New Ternary Boride Carbides RE10B9+xC10–x (RE = Gd,Tb; x ≈︁ 0.2): Infinite Boron Carbon Branched Chains

New ternary rare earth metal boride carbides with compositions close to RE₁₀B₉C₁₀ (RE = Gd, Tb) were prepared from the elements by melting around 1800 K followed by annealing in silica tubes at 1270 K for one month. The crystal structure of the terbium compound was solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes in a new structure type in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c, a = 7.937(1), b = 23.786(2), c = 11.172(1) Å, β = 133.74(1)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.045 (wR2 = 0.11) for 5713 reflections with I_o > 2σ(I_o). In the structure BC₂ units and single carbon atoms are attached to a zigzag boron chain forming the unprecedented B₁₈C₁₈ branching unit with a B–B distance of 2.42(2) Å between these units. In addition isolated carbon atoms occupy the centres of elongated octahedra formed by rare earth metal atoms. Disorder in the terbium position together with anomalous displacement ellipsoids for carbon atoms except of those in the BC₂ fragments can be rationalized in terms of a slight deviation in stoichiometry, Tb₁₀B_9+xC_10–x (x ≈? 0.2). The terbium compound is ferromagnetic below T_C ≈? 45 K. Due to the presence of moderately narrow domain walls the magneto‐crystalline energy is small.     

Ge Pairs and Sb Ribbons in Rare‐Earth Germanium Antimonides RE12Ge7−xSb21 (RE=La–Pr)

The ternary rare‐earth germanium antimonides RE₁₂Ge_7?xSb₂₁ (RE=La–Pr; x=0.4–0.5) are synthesized by direct reactions of the elements. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that they adopt a new structure type (space group Immm, Z=2, a=4.3165(4)–4.2578(2) Å, b=15.2050(12)–14.9777(7) Å, c=34.443(3)–33.9376(16) Å in the progression from RE=La to Pr), integrating complex features found in RE₆Ge_5?xSb_11+x and RE₁₂Ga₄Sb₂₃. A three‐dimensional polyanionic framework, consisting of Ge pairs and Sb ribbons, outlines large channels occupied by columns of face‐sharing RE₆ trigonal prisms. These trigonal prisms are centered by additional Ge and Sb atoms to form GeSb₃ trigonal‐planar units. A bonding analysis attempted through a Zintl–Klemm approach suggests that full electron transfer from the RE atoms to the anionic substructure cannot be assumed. This is confirmed by band‐structure calculations, which also reveal the importance of Ge? Sb and Sb? Sb bonding. Magnetic measurements on Ce₁₂Ge_6.5Sb₂₁ indicate antiferromagnetic coupling but no long‐range ordering down to 2 K.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of RE7Zn21+xSi2–x [RE = Ce,Pr, and Nd; 0.09 (1) < x < 0.95 (1)]

The focus of this paper is on the synthesis and crystal structures of three Zn‐rich compounds with the general formula RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x, where RE = Ce [x = 0.95 (1); heptacerium docosazinc silicon], Pr [x = 0.09 (1); heptapraseodymium henicosazinc disilicon], and Nd [x = 0.53 (1); heptaneodymium docosazinc silicon]. The compounds were obtained by high‐temperature reactions, using the respective elements as starting materials. The structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The title compounds crystalize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam (No. 55, Pearson symbol oP60) and are isostructural with about a dozen RE₇Zn_21+xTt_2−x (RE = La–Nd; Tt = Ge, Sn, and Pb) compounds previously reported by our group. The results from the present refinements confirm the previously published data on RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x (RE = La and Ce; x≃ 1.45) [Malik et al. (2013). Intermetallics, 36 , 118–126]. Additionally, magnetic susceptibility measurements on the corresponding bulk samples show Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behavior from 5 to 300 K, consistent with RE³⁺ ground states and local‐moment magnetism due to the core 4f electrons.     

