nature of the K–O chemical bond

The crystal structure of nitrilotris(methylenephosphonato)potassium K[μ⁶-NH(CH₂PO₃)₃H₄]—a three-dimensional coordination polymer—was determined. The potassium atom is coordinated by seven oxygen atoms belonging to the six nearest ligand molecules, resulting in distorted monocapped octahedral coordination geometry. The complex contains the four-membered chelate ring K–O–P–O. The K–O chemical bond is predominantly ionic. Meanwhile, the bonds of the potassium atom with some oxygen atoms have a noticeable covalent component. In addition to coordination bonds, the molecules in the crystal packing are linked by hydrogen bonds.