[Gd4(C2)](Cl,I)6, an Interstitially Stabilized Heteroleptic Gadolinium Sesquihalide

[Gd₄(C₂)](Cl, I)₆ is obtained from CsI, Gd, GdCl₃ and C₂I₄ in sealed niobium containers at 1000/800°C as black, shiny needles. The crystal structure (tetragonal, P4/mbm, Z = 2, a = 1347.5(1), c = 1212.5(1) pm) is similar to that of Na[Mo₄]O₆ and [Sc₄B]Cl₆. It may be regarded as being built from octahedra sharing common trans edges running in the [001] direction. The octahedra contain C₂ units as interstitials. Every third octahedron contains a disordered C₂ unit perpendicular to those in the two neighboring [Gd₆(C₂)] octahedra and is therefore compressed in the direction of the (pseudo) C₄ axis. Calculations of the electronic structure of an “empty” [Gd₄]Cl₆ structure reveals a total of 13 electrons necessary to occupy all metal-metal bonding states. The incorporation of a carbon dimer substantially alters the bonding conditions for [Gd₄(C₂)]X₆ (X = Cl, I). The formal charge of ?6 of the C₂ unit is significantly reduced as π_g states split up, Gd? Gd and Gd? C bonding states are occupied and bonding d orbitals combine to form the lowest unoccupied energy states.     

Gd10C4Cl18 und Gd10C4Cl17, zwei Seltenerdmetall-Clusterverbindungen mit interstitiellen C2-Gruppen

Gd₁₀C₄Cl₁₈ and Gd₁₀C₄Cl₁₇, Two Lanthanoid Cluster Compounds with Interstitial C₂ Units The compounds Gd₁₀C₄Cl₁₈ ( I ) and Gd₁₀C₄Cl₁₇ ( II ) are prepared by heating stoichiometric amounts of GdCl₃, Gd, and graphite in sealed tantalum tubes at 1070 ( I ) and 1 120 K ( II ). Single crystal investigations ( I : P2₁/c, Z = 2, a = 918.2, b = 1 612.0, c = 1 288.6 pm, β = 119.86°; II : P1 , Z = 1, a = 849.8, b = 917.4, c = 1 146.2 pm, α = 104.56°, β = 95.98°, γ = 111.35°) revealed the occurrence of novel Gd₁₀C₄Cl₁₈ clusters. The metal framework is formed by edge-sharing of two Gd₆ octahedra. These are centred by C₂ units (d_{C? C} = 147 pm) and Cl atoms bridge all available edges of the octahedra. The structure of I corresponds to a packing of such quasi molecular clusters, in II they are linked to chains via common Cl atoms. Both structures are discussed in terms of a model of close packed spheres as well as in the concept of condensed clusters.     

Gd4I6CN: Ein Carbidnitrid mit Ketten aus Gd6(C2)-Oktaedern und Gd6N2-Tetraederdoppeln

Gd₄I₆CN: A Carbide Nitride with Chains of Gd₆(C₂) Octahedra and Gd₆N₂ Double Tetrahedra The compound α-Gd₄I₆CN is prepared by reaction of Gd, GdI₃, C, and GdN (1:2:1:1 mole ratio) at 1 170 K in sealed Ta tubes. It is obtained as brown red, transparent needles which are air and moisture sensitive. The structure of α-Gd₄I₆CN contains Gd₆ octahedra centered by C₂ groups and double tetrahedra centered by N atoms. The units are alternatingly connected via common edges to form chains (Gd₂Gd_4/2C₂) (Gd_2/2Gd_2/2N)₂ parallel [001]. The linear chains are surrounded by I atoms above all free edges of the metal polyhedra and linked according to (Gd₂Gd_4/2C₂) (Gd₂Gd_4/2N₂)I_4/2I₈I₂ in the a – b plane. We also found β-Gd₄I₆CN, which is formed in a monotropic transition from the α-form. In the structure the chains of Gd octahedra and tetrahedra as described for α-Gd₄I₆CN are more densely packed. The structure of Y₆I₉C₂N is composed by chains of pairs of Y-octahedra and Y-tetrahedra, respectively. The octahedra are centered by C₂ groups, the tetrahedra by N-atoms. We also synthesized the compounds Gd₄Br₆CN und La₄I₆CN by tempering at 1 220 K. They are isotypic with α-Gd₄I₆CN.     

