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.     

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.     

Dimorphic ErAgSn and TmAgSn – High‐Pressure and High‐Temperature Driven Phase Transitions

The stannides ErAgSn and TmAgSn have been investigated under high‐temperature (HT) and high‐pressure (HP) conditions in order to investigate their structural chemistry. ErAgSn and TmAgSn are dimorphic: normal‐pressure (NP) ErAgSn and HT‐TmAgSn crystallize into the NdPtSb type structure, P6₃mc, a = 466.3(1), c = 729.0(2) pm for NP‐ErAgSn and a = 465.4(1), c = 726.6(2) pm for HT‐TmAgSn. NP‐ErAgSn was obtained via arc‐melting of the elements and subsequent annealing at 970 K, while HT‐TmAgSn crystallized directly from the melt by rapidly quenching the arc‐melted sample. HT‐TmAgSn transforms to the ZrNiAl type low‐temperature modification upon annealing at 970 K. The high‐pressure (HP) modification of ErAgSn was synthesized under multianvil high‐pressure (11.5 GPa) high‐temperature (1420 K) conditions from NP‐ErAgSn: ZrNiAl type, , a = 728.7(2), c = 445.6(1) pm. The silver and tin atoms in NP‐ErAgSn and HT‐TmAgSn build up two‐dimensional, puckered [Ag₃Sn₃] networks (277 pm intralayer Ag–Sn distance in NP‐ErAgSn) that are charge‐balanced and separated by the erbium and thulium atoms. The fourth neighbor in the adjacent layer has a longer Ag–Sn distance of 298 pm. The [AgSn] network in HP‐ErAgSn is three‐dimensional. Each silver atom has four tin neighbors (281–285 pm Ag–Sn). The [AgSn] network leaves distorted hexagonal channels, which are filled with the erbium atoms. The crystal chemistry of the three phases is discussed.     

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.     

Stabilizing the LaCoAl4 Structure through Indium‐Magnesium Substitution in CeRhIn4−xMgx (x = 0.79 and 0.84) – An Indide with Magnesium Centered Indium Cubes

The intermetallic compounds CeRhIn_4?xMg_x (x = 0.79 and 0.84) were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in a high‐frequency furnace. The samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: LaCoAl₄ type, Pmma, a = 829.5(2), b = 433.56(9), c = 740.2(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0458, 651 F² values, 25 variables for CeRhIn_3.21Mg_0.79 and a = 831.44(10), b = 433.49(10), c = 741.04(10) pm, wR2 = 0.0543, 915 F² values, 25 variables for CeRhIn_3.16Mg_0.84. The indium atoms build up two‐dimensional networks perpendicular to the b axis in an AA stacking sequence leaving slightly distorted trigonal, square and pentagonal prismatic voids for the rhodium, magnesium, and cerium atoms. Both square prismatic voids show small magnesium/indium mixing. The shortest interatomic distances occur for the Rh–Mg contacts (257 pm). Together, the rhodium, indium, and magnesium atoms build up three‐dimensional [RhIn_4?xMg_x] networks in which the cerium atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels.     

Magnesium‐Tin Substitution in NiMg2

The binary intermetallic compound NiMg₂ (own structure type) forms a pronounced solid solution NiMg_2?xSn_x. The structure of NiMg_1.85(1)Sn_0.15(1) was refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data: P6₄22, a = 520.16(7), c = 1326.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0693, 464 F² values, and 20 variables. With increasing magnesium/tin substitution, the structure type changes. Crystals with x = 0.22 and 0.40 adopt the orthorhombic CuMg₂ type: Fddd, a = 911.0(2), b = 514.6(1), c = 1777.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0427, 394 F² values for NiMg_1.78(1)Sn_0.22(1), and a = 909.4(1), b = 512.9(1), c = 1775.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0445, 307 F² values for NiMg_1.60(1)Sn_0.40(1) with 19 variables per refinement. The nickel atoms build up almost linear chains with Ni–Ni distances between 260 and 263 pm in both modifications where each nickel atom has coordination number 10 with two nickel and eight Mg/Sn neighbors. Both magnesium sites in the NiMg₂ and CuMg₂ type structures show Mg/Sn mixing. The Ni polyhedra are condensed leading to dense layers which show a different stacking sequence in both structure types. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these intermetallics are briefly discussed.     