Magnetic,Optical, and Electronic Properties of the Phosphide Oxides REZnPO (RE = Y,La–Nd,Sm, Gd,Dy, Ho)

Well‐shaped yellow to red transparent single crystals of the phosphide oxides REZnPO (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho) were synthesized from the elements and ZnO in NaCl/KCl fluxes in sealed silica ampoules. Four structures (NdZnPO type, R3m) were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: a = 388.5(2), c = 3032(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0380, 360 F² values for YZnPO, a = 394.6(2), c = 3071(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0587, 226 F² values for SmZnPO, a = 392.2(2), c = 3056(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0262, 462 F² values for GdZnPO, and a = 389.33(6), c = 3030.5(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0453, 217 F² values for DyZnPO each with 14 variables per refinement. The structures are composed of alternate stacks of (RE³⁺O²⁻) and (Zn²⁺P³⁻) layers with covalent RE–O and ZñP bonding within and weak ionic bonding between the layers. The zinc and oxygen atoms have slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination by atoms of phosphorus and the rare earth element, respectively. According to the electron precise formulation RE³⁺Zn²⁺P³⁻O²⁻, these pnictide oxides are transparent in visible light. Susceptibility measurements on β‐CeZnPO, β‐PrZnPO, and GdZnPO reveal Curie‐Weiss paramagnetism with experimental magnetic moments of 2.31, 3.60, and 7.72 μ_B/RE atoms, respectively. β‐CeZnPO and β‐PrZnPO show antiferromagnetic order with Néel temperatures of 7.4 (Ce) and 2.2 (Pr) K. GdZnPO shows no magnetic ordering down to 2 K. Single crystal absorption spectra measured for REZnPO (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Dy) in the NIR‐Vis region reveal unexpected variations for the optical band gap of these phosphide oxides. For RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Dy, Ho f‐f electronic transitions with nicely resolved ligand‐field splittings are observed in the range 6000–20000 cm⁻¹. DFT band structure calculations show similarity between the valence bands of tetragonal and rhombohedral REZnPO as they possess mainly P‐3p character. In both cases, the conduction bands have mainly Zn‐4s character, but a significant contribution of RE‐5d occurs in rhombohedral REZnPO, which is responsible for a smaller optical band gap for the latter compounds. Variations of the energy gaps of tetragonal REZnPO can be explained by hybridization of Zn‐4s + RE‐5d + RE‐4f orbitals for the conduction band. DFT volume optimizations of α‐ and β‐PrZnPO show β‐PrZnPO to be more stable by 10.7 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Stuffed Graphite‐like vs. Stuffed Diamond‐like Structures of the 18 Valence Electron Compounds REAuSn (RE = Sc,Y, La‐Nd,Sm, Gd‐Lu)

18‐electron compounds REML (RE = rare earth metal; M = Cu, Ag, Au; L = Ge, Sn) can adopt either the stuffed graphite‐like (P6₃mc) or the stuffed diamond‐like ( ) structure. To understand why one structure is favored over the other, we carried out density functional theory electronic structure calculations for a number of REAuSn compounds. The stuffed graphite‐like and stuffed diamond‐like structures of an 18‐electron compound REAuSn are quite similar in their electronic structures with the Au atoms best described as existing as anions. The diamond‐like REML becomes possible only when the RE³⁺ ion is small and the M‐L bond is long.     

Cobalt Centered Trigonal RE6 Prisms and Mg4 Clusters as Basic Structural Units in RE4CoMg (RE = Y,La, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd–Tm)