Metalloktaederdoppel in den Clusterverbindungen Gd10I16(C2)2 und Gd10Br15B2/Tb10Br15B2

Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ and Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂/Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ Cluster Compounds with M₁₀ Twin Octahedra The compound Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ can be prepared from Gd metal, GdI₃ and C at 950 °C. It crystallizes in P1 with a = 10.463(4) Å, b = 16.945(6) Å, c = 11.220(4) Å, α = 99.15(3)°, β = 92.68(3)° und γ = 88.06(3)°. Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂ is formed between 900 und 950 °C, Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ between 900 und 930 °C from stoichiometric amounts of the rare earth metals, tribromide and boron. Both compounds crystallize in the space group P1 for Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂ with a = 8.984(2) Å, b = 9.816(2) Å, c = 10.552(5) Å, α = 91.14(3)°, β = 114.61(3)° and γ = 110.94(3)° and for Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ with a = 8.939(4) Å, b = 9.788(3) Å, c = 10.502(2) Å, α = 91.19(3)°, β = 114.51(3)° and γ = 111.10(2)°. In the crystal structures of all three compounds the rare earth metals form edge‐shared Ln₁₀ twin octahedra. In Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ the Gd octahedra are centered with C₂ groups (d_C–C = 1.43(7) Å). In Ln₁₀Br₁₅B₂ (Ln = Gd, Tb) the octahedra contain single boron atoms. The clusters are connected through halide atoms to chains [Ln₁₀(Z)₂X X X ]. Adjacent chains are fused threedimensionally via I I for the Gd iodide carbide and via Br Br for the bromide borides of Gd und Tb. It is interesting to see an identical pattern of connection between the chains for the reduced oxomolybdates, e. g. PbMo₅O₈.     

The carbides Gd3Mn2C6 and Tb3Mn2C6

Crystals of the title compounds were obtained by arc-melting cold-pressed pellets of the elemental components, followed by annealing the reaction products in an argon atmosphere slightly below the melting point. The crystal structures of these isotypic, hexagonal carbides (P6₃/m, Z=2) were determined from single-crystal X-ray data; Gd₃Mn₂C₆: a=815.0(2) pm, c=504.93(9) pm, R=0.012 for 526 structure factors and 18 variable parameters; Tb₃Mn₂C₆: a=810.5(2) pm, c=500.5(2) pm, R=0.025 (225 F′s, 18 variables). The carbon atoms form pairs with C—C bond distances corresponding to double bonds. The three-dimensional, polyanionic managanese carbon network contains relatively large trigonal-bipyramidal voids formed by three lanthanoid and two manganese atoms. The rationalization of chemical bonding on the basis of the 18-electron rule suggests that these voids are filled by nonbonding electrons of the adjacent manganese atoms.     

Das erste Gadoliniumcarbidfluorid: Gd2CF2

The First Gadolinium Carbide Fluoride: Gd₂CF₂ Gd₂CF₂, the first gadolinium carbide fluoride is prepared by reaction of stoichiometric amounts of GdF₃, Gd, and C at 1250°C in sealed Ta-capsules. It is isotypic with Gd₂CBr₂ (space group P3 m1; a = 373.11(4) and c = 642.5(1) pm). The Gd atoms surround the C atoms octahedrally. Such Gd₆C octahedra are condensed via edges to form octahedral sheets, which are separated by double slabs of F^?? ions.     

Cs2[Pr6(C2)]I12 - das erste quaternäre reduzierte Halogenid mit isolierten [M6(C2)]-Clustern

Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ — the First Quaternary Reduced Halide with Isolated [M₆(C₂)] Clusters . Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ is obtained as one of the major products from the reaction of PrI₃, cesium and carbon in sealed tantalum containers at 850°C. The crystal structure triclinic, P 1 ; a=948.1(2), b=953.6(3), c=1 005.2(3) pm; α=71.01(2); β=84,68(3), γ=89.37(2)°; Z=1 contains discrete Pr₆I₁₂-type clusters elongated along the pseudo-four-fold axis to accommodate the C₂ units (d(C—C)=139 pm). The clusters are connected through common ^i?aI and ^a?iI linkages at metal vertices and edges according to Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)ⁱI₆^i?aI_6/2]^a?iI_6/2. The cesium cations occupy interstices within the (distorted) iodide layers in a way that “Cs₂I₁₈” dimers are formed, in which Cs⁺ is surrounded by eleven I^?. On the basis of the MO scheme of [Sc₆(C₂]I₁₁, the bonding of the C² unit is discussed and compared with other cluster compounds containing C₂ units.     

