Orthonitridoborate ions [BN3]6- in oxonitridosilicate cages: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of Ba4Pr7[Si12N23O][BN3], Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3], and Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3

The isotypic title compounds Ba4Pr7[Si12N23O][BN3], Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3], and Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3] were prepared by reaction of Pr, Nd, or Sm, with barium, BaCO3, Si(NH)2, and poly(boron amide imide) in nitrogen atmosphere in tungsten crucibles using a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures up to 1650 C. They were obtained as main products (approximately 70%) embedded in a very hard glass matrix in the form of intense dark green (Pr), orange-brown (Sm), or dark red (Nd) large single crystals, respectively. The stoichiometric composition of Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3] was verified by a quantitative elemental analysis. According to the single-crystal X-ray structure determinations (Ba4Ln7[Si12N23][BN3], Z= , P6 with Ln = Pr: a = 1225.7(1), c = 544.83(9) pm, R1 = 0.013, wR2 = 0.030; Ln = Nd: a = 1222.6(1), c = 544.6(1) pm, R1 = 0.017, wR2 = .039; Ln = Sm: a = 1215.97(5), c = 542.80(5) pm, R1 = 0.047, wR2 = 0.099) all three compounds are built up by a framework structure [Si12N23O]23- of corner-sharing SiX4 tetrahedrons (X = O, N). The oxygen atoms are randomly distributed over the X positions. The trigonal-planar orthonitridoborate ions [BN3]6- and also the Ln(3)3+ are situated in hexagonal cages of the framework (bond lengths Si-(N/O) 169-179 pm for Ln=Pr). The remaining Ba2+ and Ln3- ions are positioned in channels of the large-pored network. The trigonal-planar [BN3]6- ions have a B-N distance of 147.1(6) pm (for Ln = Pr). Temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements for Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3] revealed Curie-Weiss behavior above 60 K with an experimental magnetic moment of muexp = 3.36(5) microB/Nd. The deviation from Curie-Weiss behavior below 60 K may be attributed to crystal field splitting of the J = 9/2 ground state of the Nd3+ ions. No magnetic ordering is evident down to 4.2 K.     

The CsLnMSe3 semiconductors (Ln = rare-earth element,Y; M = Zn,Cd, Hg)

CsLnCdSe(3) (Ln = Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y) and CsLnHgSe(3) (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Y) have been synthesized at 1123 K. These isostructural materials crystallize in the layered KZrCuS(3) structure type in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm and are group X extensions of the previously characterized Zn compounds. The structure is composed of two-dimensional [LnMSe(3)] layers that stack perpendicular to [010] and are separated by layers of face- and edge-sharing CsSe(8) bicapped trigonal prisms. Because there are no Se-Se bonds in the structure of CsLnMSe(3) (M = Zn, Cd, Hg), the formal oxidation states of Cs/Ln/M/Se are 1+/3+/2+/2-. CsSmHgSe(3) does not adhere to the Curie-Weiss law, whereas CsCeHgSe(3) and CsGdHgSe(3) are Curie-Weiss paramagnets with micro (eff) values of 2.77 and 7.90 micro (B), corresponding well with the theoretical values of 2.54 and 7.94 micro (B) for Ce(3+) and Gd(3+), respectively. Single-crystal optical absorption measurements were performed with polarized light perpendicular to the (010) and (001) crystal faces of these materials. The band gaps of the (010) crystal faces range from 1.94 eV (CsCeHgSe(3)) to 2.58 eV (CsYCdSe(3)) whereas those of the (001) crystal faces span the range 2.37 eV (CsSmHgSe(3)) to 2.54 eV (CsYCdSe(3) and CsYHgSe(3)). The largest band gap variation between crystal faces is 0.06 eV for CsYCdSe(3). Theoretical calculations for CsYMSe(3) indicate that these materials are direct band gap semiconductors whose colors and optical band gaps are dependent upon the orbitals of Y, M, and Se.     