The Stannides AuNiSn2 and AuCuSn2 – Bulk Synthesis and Superstructure Determination

The stannides AuNiSn₂ and AuCuSn₂ were prepared by melting of the elements in silica ampoules at 1300 K followed by slow cooling to room temperature. The structures of both compounds were refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data: , a = 412.41(14), c = 529.24(11) pm, wR2 = 0.0268, 159 F² values, 10 variables for AuNiSn₂ and a = 425.97(17), c = 526.88(15) pm, wR2 = 0.0507, 159 F² values, 11 variables for AuCuSn₂ (twinned crystal, BASF = 0.305(4)). These stannides crystallize with a superstructure of the NiAs type with a complete ordering of the transition metal atoms. They derive from a AuSn subcell structure, where every other layer of octahedral voids in the hexagonal closest packing of the tin atoms is filled by nickel in AuNiSn₂ and by copper in AuCuSn₂. Due to the symmetry reduction smaller NiSn_6/6 (CuSn_6/6) and larger AuSn_6/6 octahedra alternate along the c axis. The crystal chemistry is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.     

Über Fluoridsulfide (MFS) der Lanthanide (M = La–Nd,Sm, Gd–Lu) im A‐Typ mit PbFCl‐Struktur

On Fluoride Sulfides (MFS) of the Lanthanides (M = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Lu) with A‐ or PbFCl‐Type Crystal Structure By the reaction of the elemental lanthanides (M = La–Nd, Sm–Lu) with the respective trifluorides (MF₃) and sulfur (S) in 2 : 1 : 3‐molar ratios at 850 °C, single‐phase fluoride sulfides of the composition MFS can be obtained in evacuated, gas‐tightly arc‐welded niobium or tantalum capsules within a few days. Exceptions are europium and ytterbium which do not react to form the corresponding fluoride sulfides under these conditions. However, at least YbFS becomes accessible through this method if platinum serves as container material. With sodium chloride (NaCl) as a flux, the formation of hydrolysis‐insensitive, platelet‐shaped A‐type single crystals with square cross‐section and the formula MFS (M = La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Er) is possible. These are very suitable for structure refinement from X‐ray diffraction data. In the PbFCl‐analogous crystal structures (tetragonal, P4/nmm, Z = 2; LaFS: a = 404.38(4), c = 700.41(7) pm; CeFS: a = 400.13(3), c = 696.20(5) pm; PrFS: a = 396.27(3), c = 692.72(5) pm; NdFS: a = 393.89(3), c = 691.58(5) pm; SmFS: a = 388.36(3), c = 687.95(5) pm; GdFS: a = 383.45(3), c = 685.18(5) pm; TbFS: a = 381.02(3), c = 683.86(5) pm; DyFS: a = 378.48(2), c = 682.51(4) pm; HoFS: a = 376.48(3), c = 681.92(5) pm; ErFS: a = 374.61(3), c = 681.34(5) pm), the M³⁺ cations are surrounded by nine anions (4 F^– and 5 S^2–) as monocapped square antiprisms. The anions themselves exhibit tetrahedral (F^–) and square‐pyramidal (S^2–) cationic coordination, respectively, according to the Niggli formula {(M³⁺)(F^–)_4/4(S^2–)_5/5}. In the case of TmFS, YbFS, and LuFS under analogous conditions, the hexagonal B‐ or trigonal C‐type modifications form at first, which can be transformed eventually to the quenchable metastable tetragonal A‐type polymorphs (TmFS: a = 372.86(5), c = 681.15(8) pm; YbFS: a = 371.08(5), c = 680.93(8) pm; LuFS: a = 369.37(5), c = 680.76(8) pm) at high pressure (20–60 kbar).     