Struktur und Eigenschaften von Gd3I3C

Structure and Properties of Gd₃I₃C . The compound Gd₃I₃C is prepared by reaction of Gd, GdI₃ and C (2:1:1 mole) at 1 250 K in sealed Ta tubes. It is obtained as bronze-coloured needles which are air and moisture sensitive. The structure of Gd₃I₃C contains twin chains of C centered Gd₆ octahedra surrounded by I atoms capping all free edges like in the M₆X₁₂ cluster. The one-dimensional units are oriented along [010] and linked according to (GdGd_1/3Gd_2/2Gd_2/3C)₂IIII. Gd₃I₃C is metallic in the temperature range 300 K ≥ T ≥ 120 K, between 120 and 15 K the electrical resistance increases by 6 orders of magnitude. At high temperatures the susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiß law with a paramagnetic Curie temperature θ ≈ - 340 K. Two local maxima in the susceptibility at 100 K and 25 K indicate successive formation of antiferromagnetically ordered structures.     

3s-Gd2C2Br2: Eine neue Stapelvariante

3s-Gd₂C₂Br₂: An Isomorph with a New Stacking Sequence Gd₂C₂Br₂ has been described in [1]. Here we describe the new stacking variant 3s-Gd₂C₂Br₂ prepared by reaction of stoichiometric amounts of GdBr₃, Gd, and C at 1 320 K. 3s-Gd₂C₂Br₂ with a stacking sequence different to that described in [1] crystallizes in space group C2/m with lattice constants a = 706.6(2) pm, b = 382.7(1) pm, c = 996.7(4) pm and β = 99.95(3)°. In the structure C₂ units are octahedrally surrounded by Gd atoms. Such Gd₆(C₂) octahedra are condensed via edges to form sheets, which are separated by two layers of Br-ions. In contrast to the modification described previously three slabs BrGd(C₂)GdBr are stacked in [103] direction until identity is reached. The isotypic 3s-Tb₂C₂Br₂ has also been prepared at 1 370 K. It is characterized by the lattice constants a = 701.5(3) pm, b = 380.1(1) pm, c = 994.8(3) pm and β = 100.05°.     

Na(V3−xNbx)Nb6O14 – ein neues Oxoniobat mit [Nb6O12]- und [M2O9]-Clustern

Na(V_3?xNb_x)Nb₆O₁₄ — A Novel Oxoniobate with [Nb₆O₁₂] and [M₂O₉] Clusters Goldcolored single crystals and black powders of Na(V_3?xNb_x)Nb₆O₁₄ have been prepared by heating a pellet containing a mixture of NaNbO₃, NbO₂, NbO, VO₂ and NaF or Na₂B₄O₇ (as mineralizers) at 900°C in a sealed gold capsule. The analytically determined Nb : V ratio is 5 : 1 and means that x is about 1.5. The compound crystallizes in P6₃/m with a = 603.4(1), c = 1807.9(5) pm and Z = 3. The crystal structure can be described in terms of common close packing of sheets of O and Na atoms together with Nb₆ octahedra. Characteristic building groups of the new structure type are [Nb₆O₁₂] clusters, [M₂O₉] clusters and NbO₅ bipyramids. V atoms are distributed only on the positions of the Nb atoms within the trigonal bipyramids or the [M₂O₉] clusters. The [Nb₆O₁₂] clusters show characteristicaly short distances d_Nb-Nb = 279.4 and 281.3 pm, respectively. In the [M₂O₉] units, which are built from two MO₆ octahedra that share a common face, V or Nb atoms form M–M dumbbells with d_M–M = 255.9 pm. The electronic structure is discussed using Extended Hückel calculations.     

Die Gadoliniumcarbidhalogenide Gd4C2X3 (X = Cl,Br)