Magnetic properties of cyano-bridged Ln3+-M3+ complexes. Part I: trinuclear complexes (Ln3+ = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; M3+ = FeLS, Co) with bpy as blocking ligand

The reaction of Ln(NO3)3(aq) with K3[Fe(CN)6] or K3[Co(CN)6] and 2,2'-bipyridine in water/ethanol led to eight trinuclear complexes: trans-[M(CN)4(mu-CN)2{Ln(H2O)4(bpy)2}2][M(CN)6].8H2O (M = Fe3+ or Co3+, Ln = La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, and Sm3+). The structures for the eight complexes [La2Fe] (1), [Ce2Fe] (2), [Pr2Fe] (3), [Nd2Fe] (4), [Ce2Co] (5), [Pr2Co] (6), [Nd2Co] (7), and [Sm2Co] (8) have been solved; they crystallize in the triclinic space group P and are isomorphous. They exhibit a supramolecular 3D architecture through hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking interactions. A stereochemical study of the nine-vertex polyhedra of the lanthanide ions, based on continuous shape measures, is presented. No significant magnetic interaction was found between the lanthanide(III) and the iron(III) ions.     

Selten-Erd-Hydrogensulfate M(HSO4)3 (M = La,Ce–Nd): Derivate des UCl3-Typs

Rare Earth Hydrogensulfates M(HSO₄)₃ (M = La, Ce–Nd): Derivatives of the UCl₃ Type of Structure Hydrogensulfates of the lighter lanthanides are obtained from the reaction of the respective anhydrous sulfates with conc. sulfuric acid at 200 °C. According to X-ray single crystal determinations on La(HSO₄)₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 945.64(9) pm, c = 590.87(5) pm), Ce(HSO₄)₃ (a = 943.34(10) pm, c = 587.88(5) pm), Pr(HSO₄)₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 939.8(1) pm, c = 584.82(9) pm) and Nd(HSO₄)₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 935.67(8) pm, c = 582.36(4) pm) they all crystallize analogous to the UCl₃ type of structure with nine-coordinate M³⁺ ions. The OH groups of the [HOSO₃]^– ”︁tetrahedra”︁”︁ build up channels parallel [00.1] typical for this type of structure. Hydrogen bonding, however, is only weak in these compounds.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von Bromid—Thiosilicaten Ln3Br[SiS4]2 der Lanthanide (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd)

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Lanthanide Bromide Thiosilicates Ln₃Br[SiS₄]₂ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) Single crystals of the bromide—thiosilicates Ln₃Br[SiS₄]₂ were prepared by reaction of lanthanide metal (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd), sulfur, silicon and bromine in quartz glass tubes. The thiosilicates crystallize in the monoclinic spacegroup C2/c (Z = 4) isotypically to the iodide analogues Ln₃I(SiS₄)₂ and the A—type chloride—oxosilicates Ln₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ with the following lattice constants: La₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1583.3(4) pm, b = 783.0(1) pm, c = 1098.2(3) pm, β = 97.33(3)° Ce₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1570.4(3) pm, b = 776.5(2) pm, c = 1092.2(2) pm, β = 97.28(2)° Pr₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1562.6(3) pm, b = 770.1(2) pm, c = 1088.9(2) pm, β = 97.50(2)° Nd₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1561.4(4) pm, b = 766.0(1) pm, c = 1085.3(2) pm, β = 97.66(3)° Sm₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1555.4(3) pm, b = 758.5(2) pm, c = 1079.9(2) pm, β = 98.28(2)° Gd₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1556.5(3) pm, b = 750.8(1) pm, c = 1074.5(2) pm, β = 99.26(2)° In the crystal structures the bromide ions form chains along [001] with trigonal planar coordination by lanthanide cations, while the [SiS₄]^4‐—building units display isolated distorted tetrahedra.     