The new rare earth metal rich intermetallic compounds RE₄CoMg (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm) were prepared via melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction of powders and single crystals: Gd₄RhIn type, , a = 1428.38(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0638, 680 F² values, 20 variables for La₄CoMg, a = 1399.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0584, 589 F² values, 20 variables for Pr₄CoMg, a = 1390.2(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0513, 634 F² values, 20 variables for Nd_3.90CoMg_1.10, a = 1381.0(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 618 F² values, 22 variables for Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08, a = 1373.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0586, 611 F² values, 20 variables for Gd_3.92CoMg_1.08, a = 1362.1(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0576, 590 F² values, 20 variables for Tb_3.77CoMg_1.23, a = 1344.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0683, 511 F² values, 20 variables for Dy_3.27CoMg_1.73, and a = 1343.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0560, 542 F² values, 20 variables for Er_3.72CoMg_1.28. The cobalt atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the CoRE₆ prisms leads to a three‐dimensional network which leaves larger voids that are filled by regular Mg₄ tetrahedra at a Mg–Mg distance of 316 pm in La₄CoMg. The magnesium atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3 Mg + 9 RE) in icosahedral coordination. In the structures with Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er, the RE1 positions which are not involved in the trigonal prismatic network reveal some RE1/Mg mixing and the Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08 structure shows small cobalt defects. Considering La₄CoMg as representative of all studied systems an analysis of the chemical bonding within density functional theory closely reproduces the crystal chemistry scheme and shows the role played by the valence states of the different constituents in the electronic band structure. Strong bonding interactions were observed between the lanthanum and cobalt atoms within the trigonal prismatic network.     

New Rare‐Earth Metal Germanides RE2Ge9 (RE = Nd,Sm) by Thermal Decomposition of High‐Pressure Phases REGe5

The rare‐earth metal germanides RE₂Ge₉ (RE = Nd, Sm) have been prepared by thermal decomposition of the metastable high‐pressure phases REGe₅ at ambient pressure. The compounds adopt an orthorhombic unit cell with a = 396.34(4) pm; b = 954.05(8) pm and c = 1238.4(1) pm for Nd₂Ge₉ and a = 395.46(7) pm; b = 946.4(2) pm and c = 1232.1(3) pm for Sm₂Ge₉. Crystal structure refinements reveal space group Pmmn (No. 59) for Nd₂Ge₉. The atomic pattern resembles an ordered defect variety of the pentagermanide motif REGe₅ (RE = La; Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) comprising corrugated germanium layers. These condense into a three‐dimensional network interconnected by eight‐coordinated germanium atoms. The resulting framework channels along [100] enclose the neodymium atoms. With respect to the atomic arrangement of the pentagermanides, half of the interlayer germanium atoms are eliminated in an ordered way so that occupied and empty germanium columns alternate along [001]. The rare‐earth metal atoms of both types of compounds, REGe₅ and RE₂Ge₉, exhibit the electronic states 4f ³ and 4f ⁵ (oxidation state +3) for neodymium and samarium, respectively, evidencing that the modification of the germanium network leaves the electron configuration of the metal atoms unaffected.     

Orthorhombic HP‐REOF (RE = Pr,Nd, Sm – Gd) – High‐Pressure Syntheses and Single‐Crystal Structures (RE = Nd,Sm, Eu)

High‐pressure modifications of the rare earth oxide fluorides REOF (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm – Gd) were successfully synthesized under conditions of 11 GPa and 1200 °C applying the multianvil high‐pressure/high‐temperature technique. Single crystals of HP‐REOF (RE = Nd, Sm, Eu) were obtained making it possible to analyze the products by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds HP‐REOF (RE = Nd, Sm, Eu) crystallize in the orthorhombic α‐PbCl₂‐type structure (space group Pnma, No. 62, Z = 4) with the parameters a = 632.45(3), b = 381.87(2), c = 699.21(3) pm, V = 0.16887(2) nm³, R₁ = 0.0156, and wR₂ = 0.0382 for HP‐NdOF, a = 624.38(3), b = 376.87(2), c = 689.53(4) pm, V = 0.16225(2) nm³, R₁ = 0.0141, and wR₂ = 0.0323 for HP‐SmOF, and a = 620.02(4), b = 374.24(3), c = 686.82(5) pm, V = 0.15937(2) nm³, R₁ = 0.0177, and wR₂ = 0.0288 for HP‐EuOF. Calculations of the bond valence sums clearly showed that the oxygen atoms occupy the tetrahedrally coordinated position, whereas the fluorine atoms are fivefold coordinated in form of distorted square‐pyramids. The crystal structures and properties of HP‐REOF (RE = Nd, Sm, Eu) are discussed and compared to the isostructural phases and the normal‐pressure modifications of REOF (RE = Nd, Sm, Eu). Furthermore, results of investigations by EDX and Raman measurements including quantum mechanical calculations are presented.     