Synthesis and Structures of SrAuIn and SrAuIn3

The intermetallic compounds SrAuIn and SrAuIn₃ were synthesised from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in a high‐frequency furnace. Both indides were studied by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 772.2(4), b = 478.6(2), c = 844.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0474, 748 F² values, 20 variables for SrAuIn and BaNiSn₃ type, I4mm, a = 456.97(8), c = 1243.7(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0381, 397 F² values, 18 variables for SrAuIn₃. The latter reveals a small degree of Au/In disorder. Both structures consist of three‐dimensional [AuIn], respectively [AuIn₃] polyanionic networks with short Au–In distances (287–291 pm in SrAuIn and 268–284 pm in SrAuIn₃. The latter indide reveals also In–In bonding (294–323 pm). The larger voids within the polyanionic networks of both structures are filled by the strontium cations.     

Bridgman Crystal Growth and Structure Refinement of YbPdGe and YbPtGe – Two Different Superstructures of the KHg2 Type

Well shaped single crystals of the equiatomic germanides YbPdGe and YbPtGe were synthesized from the elements using the Bridgman technique. The samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: YbAuSn type, Imm2, a = 433.4(2), b = 2050.6(6), c = 752.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0723, 1551 F² values, 58 variables for YbPdGe and TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 686.32(9), b = 430.47(9), c = 751.02(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0543, 379 F² values, 20 variables for YbPtGe. Both germanides crystallize with different superstructure variants of the KHg₂ type, resulting from different stacking of the puckered Pd₃Ge₃ and Pt₃Ge₃ hexagons. While only Pt–Ge interactions occur in the [PtGe] polyanionic network of YbPtGe, weak interlayer Pd–Pd (297 pm) and Ge–Ge (275 pm) interactions occur in YbPdGe. The crystal chemical peculiarities are discussed in the light of the different superstructure formed.     

Ternary Indides RE4Pd10In21 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm) — Synthesis,Structure, and Physical Properties

The ternary indium compounds RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were synthesized from the elements in glassy carbon crucibles in a high‐frequency furnace. Single crystals of Sm₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ were obtained from an indium flux. An arc‐melted precursor alloy of the starting composition ～SmPd₃In₆ was annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. All compounds were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and the structures were refined from single crystal diffractometer data. The RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides are isotypic with Ho₄Ni₁₀Ga₂₁, space group C2/m: a = 2314.3(2), b = 454.70(7), c = 1940.7(2) pm, β = 133.43(2)°, wR2 = 0.0681, 1678 F² values for La₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2308.2(1), b = 452.52(4), c = 1944.80(9) pm, β = 133.40(1)°, wR2 = 0.0659, 1684 F² values for Ce₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2303.8(2), b = 450.78(4), c = 1940.6(1) pm, β = 133.39(1)°, wR2 = 0.0513, 1648 F² values for Pr₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2300.2(2), b = 449.75(6), c = 1937.8(2) pm, β = 133.32(1)°, wR2 = 0.1086, 1506 F² values for Nd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, and a = 2295.6(2), b = 447.07(4), c = 1935.7(1) pm, β = 133.16(1)°, wR2 = 0.2291, 2350 F² values for Sm₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, with 108 variables per refinement. All palladium atoms have a trigonal prismatic coordination. The strongest bonding interactions occur for the Pd—In and In—In contacts. The structures are composed of covalently bonded three‐dimensional [Pd₁₀In₂₁] networks in which the rare earth metal atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding in these indides is briefly discussed. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show diamagnetism for La₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ and Curie‐Weiss paramagnetism for Ce₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, Pr₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, and Nd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁. The neodymium compound orders antiferromagnetically at T_N = 4.5(2) K and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at a critical field of 1.5(2) T. All the RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides studied are metallic conductors.     

