Rare earth-nickel-indides Dy5Ni2In4 and RE4Ni11In20 (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy)

The new rare earth metal (RE)-nickel-indides Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Well-shaped single crystals were obtained by special annealing sequences. The four indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₅Ni₂In₄ type, Pbam, Z=2, a=1784.2(8), b=787.7(3), c=359.9(1) pm, wR₂=0.0458, 891 F² values, 36 variables for Dy₅Ni₂In₄, U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C2/m, a=2254.0(9), b=433.8(3), c=1658.5(8) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0794, 2154 F² values, 108 variables for Gd₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, a=2249.9(8), b=432.2(1), c=1657.9(5) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0417, 2147 F² values, 108 variables for Tb₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, and a=2252.2(5), b=430.6(1), c=1659.7(5) pm, β=124.58(2)°, wR₂=0.0550, 2003 F² values, 109 variables for Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The 2d site in the dysprosium compound shows mixed Ni/In occupancy. Most nickel atoms in both series of compounds exhibit trigonal prismatic coordination by indium and rare earth atoms. Additionally, in the RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ compounds one observes one-dimensional nickel clusters (259 pm Ni₁-Ni₆ in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20) that are embedded in an indium matrix. While only one short In₁-In₂ contact at 324 pm is observed in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, the more indium-rich Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20 structure exhibits a broader range in In-In interactions (291-364 pm). Together the nickel and indium atoms build up polyanionic networks, a two-dimensional one in Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and a complex three-dimensional network in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. These features have a clear consequence on the dysprosium coordination, i.e. a variety of short Dy-Dy contacts (338-379 pm) in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, while the dysprosium atoms are well separated (430 pm shortest Dy-Dy distance) within the distorted hexagonal channels of the [Ni_10.80In_20.20] polyanion of Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The crystal chemistry of both structure types is comparatively discussed.     

Copper-indium ordering in RECu6In6 (RE=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy)

The rare earth metal-copper-indides RECu₆In₆ (RE=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Well-crystallized samples were obtained by slowly cooling the melted buttons from 1320 to 670 K in sealed silica tubes in a muffle furnace. They were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: ThMn₁₂ type, space group I4/mmm, Z=2, a=916.3(2), c=535.8(2) pm, wR₂=0.063, 216 F² values, 15 variables for YCu₆In₆, a=926.5(4), c=543.5(3) pm, wR₂=0.064, 314 F² values, 15 variables for CeCu₆In₆, a=925.7(4), c=540.1(3) pm, wR₂=0.075, 219 F² values, 15 variables for PrCu₆In₆, a=923.1(4), c=540.3(3) pm, wR₂=0.071, 218 F² values, 15 variables for NdCu₆In₆, a=917.7(4), c=540.2(3) pm, wR₂=0.076, 207 F² values, 15 variables for GdCu₆In₆, a=917.0(5), c=540.5(4) pm, wR₂=0.062, 215 F² values, 15 variables for TbCu₆In₆, a=915.2(8), c=540.7(7) pm, wR₂=0.108, 218 F² values, 15 variables for DyCu₆In₆. The structures have been refined with a split position (50% Cu+50% In) for the 8j site. They can be explained by a tetragonal body-centered packing of CN 20 polyhedra (10Cu+10In) around the rare earth atoms. The ordering models of the copper and indium atoms and the limitations/resolution of X-ray diffraction for this topic are discussed.     