Completing the Series: New Coordination Networks of Composition 3∞[RE2(ADC)3(H2O)6]·2H2O with RE = Pr,Nd, Sm,Eu, Tb,Dy, Ho,Er, Y and ADC2– = Acetylenedicarboxylate (–O2C–C≡C–CO2–)

The crystal structures of ³_∞[RE₂(ADC)₃(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy) were solved and refined from X‐ray single crystal data. They crystallize in a structure type already known for RE = La, Ce and Gd (P1 , no. 2, Z = 2), which is characterized by REO₉ polyhedra forming dimeric units being the nodes of a 3D framework structure linked by ADC^2– anions (^–O₂C–C≡C–CO₂^– = acetylenedicarboxylate). From synchrotron powder diffraction data it was shown that isostructural coordination networks are formed for RE = Ho, Er, Y, whereas for RE = Tm, Yb, Lu a new structure type crystallizing in a highly complex crystal structure with a large orthorhombic unit cell is found. All compounds are obtained by slow evaporation of an aqueous solution containing RE(OAc)₃ · xH₂O and acetylenedicarboxylic acid (H₂ADC). The coordination networks of composition ³_∞[RE₂(ADC)₃(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O were thoroughly investigated by thermal analysis and for RE = Eu, Tb, a strong red and green photoluminescence was observed and investigated by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy.     

Syntheses and Structures of RE4Pt10In21 (RE = La–Nd)

The isotypic indides RE₄Pt₁₀In₂₁ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were prepared by melting mixtures of the elements in an arc‐furnace under an argon atmosphere. Single crystals were synthesized in tantalum ampoules using special temperature modes. The four samples were studied by powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction: Ho₄Ni₁₀Ga₂₁ type, C2/m, a = 2305.8(2), b = 451.27(4), c = 1944.9(2) pm, β = 133.18(7)°, wR2 = 0.045, 2817 F² values, 107 variables for La₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, a = 2301.0(2), b = 448.76(4), c = 1941.6(2) pm, β = 133.050(8)°, wR2 = 0.056, 3099 F² values, 107 variables for Ce₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, a = 2297.4(2), b = 447.4(4), c = 1939.7(2) pm, β = 132.95(1)°, wR2 = 0.059, 3107 F² values, 107 variables for Pr₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, and a = 2294.7(4), b = 446.1(1), c = 1938.7(3) pm, β = 132.883(9)°, wR2 = 0.067, 2775 F² values, 107 variables for Nd₄Pt₁₀In₂₁. The 8j In2 positions of all structures have been refined with a split model. The In1 sites of the lanthanum and the cerium compound show small defects, leading to the refined composition La₄Pt₁₀In_20.966(6) and Ce₄Pt₁₀In_20.909(6) for the investigated crystals. The same position shows Pt/In mixing in the praseodymium and neodymium compound leading to the refined compositions Pr₄Pt_10.084(9)In_20.916(9) and Nd₄Pt_10.050(9)In_20.950(9). All platinum atoms have a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination by rare‐earth metal and indium atoms. The shortest interatomic distances occur for Pt–In followed by In–In. Together, the platinum and indium atoms build up three‐dimensional [Pt₁₀In₂₁] networks in which the rare earth atoms fill distorted pentagonal tubes. The crystal chemistry of RE₄Pt₁₀In₂₁ is discussed and compared with the RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides and isotypic gallides.     