Intermetallic Gold Compounds REAuMg (RE = Y,La–Nd,Sm, Eu,Gd–Yb)

New intermetallic rare earth compounds REAuMg (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd–Yb) were synthesized by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction both on powders and single crystals. Some structures were refined on the basis of single crystal data. The compounds with Y, La–Nd, Sm, and Gd–Tm adopt the ZrNiAl type structure with space group P62m: a = 770.8(2), c = 419.5(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0269, 261 F² values for PrAuMg, a = 750.9(2), c = 407.7(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0561, 649 F² values for HoAuMg with 15 variables for each refinement. Geometrical motifs in HoAuMg are two types of gold centered trigonal prisms: [Au1Mg₃Ho₆] and [Au2Mg₆Ho₃]. The gold and magnesium atoms form a three‐dimensional [AuMg] polyanion in which the holmium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. The magnesium positions show a small degree of magnesium/gold mixing resulting in the refined compositions PrAu_1.012(2)Mg_0.988(2) and HoAu_1.026(3)Mg_0.974(3). EuAuMg and YbAuMg contain divalent europium and ytterbium, respectively. Both compounds crystallize with the TiNiSi type structure, space group Pnma: a = 760.6(3), b = 448.8(2), c = 875.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 702 F² values, 22 variables for EuAuMg, and a = 738.4(1), b = 436.2(1), c = 864.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0442, 451 F² values, and 20 variables for YbAuMg. The europium position shows a small degree of europium/magnesium mixing, and the magnesium site a slight magnesium/gold mixing leading to the refined composition Eu_0.962(3)Au_1.012(3)Mg_1.026(3). No mixed occupancies were found in YbAuMg where all sites are fully occupied. In these structures the europium(ytterbium) and magnesium atoms form zig‐zag chains of egde‐sharing trigonal prisms which are centered by the gold atoms. As is typical for TiNiSi type compounds, also in EuAuMg and YbAuMg a three‐dimensional [AuMg] polyanion occurs in which the europium(ytterbium) atoms are embedded. The degree of distortion of the two polyanions, however, is different.     

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.     

Ca2Pd2In and Ca2Pt2In with Monoclinic HT‐Pr2Co2Al Type Structure

The metal‐rich indides Ca₂Pd₂In and Ca₂Pt₂In were synthesised from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. Both samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: HT‐Pr₂Co₂Al type, C2/c, a = 1017.6(5), b = 574.1(3), c = 812.7(3) pm, β = 104.54(2)°, wR2 = 0.0344, 590 F² values for Ca₂Pd₂In and a = 1004.3(3), b = 568.9(1), c = 813.1(2) pm, β = 104.25(2)°, wR2 = 0.0435, 654 F² values for Ca₂Pt₂In with 25 variables per refinement. The structure contain Pd₂ (272 pm) and Pt₂ (264 pm) dumb‐bells with a trigonal prismatic coordination for each transition metal atom. These AlB₂ related slabs are condensed via common edges. Together the palladium and indium atoms build up three‐dimensional [Pd₂In] and [Pt₂In] polyanionic networks in which the calcium atoms fill larger channels. The bonding of calcium to the network proceeds via shorter Ca–Pd and Ca–Pt contacts. Ca₂Pd₂In and Ca₂Pt₂In are Pauli paramagnets.     

Rare Earth-Rich Indides <Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis><Subscript>5</Subscript>Pt<Subscript>2</Subscript>In<Subscript>4</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis> = Sc,Y, La–Nd,Sm, Gd–Tm,Lu)

Summary. The isotypic indides RE ₅Pt₂In₄ (RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. They were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction. Small single crystals of Gd₅Pt₂In₄ were grown via slow cooling and the structure was refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 1819.2(9), b = 803.2(3), c = 367.6(2) pm, wR ² = 0.089, 893 F ² values and 36 parameters. The structure is an intergrowth variant of distorted trigonal and square prismatic slabs of compositions GdPt and GdIn. Together the platinum and indium atoms build up one-dimensional [Pt₂In₄] networks (292–333 pm Pt–In and 328–368 pm In–In) in an AA stacking sequence along the c axis. The gadolinium atoms fill distorted square and pentagonal prismatic cages between these networks with strong bonding to the platinum atoms.     