Complex three-dimensional platinum-indium networks in the ternary indides Dy2Pt7In16 and Tb6Pt12In23

Well crystallized samples of Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃ were synthesized by an indium flux technique. Arc-melted precursor alloys with the starting compositions ∼DyPt₃In₆ and ∼TbPtIn₄ were annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. Both indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Cmmm, a=1211.1(2), b=1997.8(3), c=439.50(6) pm, wR2=0.0518, 1138 F² values, 45 variable parameters for Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and C2/ma=2834.6(4), b=440.05(7), c=1477.1(3) pm, β=112.37(1)°, wR2=0.0753, 2543 F² values, 126 variable parameters for Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The platinum atoms in the terbium compound have a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination. In Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, trigonal and square prismatic coordination occur. The shortest interatomic distances are observed for Pt-In followed by In-In contacts. Considering these strong interactions, both structures can be described by complex three-dimensional [Pt₇In₁₆] and [Pt₁₂In₂₃] networks. The networks leave distorted pentagonal channels in Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, while pentagonal and hexagonal channels occur in Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of the two indides are briefly discussed.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of SrAu3In3 and EuAu3In3—New indides with gold zig-zag chains

New indides SrAu₃In₃ and EuAu₃In₃ were synthesized by induction melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. Both indides were characterized by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. They crystallize with a new orthorhombic structure type: Pmmn, Z=2, a=455.26(9), b=775.9(2), c=904.9(2) pm, wR2=0.0425, 485 F² values for SrAu₃In₃ and a=454.2(2), b=768.1(6), c=907.3(6) pm, wR2=0.0495, 551 F² values for EuAu₃In₃ with 26 variables for each refinement. The gold and indium atoms build up three-dimensional [Au₃In₃] polyanionic networks, which leave distorted hexagonal channels for the strontium and europium atoms. Within the networks one observes Au2 atoms without Au-Au contacts and gold zig-zag chains (279 pm Au1-Au1 in EuAu₃In₃). The Au-In and In-In distances in EuAu₃In₃ range from 270 to 290 and from 305 to 355 pm. The europium atoms within the distorted hexagonal channels have coordination number 14 (8 Au+6 In). EuAu₃In₃ shows Curie-Weiss behavior above 50 K with an experimental magnetic moment of 8.1(1) μB/Eu atom. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectra show a single signal at δ=−11.31(1) mm/s, compatible with divalent europium. No magnetic ordering was detected down to 3 K.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of Nd6Pt13In22, Sm6Pt12.30In22.70, and Gd6Pt12.48In22.52

The rare earth-platinum-indides Nd₆Pt₁₃In₂₂, Sm₆Pt_12.30In_22.70, and Gd₆Pt_12.48In_22.52 were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting of the components. Single crystals were grown using special annealing sequences. The three indides were investigated by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃ type, C2/m, Z=2, a=2811.9(6), b=441.60(9), , β=112.10(3)°, wR₂=0.0629, 3645 F² values, 126 variables for Nd₆Pt₁₃In₂₂, a=2821.9(6), b=443.06(9), , β=112.39(3)°, wR₂=0.0543, 3679 F² values, 127 variables for Sm₆Pt_12.30In_22.70, and a=2818.5(6), b=439.90(9), , β=112.29(3)°, wR₂=0.0778, 3938 F² values, 127 variables for Gd₆Pt_12.48In_22.52. Most platinum atoms in these structures have a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination by rare earth metal and indium atoms. Together, the platinum and indium atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [Pt_12+xIn_23−x] polyanionic network in which the rare earth metal atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. The 2c Wyckoff site in these structures plays a peculiar role. This site is occupied by indium in the prototype Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃, while platinum atoms fill the 2c site in Nd₆Pt₁₃In₂₂, leading to a linear Pt₃ chain with Pt-Pt distances of 275 pm. The crystals with samarium and gadolinium as rare earth metal component show mixed Pt/In occupancies.     

Rare earth metal-rich indides RE14Rh3−xIn3 (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu)