The series RE5Li2Sn7 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd,Sm) revisited: crystal structure of RE5Li2−xSn7+x [0 ≤x≤ 0.03 (1)]

The series of RE₅Li₂Sn₇ (RE = Ce–Sm) compounds were synthesized by high‐temperature reactions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds are pentacerium dilithium heptastannide, Ce₅Li_1.97Sn_7.03, pentapreseodymium dilithium heptastannide, Pr₅Li_1.98Sn_7.02, pentaneodymium dilithium heptastannide, Nd₅Li_1.99Sn_7.01, and pentasamarium dilithium heptastannide, Sm₅Li₂Sn₇. All five compounds crystallize in the chiral orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), which is relatively uncommon among intermetallic phases. The structure belongs to the Ce₅Li₂Sn₇ structure type (Pearson symbol oP56), with 14 unique atoms in the asymmetric unit. Minor compositional variations exist, due to the mixed occupancy of Li and Sn atoms at one of the Li sites. The small occupational disorder is most evident for RE₅Li_2−xSn_7+x (RE = Ce, Pr; x≃ 0.03), while the structure of Nd₅Li₂Sn₇ and Sm₅Li₂Sn₇ show no apparent disorder.     

Ca3Ag1+xGe3–x (x = 1/3): New Transition Metal Zintl Phase with Intergrowth Structure and Alloying with Aluminum Metal

Abstract. The ternary Zintl phase Ca₃Ag_1+xGe_3–x (x = 1/3) was synthesized by the high‐temperature solid‐state technique and its crystal structure was refined from single‐crystal diffraction data. The compound Ca₃Ag_1.32Ge_2.68(1) adopts the Sc₃NiSi₃ type structure, crystal data: space group C2/m, a = 10.813(1) Å, b = 4.5346(4) Å, c = 14.3391(7) Å, β = 110.05(1)° and V = 660.48(10) ų for Z = 4. Its structure can be interpreted as an intergrowth of fragments cut from the CaGe (CrB‐type) and the CaAg_1+xGe_1–x (TiNiSi‐type) structures, and it therefore represents an alkaline‐earth member of the structure series with the general formula R_2+nT₂X_2+n with n = 4. Unlike the rare‐earth homologues that are fully ordered phases, one seventh of the atomic sites in the unit cell of the title compound are mixed occupied (roughly 2/3Ge and 1/3Ag), and this can be explained by the Zintl concept. The alloying of this phase using aluminum metal yielded the isotypic solid solution Ca₃(Ag/Al)_1+xGe_3–x, in which the aluminum for silver substitution is strictly localized in the TiNiSi substructure, revealing the very different functionality of the two building blocks.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and chemical bonding of RE5−xLixGe4 (RE = Nd,Sm and Gd; x≃ 1) with the orthorhombic Gd5Si4 type

The syntheses and single‐crystal and electronic structures of three new ternary lithium rare earth germanides, RE_5−xLi_xGe₄ (RE = Nd, Sm and Gd; x≃ 1), namely tetrasamarium lithium tetragermanide (Sm_3.97Li_1.03Ge₄), tetraneodymium lithium tetragermanide (Nd_3.97Li_1.03Ge₄) and tetragadolinium lithium tetragermanide (Gd_3.96Li_1.03Ge₄), are reported. All three compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma and adopt the Gd₅Si₄ structure type (Pearson code oP36). There are six atoms in the asymmetric unit: Li1 in Wyckoff site 4c, RE1 in 8d, RE2 in 8d, Ge1 in 8d, Ge2 in 4c and Ge3 in 4c. One of the RE sites, i.e. RE2, is statistically occupied by RE and Li atoms, accounting for the small deviation from ideal RE₄LiGe₄ stoichiometry.     