The Gadolinium Carbide Halides, Gd₄C₂X₃ (X = Cl, Br) The compounds Gd₄C₂X₃ (X = Cl, Br) and Tb₄C₂Br₃ have been prepared by reaction of the metals (RE), REX₃, and C in sealed Ta capsules at 1 100° and 1 300°C, respectively. Monophasic samples of Gd₄C₂Br₃ and Tb₄C₂Br₃ were obtained by reacting stoichiometric mixtures of the starting materials for five days. The needle shaped crystals are bronze-coloured and sensitive to air and moisture. Gd₄C₂X₃ crystallizes in the space group Pnma (No. 62) with lattice constants a = 1 059.6(4), b = 368.4(1), c = 1 962.7(8) pm (Gd₄C₂Cl₃), a = 1 084.4(1), b = 373.0(1), c = 2 036.1(1) pm (Gd₄C₂Br₃). According to Guinier photographs, Tb₄C₂Br₃ is isotypic (a = 1 074.3(2), b = 370.6(1), c = 2 019.4(1) pm). In the crystal structure C is octahedrally coordinated by Gd. The Gd₆ octahedra are linked via common edges to form corrugated layers. The X-anions coordinate all free edges and corners of these layers and connect them via Xⁱ? Xⁱ contacts parallel [001]. Gd₄C₂Br₃ shows metallic conductivity. The magnetic susceptibility follows at high temperatures a Curie Weiss law with an effective moment of 7.95 μ_B. At temperatures below 50 K antiferromagnetic order is observed.     

Rb{Pr6C2}I12, an Iodide with a 13‐Electron Isolated Octahedral {Pr6C2} Cluster

Rb{Pr₆(C)₂}I₁₂ was obtained from a mixture of RbI, PrI₃, Pr and C as black single crystals at elevated temperatures. The black crystals are triclinic, (no. 2), a = 960.1(2), b = 957.0(2), c = 1003.4(2) pm, α = 71.74(2), β = 70.69(2), γ = 72.38(2)°, V = 805.6(3) 10⁶ pm³, Z = 1; R₁ = 0.0868 for all 2749 measured independent reflections. Rb{Pr₆(C)₂}I₁₂ contains {Pr₆(C₂)} clusters isolated from each other, surrounded by twelve edge‐bridging and six terminal ligands. The [{Pr₆(C)₂}Iⁱ₁₂I^a₆]^? units are connected via i‐a/a‐i bridges according to {Pr₆C₂}Iⁱ_6/1I^i‐a_6/2I^a‐i_6/2 with rubidium ions occupying twelve‐coordinate interstices.     

Die Molekül‐ und Kristallstruktur des Rubidium(Dibenzo‐18‐Krone‐6)‐pentaiodids [Rb(C20H24O6)]I5

Molecular and Crystal Structure of Rubidium(dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6)pentaiodide [Rb(C₂₀H₂₄O₆)]I₅ [Rb(Dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6)]₂(I₅)₂ is obtained as dark brown columns by reacting dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6, rubidium iodide, and iodine in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 : 6 in ethanole / dichlormethane (1:1). [Rb(C₂₀H₂₄O₆)]₂(I₅)₂ crystallizes with four formula units per unit cell in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 1725.15(2) pm, b = 1863.76(3) pm and c = 1885.19(3) pm. The crystal structure consists of pentaiodide units I₅^—, which are linked to one another by head‐to‐tail‐contacts. The I₂ units, which stick out of the chain, are twisted against each other, in a way that neither a cis or a trans configuration is formed. By secondary bonding, the iodine atoms form nets of 18‐member planar rings with an almost rectangular form. This net‐like structural element has not been described up to now.     

Synthese und Struktur von [(Ph3C6H2)Te]2, [(Ph3C6H2)Te(AuPPh3)2]PF6 und [(Ph3C6H2)TeAuI2]2

Synthesis and Structure of [(Ph₃C₆H₂)Te]₂, [(Ph₃C₆H₂)Te(AuPPh₃)₂]PF₆ and [(Ph₃C₆H₂)TeAuI₂]₂ [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)Te]₂ reacts with Ph₃PAu⁺ to yield [2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂TeAuPPh₃₂]PF₆ which can be oxidized by I₂ to form the gold(III) complex [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)TeAuI₂]₂. [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)Te]₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 810.6(2); b = 2026.5(5); c = 2260.6(7) pm; β = 99.23(3)° and Z = 4. In the crystal structure the ditelluride exhibits a dihedral angle C11? Te1? Te2? C21 of 66.1(2)°. The distance Te1? Te2 is 269.45(6) pm. In the cation of the triclinic complex [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)Te(AuPPh₃)₂]PF₆ (space group P1 ; a = 1197.4(3); b = 1457.2(4); c = 1680.0(6) pm; α = 84.69(3)°; β = 85.11(3)°; γ = 75.54(3)°; Z = 2) a pyramidal skeleton RTeAu₂ with distances Te? Au = 259.2(1) and 257.8(2) pm and Au? Au = 295.3(1) pm is present. [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)TeAuI₂]₂ crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 1086.3(3); b = 1462.9(6); c = 1654.2(2) pm; α = 85.25(2)°; β = 87.44(1)°; γ = 80.90(3)°; Z = 2. In the centrosymmetrical dinuclear complex [(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)TeAuI₂]₂ the Au atoms exhibit a square-planar coordination by two iodine atoms and two tellurolate ligands. The tellurolate ligands form symmetrical bridges with distances Te? Au = 260.0 pm. The distances Au? I are in the range of 260.3(1) and 263.7(1) pm.     