The rare earth (RE) metal-rich indides RE₁₄Rh_3-xIn₃ (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) can be synthesized from the elements by arc-melting or induction melting in tantalum crucibles. They were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₁₄Co₃In₃ type, space group P4₂/nmc, Z=4, a=961.7(1), c=2335.5(5) pm, wR2=0.052, 2047 F² values, 62 variables for Y₁₄Rh₃In₃, a=956.8(1), c=2322.5(5) pm, wR2=0.068, 1730 F² values, 63 variables for Dy₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, a=952.4(1), c=2309.2(5) pm, wR2=0.041, 1706 F² values, 63 variables for Ho₁₄Rh_2.85(1)In₃, a=948.6(1), c=2302.8(5) pm, wR2=0.053, 1977 F² values, 63 variables for Er₁₄Rh_2.86(1)In₃, a=943.8(1), c=2291.5(5) pm, wR2=0.065, 1936 F² values, 63 variables for Tm₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, and a=937.8(1), c=2276.5(5) pm, wR2=0.050, 1637 F² values, 63 variables for Lu₁₄Rh_2.74(1)In₃. Except Yb₁₄Rh₃In₃, the 8g Rh1 sites show small defects. Striking structural motifs are rhodium-centered trigonal prisms formed by the RE atoms with comparatively short Rh-RE distances (271-284 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃). These prisms are condensed via common corners and edges building two-dimensional polyhedral units. Both crystallographically independent indium sites show distorted icosahedral coordination. The icosahedra around In2 are interpenetrating, leading to In2-In2 pairs (309 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃).     

Structure and magnetic properties of RE2CuIn3 (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd)

The ternary copper indides RE₂CuIn₃≡RECu_0.5In_1.5 (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in an induction furnace. They crystallize with the CaIn₂-type structure, space group P6₃/mmc, with a statistical occupancy of copper and indium on the tetrahedral substructure. These indides show homogeneity ranges RECu_xIn_2−x. Single crystal structure refinements were performed for five crystals: CeCu_0.66In_1.34 (a=479.90(7) pm, c=768.12(15) pm), PrCu_0.52In_1.48 (a=480.23(7) pm, c=759.23(15) pm), NdCu_0.53In_1.47 (a=477.51(7) pm, c=756.37(15) pm), SmCu_0.46In_1.54 (a=475.31(7) pm, c=744.77(15) pm), and GdCu_0.33In_1.67 (a=474.19(7), c=737.67(15) pm). Temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements show antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N=4.7 K for Pr₂CuIn₃ and Nd₂CuIn₃ and 15 K for Sm₂CuIn₃. Fitting of the susceptibility data of the samarium compound revealed an energy gap ΔE=39.7(7) K between the ground and the first excited levels.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Ce7Ni5±xGe3±xIn6 and Pr7Ni5±xGe3±xIn6

The indides Ce₇Ni_5±xGe_3±xIn₆ and Pr₇Ni_5±xGe_3±xIn₆ were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting of the components. Single crystals were grown via special annealing sequences. Both structures were solved from X-ray single crystal diffraction data: new structure type, P6/m, Z=1, a=11.385(2), c=4.212(1) Å, wR₂=0.0640, 634F² values, 25 variables for Ce₇Ni_4.73Ge_3.27In₆ and a=11.355(6), c=4.183(2) Å, wR₂=0.0539, 563F² values, 25 variables for Pr₇Ni_4.96Ge_3.04In₆. Both indides show homogeneity ranges through Ni/Ge mixing (M sites). This new structure type can be derived from the AlB₂ structure type by a substitution of the Al and B atoms by CeM₁₂ and NiIn₆Ce₃ polyhedra (tricapped trigonal prism). Magnetic susceptibility measurements on a polycrystalline sample of Ce₇Ni₅Ge₃In₆ indicated Curie-Weiss like paramagnetic behavior down to 1.71 K with the effective magnetic moment slightly reduced in relation to the value expected for trivalent cerium ions. No magnetic ordering is evident.     