Rare‐Earth‐Rich Magnesium Compounds RE23Rh7Mg4 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd) with Tetrahedral Mg4 Clusters

The rare earth‐rich compounds RE₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) were prepared by induction‐melting the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. The new compounds were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction. They crystallize with the hexagonal Pr₂₃Ir₇Mg₄ type structure, space group P6₃mc. The structures of La₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (a = 1019.1(1), c = 2303.7(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0827, 1979 F² values, 69 variables), Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (a = 995.4(2), c = 2242.3(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0592, 2555 F² values, 74 variables) and Gd₂₃Rh_6.86(5)Mg₄ (a = 980.5(2), c = 2205.9(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0390, 2083 F² values, 71 variables) were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffractometer data. The three crystallographically different rhodium atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination with short RE–Rh distances (283–300 pm in Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄). The prisms are condensed via common edges, leading to a rigid three‐dimensional network in which isolated Mg₄ tetrahedra (312–317 pm Mg–Mg in Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄) are embedded. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility data of Ce₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ indicate Curie‐Weiss behavior with an experimental magnetic moment of 2.52(1) μ_B/Ce atom, indicative for stable trivalent cerium. Antiferromagnetic ordering is evident at 2.9 K.     

Cyanide‐Bridged Tetranuclear REIII2FeIII2 (RE = Y,Tb, Dy) Molecular Squares with 2, 2′:6′,2′′‐Terpyridine as a Capping Ligand

Self‐assembly reaction between hydrated rare‐earth (RE) nitrates RE(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O with K₃Fe(CN)₆ in H₂O/DMF solution by employing the tridentate ligand 2, 2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (terpy) as a capping ligand has yielded three cyanide‐bridged compounds [RE(terpy)(DMF)(H₂O)₂][Fe(CN)₆] · 6H₂O [RE = Y ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), Dy ( 3 )]. FT‐IR spectra confirmed the presence of terpy ligands and cyanide groups in compounds 1 – 3 . Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis indicated that these compounds are isomorphous and adopt neutral [RE₂Fe₂] molecular squares, which are further linked through hydrogen bonding interactions to generate a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that significant single ion magnetic anisotropy dominates the properties of these compounds.     

Synthesis and structure determination of seven ternary bismuthides: crystal chemistry of the RELi3Bi2 family (RE = La–Nd,Sm, Gd,and Tb)

Zintl phases are renowned for their diverse crystal structures with rich structural chemistry and have recently exhibited some remarkable heat‐ and charge‐transport properties. The ternary bismuthides RELi₃Bi₂ (RE = La–Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb) (namely, lanthanum trilithium dibismuthide, LaLi₃Bi₂, cerium trilithium dibismuthide, CeLi₃Bi₂, praseodymium trilithium dibismuthide, PrLi₃Bi₂, neodymium trilithium dibismuthide, NdLi₃Bi₂, samarium trilithium dibismuthide, SmLi₃Bi₂, gadolinium trilithium dibismuthide, GdLi₃Bi₂, and terbium trilithium dibismuthide, TbLi₃Bi₂) were synthesized by high‐temperature reactions of the elements in sealed Nb ampoules. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that all seven compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the LaLi₃Sb₂ type structure in the trigonal space group Pm1 (Pearson symbol hP6). The unit‐cell volumes decrease monotonically on moving from the La to the Tb compound, owing to the lanthanide contraction. The structure features a rare‐earth metal atom and one Li atom in a nearly perfect octahedral coordination by six Bi atoms. The second crystallographically unique Li atom is surrounded by four Bi atoms in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The atomic arrangements are best described as layered structures consisting of two‐dimensional layers of fused LiBi₄ tetrahedra and LiBi₆ octahedra, separated by rare‐earth metal cations. As such, these compounds are expected to be valance‐precise semiconductors, whose formulae can be represented as (RE³⁺)(Li¹⁺)₃(Bi³⁻)₂.     

Crystal and Electronic Structures of the New Carbomolybdates(III), RE2[Mo2C3] with RE = Ce,Sm, Tb,and Dy