Gd7I12Zn: a group 12 atom in the octahedral Gd6 Cluster

The title compound was synthesized from Gd, GdI 3 and Zn under Ar atmosphere at 850 degrees C. It crystallizes in the space group R3 (No. 148) with lattice constants a=15.686(1) A and c=10.4882(8) A. The structure features isolated Zn-centered Gd 6 octahedra with all edges and corners capped by I atoms. The disorder of the Gd atoms is rationalized via electron microscopic techniques. A computational analysis using the extended Hückel method has been carried out in order to understand the bonding of this compound. The structure of isotypic La 7I12Co is also remarked (a=16.040(1) A and c=10.905(2) A).     

Cs[Er10(C2)2]I18 und [Er10(C2)2]Br18: zwei neue Beispiele für „reduzierte”︁ Halogenide der Lanthanide mit isolierten [M10(C2)2]-Clustern

Cs[Er₁₀(C₂)₂]I₁₈ and [Er₁₀(C₂)₂]Br₁₈: Two New Examples for Reduced Halides of the Lanthanides with Isolated [M₁₀(C₂)₂] Clusters Cs[Er₁₀(C₂)₂]I₁₈ is obtained from the reaction of ErI₃ with caesium and carbon in sealed tantalum containers at 700°C and [Er₁₀(C₂)₂]Br₁₈ through the metallothermic reduction of ErBr₃ with rubidium in the presence of carbon at 750°C in sealed niobium containers. The crystal structures {Cs[Er₁₀(C₂)₂]I₁₈: triclinic, P1 ; a = 1 105.2(8) pm, b = 1 112.0(7) pm; c = 1 122.9(8) pm; α = 66.91(3)°, β = 87.14(3)°; γ = 60.80(3)°; Z = 1; R = 0.049, R_w = 0.043; [Er₁₀(C₂)₂]Br₁₈: monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 971.8(6) pm, b = 1 623.4(9) pm, c = 1 163.8(6) pm, β = 104.00(6)°; Z = 2; R = 0.077, R_w = 0.057} contain isolated dimeric [Er₁₀(C₂)₂] clusters. Due to the inclusion of C₂ units, the octahedra are elongated in the direction of the pseudo C₄ axis. The connecting edges of the two octahedra are exceptionally short (316.7 pm and 314.8 pm respectively). The dimeric units are connected via X^i?a and X^a?i (X = Br, I) bridges according to [Er₁₀(C₂)₂XX]X. Cs⁺ is surrounded by a cuboctahedron of iodide ions in Cs[Er₁₀(C₂)₂]I₁₈.     

Cs[Er6C]I12 und Cs2Lu[Lu6C]Cl18: Beispiele für quaternäre reduzierte Halogenide der Lanthanide mit isolierten „Clustern”︁

CS[Er₆C]I₁₂ and cs₂Lu[Lu₆C]CI₁₈: Examples for Quaternary Reduced Halides of the Lanthanides with Isolated “Clusters” Cs[Er₆C]I₁₂ and Cs₂Lu[Lu₆C]Cl₁₈ were obtained as byproducts through metallothermic reductions of ErI₃ and LuCl, with cesium in the presence of carbon in sealed tantalum containers at temperatures ranging from 700 to 940 °C. Cs₂Lu[Lu₆C]Cl₁₈ (isostructural with Cs₂Zr[Zr₆H]Cl₁₈, R 3 , a = 981.7 pm, c = 2723.2 pm, Z = 3, R = 0.082, R, = 0.053) contains octahedral [Lu₆C] clusters which are slightly compressed along the threefold axis and edge-bridged by twelve chloride anions to form [Lu₆C]Cl₁₂ units. Six additional Cl in exo positions of the cluster provide octahedral coordination for the seventh Lu³⁺. Cs⁺ occupies anticuboctahedral interstices within the Cl⁺ layers as a part of the (hexagonal) closest packed arrangement. Cs[Er₆C]I₁₂ (trigonal, R 3, a = 1112.0pm, c = 2063.8pm, Z = 3, R = 0.094, R, = 0.068) exhibits [Er₆C]I₁₂ units as well and shows the structural framework of Sc[Sc₆N]Cl₁₂. Instead of Sc³⁺ in octahedral holes, cesium occupies a regular iodide position within the ccp sheets forming [CsI₃] layers. Both halides are compared with other compounds of the lanthanides containing isolated [M₆X₁₂] clusters. The extreme electron deficiency is discussed.     