On the crystal chemistry of Tm2Ni1.896(4)In, Tm2.22(2)Ni1.81(1)In0.78(2), Tm4.83(3)Ni2In1.17(3), and Er5Ni2In

The rare earth-nickel-indides Tm₂Ni_1.896(4)In, Tm_2.22(2)Ni_1.81(1)In_0.78(2), Tm_4.83(3)Ni₂In_1.17(3), and Er₅Ni₂In were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent annealing for the latter three compounds. Three indides were investigated by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: Mo₂FeB₂ type, P4/mbm, Z=2, a=731.08(4), c=358.80(3) pm, wR₂=0.0201, 178 F² values, 13 variables for Tm₂Ni_1.896(4)In, a=734.37(7), c=358.6(1) pm, wR₂=0.0539, 262 F² values, 14 variables for Tm_2.22(2)Ni_1.81(1)In_0.78(2), and Mo₅SiB₂ type, I4/mcm, a=751.0(2), c=1317.1(3) pm, wR₂=0.0751, 317 F² values, 17 variables for Tm_4.83(3)Ni₂In_1.17(3). X-ray powder data for Er₅Ni₂In revealed a=754.6(2) and c=1323.3(5) pm. The Mo₂FeB₂ type structures of Tm₂Ni_1.896(4)In and Tm_2.22(2)Ni_1.81(1)In_0.78(2) are intergrowths of slightly distorted CsCl and AlB₂ related slabs, however, with different crystal chemical features. The nickel sites within the AlB₂ slabs are not fully occupied in both indides. Additionally In/Tm mixing is possible at the center of the CsCl slab, as is evident from the structure refinement of Tm_2.22(2)Ni_1.81(1)In_0.78(2). The Mo₅SiB₂ type structures of Tm_4.83(3)Ni₂In_1.17(3) and Er₅Ni₂In can be considered as an intergrowth of distorted CuAl₂ and U₃Si₂ related slabs in an ABA′B′ stacking sequence along the c-axis. Again, one thulium site shows Tm/In mixing. The U₃Si₂ related slab has great structural similarities with the Mo₂FeB₂ type structure of Tm₂Ni_1.896(4)In and Tm_2.22(2)Ni_1.81(1)In_0.78(2). The crystal chemical peculiarities and chemical bonding in these intermetallics are briefly discussed.     

New rare earth metal-rich indides RE14Ni3In3 (RE=Sc, Y, Gd-Tm, Lu)—synthesis and crystal chemistry

The rare earth-nickel-indides RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ (RE=Sc, Y, Gd-Tm, Lu) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent annealing. The compounds were investigated on the basis of X-ray powder and single crystal data: Lu₁₄Co₂In₃ type, P4₂/nmc, Z=4, a=888.1(1), c=2134.7(4), wR2=0.0653, 1381 F² values, 63 variables for Sc_13.89Ni_3.66In_2.45; a=961.2(1), c=2316.2(5), wR2=0.0633, 1741 F² values, 64 variables for Y_13.84Ni_3.19In_2.97; a=965.3(1), c=2330.5(5), wR2=0.0620, 1765 F² values, 63 variables for Gd₁₄Ni_3.29In_2.71; a=956.8(1), c=2298.4(5), wR2=0.0829, 1707 F² values, 64 variables for Tb_13.82Ni_3.36In_2.82; a=951.7(1), c=2289.0(5), wR2=0.0838, 1794 F² values, 64 variables for Dy_13.60Ni_3.34In_3.06; a=948.53(7), c=2270.6(1), wR2=0.1137, 1191 F² values, 64 variables for Ho_13.35Ni_3.17In_3.48; a=943.5(1), c=2269.1(5), wR2=0.0552, 1646 F² values, 64 variables for Er_13.53Ni_3.14In_3.33; a=938.42(7), c=2250.8(1), wR2=0.1051, 1611 F² values, 64 variables for Tm_13.47Ni_3.28In_3.25; a=937.3(1), c=2249.6(5), wR2=0.0692, 1604 F² values, 64 variables for Tm_13.80Ni_3.49In_2.71; and a=933.4(1), c=2263.0(5), wR2=0.0709, 1603 F² values, 64 variables for Lu_13.94Ni_3.07In_2.99. The RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ indides show significant Ni/In mixing on the 4c In1 site. Except the gadolinium compound, the RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ intermetallics also reveal RE/In mixing on the 4c RE1 site, leading to the refined compositions. Due to the high rare earth metal content, the seven crystallographically independent RE sites have between 9 and 10 nearest RE neighbors. The RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ structures can be described as a complex intergrowth of rare earth-based polyhedra. Both nickel sites have a distorted trigonal-prismatic rare earth coordination. An interesting feature is the In2-In2 dumb-bell at an In2-In2 distance of 304 pm (for Gd₁₄Ni_3.29In_2.71). The crystal chemical peculiarities of the RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ indides are briefly discussed.     