Platinum‐Indium Polyanions in the Structures of LaPtIn4 and LnPtIn3 (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm) and Structure Refinement of Ce2Pt2In

The title compounds were prepared by reacting the elements in an arc‐melting furnace and subsequent annealing. The LaRuSn₃ type structure of the new compounds LnPtIn₃ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) was refined from single crystal X‐ray data for LaPtIn₃: Pm3n, a = 980.4(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0271, 399 F² values, 15 variables. Striking structural motifs of LaPtIn₃ are condensed distorted trigonal [PtIn₆] prisms with Pt–In distances of 269 pm. The lanthanum atoms occupy large cavities within the polyhedral network. Besides Pt–In bonding In–In bonding also plays an important role in LaPtIn₃ with In–In distances of 299 and 327 pm. The La1 position is occupied only to 91%, resulting in a composition La_0.98(1)PtIn₃. The La1 atoms show an extremely large displacement parameter indicating a rattling of these atoms in the In₁₂ cages. The so far most indium rich compound in the ternary system lanthanum‐platinum‐indium is LaPtIn₄ which was characterized on the basis of Guinier powder data: YNiAl₄‐type, Cmcm, a = 455.1(2) pm, b = 1687.5(5) pm, and c = 738.3(2) pm. The platinum atoms in LaPtIn₄ center trigonal prisms with the composition [La₂In₄]. Together with the indium atoms the platinum atoms form a complex three‐dimensional [PtIn₄] polyanion in which the lanthanum atoms occupy large hexagonal tubes. The structure of Ce₂Pt₂In is confirmed: Mo₂FeB₂‐type, P4/mbm, a = 779.8(1) pm, c = 388.5(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0466, 433 F² values, 12 parameters. It is built up from CsCl and AlB₂ related slabs with the compositions CeIn and CePt₂, respectively. Chemical bonding in the [PtIn₃] and [PtIn₄] polyanions of LaPtIn₃ and LaPtIn₄ is discussed.     

Syntheses and Structures of RE10Ni9+xIn20 (RE = Tb,Dy) and YbNiIn2

The ternary indides RE₁₀Ni_9+xIn₂₀ (RE = Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting under argon and subsequent annealing. YbNiIn₂ was prepared in a sealed tantalum tube in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. X‐ray powder and single crystal data revealed isotypism with the tetragonal Ho₁₀Ni₉In₂₀ type structure, space group P4/nmm for the RE₁₀Ni_9+xIn₂₀ compounds: a = 1337.0(2), c = 909.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0527, 1795 F² values, 65 variables for RE = Tb, and a = 1333.63(7), c = 907.2(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0590, 1346 F² values, 65 variables for RE = Dy. Both indides show an additional nickel site (Ni4) with partial nickel occupancy leading to the refined compositions Tb₁₀Ni_9.34(2)In₂₀ and Dy₁₀Ni_9.32(2)In₂₀. YbNiIn₂ adopts the orthorhombic MgCuAl₂‐type structure: Cmcm, a = 430.67(9), b = 1033.0(2), c = 758.1(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0262, 424 F² values and 16 variable parameters. The crystal chemistry of the RE₁₀Ni_9+xIn₂₀ and RENiIn₂ compounds is briefly discussed.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur des Fluorid‐ino‐Oxosilicats Cs2YFSi4O10