Four new ternary carbometalates of the general formula RE₂[Mo₂C₃] with RE = Ce, Sm, Tb and Dy have been prepared by a high temperature synthesis route. The Ce, Tb and Dy compounds crystallize isotypic to Er₂[Mo₂C₃], Sm₂[Mo₂C₃], however, is an isotype of Ho₂[Cr₂C₃]. The crystal structures comprise polyanionic layers [(Mo₂C₃)^6?] with the rare‐earth metal ions in between. The layers are constructed by edge and vertex connected MoC₄ tetrahedra, which display strong covalent Mo–C bonds. The compounds show metallic behaviour close to the classical limit of 100 μΩ cm for metallic conductors. The magnetic properties are quite different, however they are consistent with the presence of trivalent RE³⁺ ions with the exception of Ce₂[Mo₂C₃], which contains nonmagnetic Ce species. Electronic structure calculations reveal that the additional electron mainly populates the Ce partial structure. The title compounds extend the series of known carbomolybdates RE₂[Mo₂C₃]. The late lanthanides Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu with comparatively small RE³⁺ ions and Ce as Ce⁴⁺ adopt the Er₂[Mo₂C₃] structure type, whereas the early lanthanides Sm and Pr with larger RE³⁺ ions crystallize in the structure types of Ho₂[Cr₂C₃] and Pr₂[Mo₂C₃], respectively.     

Synthesis,Luminescence and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Homoleptic Tetracyanamidogermanates ARE[Ge(CN2)4] (A = K,Cs, and RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm,Eu, Gd)

Two new series of tetracyanamidogermanates were prepared by solid‐state reaction of appropriate amounts of REF₃ (RE = rare earth), A₂[GeF₆] (A = alkaline), and Li₂(CN₂) in evacuated silica tubes. Powder X‐ray diffraction patterns of crystalline samples of KRE[Ge(CN₂)₄] and CsRE[Ge(CN₂)₄] were indexed isotypically to KRE[Si(CN₂)₄] and RbRE[Ge(CN₂)₄], respectively. Luminescence properties of Ce³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Tb³⁺ doped compounds and non‐linear optical properties (NLO) of KRE[Ge(CN₂)₄] are reported.     

New Phosphides La5Zn2−xP6 and Ce5Zn2−xP6 – the n = 4 Members of the REZn2P2·n(REP) Series

The new phosphides La₅Zn_2?xP₆ and Ce₅Zn_2?xP₆ were synthesized from the rare earth metals, LaZn and CeZn precursor compounds, Zn, and red phosphorous in NaCl/KCl salt fluxes. They crystallize with a new rhombohedral structure type: , Z = 3, a = 422.11(6), c = 6220(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0369, 356 F² values, 23 variables for La₅Zn_1.69P₆ and a = 417.05(6), c = 6162(1), wR2 = 0.0343, 286 F² values, 23 variables for Ce₅Zn_1.75P₆. The P^3? phosphide anions show an h²c⁴ stacking sequence in which the RE³⁺ and Zn²⁺ cations fill 5/6 and 1/6 of the octahedral and tetrahedral voids in an ordered manner, respectively, leading to a layer of condensed ZnP₄ tetrahedra and quintupled layers of condensed REP₆ octahedra. The structures of La₅Zn_2?xP₆ and Ce₅Zn_2?xP₆ belong to a larger family of phosphides which are intergrowth variants of CaAl₂Si₂ and NaCl related slabs according to REZn₂P₂·n(REP) with n = 4 for the present phosphides.     

Opening a New Series of Calcium Boridecarbides with Heterographene Nets by Ca1–x(B,C)6 and Ca1–x(B,C)8 – Two Members of the (CaB2)Cn Compound Series

Ca_1–xB₂C₄ (x ~ 0.08) and Ca_1–xB₂C₆ (x ~ 0.04) are two compounds containing heterographene‐B,C nets which were prepared by solid state synthesis and structurally characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction data. Both compounds crystallize in the space group P6/ mmm (No. 191). The lattice constants are a = 4.55971(5) Å and c = 4.4020(1) Å for CaB₂C₄ and a = 2.58390(5) Å, c = 4.43597(8) Å for CaB₂C₆. The calcium atoms are intercalated between the heterographene (B,C) nets. The calcium atom distribution in Ca_1–xB₂C₆ is disordered, leading to diffuse scattering. A model for this disorder was developed that matches well the observed diffuse scattering observed in the electron diffraction pattern. For Ca_1–xB₂C₆ and its decomposition products magnetic and electric properties are being reported.