X-ray single crystal structures of Hg(AuF6)2 and AgFAuF6

Hg(AuF₆)₂ crystallizes at 200 K in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a = 917.67(7) pm, b = 971.59(8) pm, c = 962.04(8) pm, and Z = 4. Mercury atoms are coordinated by eight fluorine atoms with six short and two long Hg-F contacts. HgF₈ polyhedra share their four vertices and two edges with six AuF₆ units forming a tridimensional framework.The results of X-ray diffraction analysis on single crystals of AgFAuF₆ are in agreement with previously known powder X-ray diffraction data (Casteel et al, J. Solid State Chem. 96 (1992) 84-96). AgFAuF₆ crystallizes orthorhombic in the space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 717.06(7) pm, b = 761.67(7) pm, c = 1013.61(10) pm at 200 K, Z = 4.     

Bridgman crystal growth of Yb2Ru3Ge4—A ternary germanide with a three-dimensional network of condensed distorted RuGe5 and RuGe6 units

The germanide Yb₂Ru₃Ge₄ was synthesized from the elements using the Bridgman crystal growth technique. The monoclinic Hf₂Ru₃Si₄ type structure was investigated by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: C2/c, Z=8, a=1993.0(3) pm, b=550.69(8) pm, c=1388.0(2) pm, β=128.383(9)°, wR₂=0.0569, 2047 F² values, and 84 variables. Yb₂Ru₃Ge₄ contains two crystallographically independent ytterbium sites with coordination numbers of 18 and 17 for Yb1 and Yb2, respectively. Each ytterbium atom has three ytterbium neighbors at Yb-Yb distances ranging from 345 to 368 pm. The shortest interatomic distances occur for the Ru-Ge contacts. The three crystallographically independent ruthenium sites have between five and six germanium neighbors in distorted trigonal bipyramidal (Ru1Ge₅) or octahedral (Ru2Ge₆ and Ru3Ge₆) coordination at Ru-Ge distances ranging from 245 to 279 pm. The Ru2 atoms form zig-zag chains running parallel to the b-axis at Ru2-Ru2 of 284 pm. The RuGe₅ and RuGe₆ units are condensed via common edges and faces leading to a complex three-dimensional [Ru₃Ge₄] network.     

The magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir3.30(1)Mg17.96(4)In0.74(4) and Ir3Mg17.1(1)In1.9(1)

Phase analytical investigations in the system magnesium-iridium-indium revealed the magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4) and Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). The samples were prepared from the elements via induction melting in glassy carbon crucibles in a water-cooled sample chamber and subsequent annealing. Both intermetallics were investigated by X-ray powder and single-crystal diffraction: C2/c, Z=4, a=979.1(1), b=2197.4(2), , β=105.79(1)°, wR₂=0.0434, 3076 F² values, 108 variables for Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), and a=983.39(8), b=2211.4(2), , β=105.757(6)°, wR₂=0.0487, 3893 F² values, and 115 variables for Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). Both compounds show solid solutions. In Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), the indium site shows an occupancy by 69.9(4)% In+30.1(4)% Ir, and one magnesium site has a small mixed occupancy with indium, while nine atomic sites in Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1) show Mg/In mixing with indium occupancies between 1.2(3)% and 14.8(3)%. The relatively complex crystal structure is of a new type. It can be explained by a packing of coordination number 10 and 12 polyhedra around the iridium atoms. The crystal chemical peculiarities and chemical bonding in both intermetallics is briefly discussed.     