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Fluoride ino‐Oxosilicate Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ The novel fluoride oxosilicate Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ could be synthesized by the reaction of Y₂O₃, YF₃ and SiO₂ in the stoichiometric ratio 2 : 5 : 3 with an excess of CsF as fluxing agent in gastight sealed platinum ampoules within seventeen days at 700 °C. Single crystals of Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ appear as colourless, transparent and water‐resistant needles. The characteristic building unit of Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ (orthorhombic, Pnma (no. 62), a = 2239.75(9), b = 884.52(4), c = 1198.61(5) pm; Z = 8) comprises infinite tubular chains of vertex‐condensed [SiO₄]^4? tetrahedra along [010] consisting of eight‐membered half‐open cube shaped silicate cages. The four crystallographically different Si⁴⁺ cations all reside in general sites 8d with Si–O distances from 157 to 165 pm. Because of the rigid structure of this oxosilicate chain the bridging Si–O–Si angles vary extremely between 128 and 167°. The crystallographically unique Y³⁺ cation (in general site 8d as well) is surrounded by four O^2? and two F^? anions (d(Y–O) = 221–225 pm, d(Y–F) = 222 pm). These slightly distorted trans‐[YO₄F₂]^7? octahedra are linked via both apical F^? anions by vertex‐sharing to infinite chains along [010] (?(Y–F–Y) = 169°, ?(F–Y–F) = 177°). Each of these chains connects via terminal O^2? anions to three neighbouring oxosilicate chains to build up a corner‐shared, three‐dimensional framework. The resulting hexagonal and octagonal channels along [010] are occupied by the four crystallographically different Cs⁺ cations being ten‐, twelve‐, thirteen‐ and fourteenfold coordinated by O^2? and F^? anions (viz.[(Cs1)O₁₀]^19?, [(Cs2)O₁₀F₂]^21?, [(Cs3)O₁₂F]^24?, and [(Cs4)O₁₂F₂]^25? with d(Cs–O) = 309–390 pm and d(Cs–F) = 360–371 pm, respectively).     

Röntgenstrukturuntersuchungen an den polymorphen Elpasolithen K2LiAlF6 und Rb2LiGaF6

X-Ray Structural Studies of the Polymorphic Elpasolites K₂LiAlF₆ and Rb₂LiGaF₆ At single crystals of low (LT) and high temperature (HT) modifications of K₂LiAlF₆ and of Rb₂LiGaF₆, synthesized at normal pressure (NP), the crystal structures were refined. LT-K₂LiAlF₆ is a cubic elpasolite (Fm3m, Z = 4, a = 784.2(1) pm; Al–F: 181.2(1) pm), HT-K₂LiAlF₆ and NP-Rb₂LiGaF₆ are isostructural with the hexagonal-rhombohedral type of Cs₂NaCrF₆ (R3m, Z = 6, a = 561.7(1) resp. 586.3(1), c = 2757.6(6) resp. 2856.3(5) pm; mean values Al–F: 180.5 resp. Ga–F: 189.3 pm). A cubic high pressure modification (HP) of Rb₂LiGaF₆ was obtainable as a powder only (a = 820.8(2) pm). The relations of distances between LT/HT and HP/NP polymorphs of elpasolites are compared and discussed.     

Gd3Pt4In12 and Tb3Pt4In12 — New Ternary Indides with Condensed Distorted [PtIn6] Trigonal Prisms

The ternary indium compounds Gd₃Pt₄In₁₂ and Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂ were synthesized from an indium flux. Arc‐melted precursor alloys with the starting compositions ∼GdPtIn₄ and ∼TbPtIn₄ were annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. Both compounds were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction: a = 990.5(1), c = 1529.5(3) pm for Gd₃Pt₄In₁₂ and a = 988.65(9), c = 1524.0(1) pm for Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂. The structure of the gadolinium compound was solved and refined from single crystal X‐ray data: P3¯m1, wR2 = 0.0470, 1469 F² values and 62 variable parameters. Both crystallographically different platinum sites have a slightly distorted trigonal prismatic indium coordination. These [PtIn₆] prisms are condensed via common edges and corners forming a complex three‐dimensional [Pt₁₂In₃₂] network. The gadolinium, In1 and In7 atoms fill cavities within this polyanion. Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂ is isotypic with the gadolinium compound.