Ca3Cl2CBN,eine Verbindung mit dem neuen Anion CBN4−

Ca₃Cl₂CBN, a Compound with the New CBN^4? Unit The new compound Ca₃Cl₂CBN was obtained from the reaction of Ca and CaCl₂ with CaCN₂, B and C or with BN and C, in sealed tantalum containers at 900°C. The crystal structure is related with the structure of Ca₃Cl₂C₃ whereas the C₃^4? units (C_2v symmetry) are substituted by isoelectronic CBN^4? anions (C_s symmetry): Ca₃Cl₂CBN, Pnma, a = 1 386.7(9) pm, b = 384.7(3) pm, c = 1 124.7(6) pm, Z = 4; R = 0.055, R_w = 0.036 for 380 independent intensities. The CBN^4? units are located between layers of Ca²⁺ that are interconnected by Cl^?. The bond angle (C? B? N) is 176° and bond distances are d_{C? B} = 144 pm and d_{B? N} = 138 pm, respectively.     

Das System Gd/Co/B: Darstellung und röntgenographische Charakterisierung von GdCo4B,Gd3Co11B4, GdCoB4 und GdCo12B6

The System Gd/Co/B: Preparation and Characterization by X‐ray Diffraction of GdCo₄B, Gd₃Co₁₁B₄, GdCoB₄, and GdCo₁₂B₆ The compounds GdCo₄B, Gd₃Co₁₁B₄, GdCoB₄, and GdCo₁₂B₆ were characterized by X‐ray investigations of single crystals. GdCo₄B (P 6/mmm, a = 505.9(1) pm, c = 690.1(1) pm) crystallizes with the CeCo₄B structure type; Gd₃Co₁₁B₄ (P 6/mmm, a = 508.7(1) pm, c = 982.9(9) pm) with the Ce₃Co₁₁B₄ stucture type; GdCo₁₂B₆ ( , a = 949.5(1) pm, c = 747.4(1) pm) with the SrNi₁₂B₆ structure type and GdCoB₄ (P bam, a = 591.3(9) pm, b = 1145.1(6) pm, c = 346.2(3) pm) with the YbCoB₄ structure type.     

Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen und Drillingsbildung der Cluster‐Trimere Bi2[PtBi6Br12]3 und Bi2[PtBi6I12]3

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Triple Twinning of the Cluster Trimers Bi₂[PtBi₆Br₁₂]₃ and Bi₂[PtBi₆I₁₂]₃ Melting reactions of Bi with Pt and BiX₃ (X = Br, I) yield shiny black, air insensitive crystals of the subhalides Bi₂[PtBi₆X₁₂]. Bi₂[PtBi₆Br₁₂]₃ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with lattice parameters a = 1617.6(2) pm, b = 1488.5(1) pm, c = 1752.4(2) pm, and β = 110.85(4)°. Bi₂[PtBi₆I₁₂]₃ adopts the triclinic space group with pseudo‐monoclinic lattice parameters a = 1711.2(2) pm, b = 1585.1(1) pm, c = 1865.7(2) pm, and α = 90°, β = 111.15(4)°, γ = 90°. The two homoeotypic compounds consist of cuboctahedral [Pt^?IIBi^II₆X^?I₁₂]^2? clusters that are concatenated into linear trimers by Bi^III atoms. The ordered distribution of Bi^III atoms destroys the inherent threefold rotation axes in the packing of cluster anions. As a consequence of the pseudosymmetry the crystals are triple twinned along [201]. Due to different orientations of the cluster trimers there are two Bi^II···X inter‐cluster bridges per Bi^II atom in Bi₂[PtBi₆Br₁₂]₃ but only one bridge in Bi₂[PtBi₆I₁₂]₃. The structure of the iodine compound can be deduced from the NaCl structure type, leaving 37 of 96 atomic positions unoccupied. The arrangement of the cuboctahedral clusters follows the motif of a body‐centered cubic packing.