Phase diagram of SrO-InO1.5-CoOx and a new compound Sr3In0.9Co1.1O6

Sr₃In_0.9Co_1.1O₆, isostructural to Ca₃Co₂O₆, is revealed by the study of the phase relations in the system SrO-InO_1.5-CoO_x (1000 °C). The structure of Sr₃In_0.9Co_1.1O₆ is refined by the combination of powder X-ray and neutron diffraction. Sr₃In_0.9Co_1.1O₆ crystallizes in a trigonal lattice with the cell parameters a=b=9.59438(3) Å, c=11.02172(4) Å with the space group R-3c. Its structure possesses 1D (In/Co)O₃ chains running along the c-axis constructed by alternating face-sharing CoO₆ octahedra and (In_0.9Co_0.1)O₆ trigonal prisms. The co-occupation of In³⁺ and Co³⁺ at the trigonal prismatic site is evidenced by elementary analysis and determined by the structure refinement. Sr₃In_0.9Co_1.1O₆ is paramagnetic, and the susceptibility is consistent with the occupation of Co³⁺ at 10% of the trigonal prismatic positions in a high spin state (HS, S=2). The HS Co³⁺ is well separated by diamagnetic CoO₆ octahedra and InO₆ trigonal prisms and shows a g factor of 2.0 in the magnetic measurements.     

High-temperature synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure determination and solid-state NMR investigations of Ba7[SiO4][BO3]3CN and Sr7[SiO4][BO3]3CN

The novel alkaline earth silicate borate cyanides Ba₇[SiO₄][BO₃]₃CN and Sr₇[SiO₄][BO₃]₃CN have been obtained by the reaction of the respective alkaline earth metals M=Sr, Ba, the carbonates M^IICO₃, BN, and SiO₂ using a radiofrequency furnace at a maximum reaction temperature of 1350°C and 1450°C, respectively. The crystal structures of the isotypic compounds M^II₇[SiO₄][BO₃]₃CN have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography (P6₃mc (no. 186), Z=2, a=1129.9(1) pm, c=733.4(2) pm, R₁=0.0336, wR₂=0.0743 for M^II=Ba and a=1081.3(1) pm, c=695.2(1) pm, R₁=0.0457, wR₂=0.0838 for M^II=Sr). Both ionic compounds represent a new structure type, and they are the first examples of silicate borate cyanides. The cyanide ions are disordered and they are surrounded by Ba²⁺/Sr²⁺ octahedra, respectively. These octahedra share common faces building chains along [001]. The [BO₃]³⁻ ions are arranged around these chains. The [SiO₄]⁴⁻ units are surrounded by Ba²⁺/Sr²⁺ tetrahedra, respectively. The title compounds additionally have been investigated by ¹¹B, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, and ¹H MAS-NMR as well as IR and Raman spectroscopy confirming the presence of [SiO₄]⁴⁻, [BO₃]³⁻, and CN⁻ ions.     

Synthesis and characterization of Na11[CuO4][SO4]3

Na₁₁[CuO₄][SO₄]₃ was obtained from a redox reaction of CuO with Na₂O₂ in the presence of Na₂O and Na₂SO₄ in sealed Ag containers under Ar atmosphere at 600°C. The crystal structure has been determined from X-ray single crystal data at 293 and 170 K (Pnma, Z=4). The lattice parameters have been refined from X-ray powder data at 293 K as well: a=1597.06(6) pm, b=703.26(3) pm, c=1481.95(6) pm. The structure contains isolated distorted square-planar [CuO₄]⁵⁻ anions and non-coordinating sulfate groups. Furthermore, we report calculations of the Madelung Part of the Lattice Energy (MAPLE) and some of the physical properties of Na₁₁[CuO₄][SO₄]₃.     

Homoleptic [M(XeF2)6] cations of copper(II) and zinc(II)—Syntheses and crystal structures of [M(XeF2)6](SbF6)2 (M = Cu, Zn)

[Cu(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ crystallizes in the rhombohedral symmetry with a = 1003.6(2) pm, c = 2246.5(12) pm at 200 K and Z = 3, space group (No. 148). [Zn(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ is isostructural to [Cu(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ with a = 1007(2) pm and c = 2243(6) pm. The structures are characterized by isolated homoleptic [M(XeF₂)₆]²⁺ (M = Cu, Zn) cations and of [SbF₆]⁻ octahedra.Reactions of M(SbF₆)₂ (M = Cu, Zn) with XeF₂ in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) and reactions of MF₂ with Xe₂F₃SbF₆ in aHF always yield a mixture of [M(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂, Xe₂F₃SbF₆ and MF₂.     

Structure, magnetic and electrical properties of CeIrSb and its hydride CeIrSbH0.8

The ternary antimonide CeIrSb absorbs hydrogen under moderate temperature and pressure conditions (4 MPa and 573 K), leading to the hydride CeIrSbH_0.8. The crystal structures of both compounds have been investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: TiNiSi type, space group Pnma, a=735.07(7), b=456.93(4), c=792.8(1) pm, R1/wR2=0.0206/0.0395, 601 F² values for CeIrSb and a=728.16(14), b=460.35(6), c=825.87(2) pm, R1/wR2=0.0322/0.0735, 528 F² values for CeIrSbH_0.8 with 20 variables per refinement. Hydrogenation induces both an increase of the cell volume V (+4%) and a strongly anisotropic expansion of the unit cell with a maximum of 4.3% in the c direction, leading to a significant increase of the Ce-Ir and Ce-Ce distances in this direction. The H-insertion into CeIrSb leads to a magnetic transition from intermediate valence to antiferromagnetic behavior (T_N=7.0 K) evidenced by magnetization, electrical resistivity and specific heat measurements. This transition can be explained on the basis of the Doniach diagram considering the J_cf interaction between the 4f(Ce) and conduction electrons.     

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.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of [Mg(HF)2](SbF6)2 and [Ca(HF)2](SbF6)2: new examples of HF acting as a ligand to metal centres

[Mg(HF)₂](SbF₆)₂ and [Ca(HF)₂](SbF₆)₂ monocrystals were grown from the corresponding hexafluoroantimonates(V) dissolved in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. [Mg(HF)₂](SbF₆)₂ crystallizes in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with a=1249.1(4) pm, b=1230.2(4) pm, c=699.1(2) pm, V=1.0742(6) nm³, Z=4. Magnesium is octahedrally coordinated by six fluorine atoms from which two belong to two HF molecules. The structure can be represented by alternating rows of magnesium and antimony atoms running parallel to the c-axis. Magnesium atoms are connected by cis bridging Sb(2)F₆ units along the a-axis and by trans bridging Sb(1)F₆ units along the b-axis. In this way a three-dimensional network is formed.[Ca(HF)₂](SbF₆)₂ crystallizes in the space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with a=935.2(3) pm, b=1088.7(3) pm, c=1104.8(3) pm, β=106.697(5)°, V=1.0774(5) nm³, Z=4. The coordination sphere around the calcium atom consists of eight fluorine atoms which define the vertices of an Archimedean antiprism. The two HF molecules directly coordinate the calcium atom and their fluorine atoms are placed in the corners of different square faces of the Archimedean antiprism. The Ca-F(HF) distances are shorter than the Ca-F(Sb) distances. The Sb(1)F₆ and Sb(2)F₆ groups have four equatorial bridging fluorine atoms, while the Sb(3)F₆ groups have only two bridging trans F ligands. The Ca atoms in the [−1,0,1] plane are connected by equatorial F ligands of Sb(1)F₆ and Sb(2)F₆ units, forming a [Ca(SbF₆)⁺]_n layer. These layers are connected by trans bridging Sb(3)F₆ groups. HF molecules occupy the space between these layers and additionally contribute to the connection between the layers by hydrogen bonding.