Cluster-type basic lanthanide iodides [M6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)8 (M = Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy)

Ln6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)(8) (Ln = Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy) compounds are obtained as the final hydrolysis products of lanthanide triiodides in an aqueous solution. Their X-ray crystal structure features a body-centered arrangement of oxygen-centered {Ln6X8}8+ cluster cores: [Nd6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)8 [Pearson code oP156, orthorhombic, Pnnm (No. 58), Z = 2, a = 1310.4(3) pm, b = 1502.1(3) pm, c = 1514.9(3) pm, 3384 reflections with I0 > 2sigma(I0), R1 = 0.0340, wR2 = 0.0764, GOF = 1.022, T = 298(2) K], [Eu6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)8 [Pearson code oP156, orthorhombic, Pnnm (No. 58), Z = 2, a = 1306.6(2) pm, b = 1498.15(19) pm, c = 1499.41(18) pm, 4262 reflections with I0 > 2sigma(I0), R1 = 0.0540, wR2 = 0.0860, GOF = 0.910, T = 298(2) K], [Tb6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)8 [Pearson code oP156, orthorhombic, Pnnm (No. 58), Z = 2, a = 1296.34(5) pm, b = 1486.13(7) pm, c = 1491.88(6) pm, 4182 reflections with I0 > 2sigma(I0), R1 = 0.0395, wR2 = 0.0924, GOF = 1.000, T = 298(2) K], and [Dy6(mu6-O)(mu3-OH)8(H2O)24]I8(H2O)8 [Pearson code oP156, orthorhombic, Pnnm (No. 58), Z = 2, a = 1296.34(5) pm, b = 1486.13(7) pm, c = 1491.88(6) pm, 3329 reflections with I0 > 2sigma(I0), R1 = 0.0389, wR2 = 0.0801, GOF = 0.992, T = 298(2) K.     

Synthese und Aufbau von (4-Picolinium)[LnCl4(H2O)3] (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd)

Preparation and Crystal Structure of (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) The complex water containing chlorides (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were prepared for the first time, and the crystal structures of (4-Picolinium)[LnCl₄(H₂O)₃] (Ln = La, Pr) were determined on single crystals by X-ray methods. The isotypic compounds crystallize with triclinic symmetry, space group P1 , Z = 2. Surprisingly there exist the dimeric complex anions [Ln₂Cl₈(H₂O)₆]^2? (Ln = La, Pr).     

Syntheses, structures, magnetism, and optical properties of lutetium-based interlanthanide selenides

Ln3LuSe6 (Ln = La, Ce), beta-LnLuSe3 (Ln = Pr, Nd), and LnxLu4-xSe6 (Ln = Sm, Gd; x = 1.82, 1.87) have been synthesized using a Sb2Se3 flux at 1000 degrees C. Ln3LuSe6 (Ln = La, Ce) adopts the U3ScS6-type three-dimensional structure, which is constructed from two-dimensional 2(infinity)[Ln3Se6](3-) slabs with the gaps between these slabs being filled by octahedrally coordinated Lu(3+) ions. The series of beta-LnLuSe3 (Ln = Pr, Nd) are isotypic with UFeS3. Their structures include layers formed from LuSe6 octahedra that are separated by eight-coordinate Ln(3+) (Ln = Pr, Nd) ions in bicapped trigonal prismatic environments. Sm1.82Lu2.18Se6 and Gd1.87Lu2.13Se6 crystallize in the disordered F-Ln2S3 type structure with the eight-coordinate bicapped trigonal prismatic Ln(1) ions residing in the one-dimensional channels formed by three different double chains via edge- and corner-sharing. These double chains are constructed from Ln(2)Se7 monocapped trigonal prisms, Ln(3)Se6 octahedra, and Ln(4)S6 octahedra, respectively. The magnetic susceptibilities of beta-PrLuSe3 and beta-NdLuSe3 follow the Curie-Weiss law. Sm1.82Lu2.18Se6 shows van Vleck paramagnetism. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that Gd1.87Lu2.13Se6 undergoes an antiferromagnetic transition around 4 K. Ce3LuSe6 exhibits soft ferromagnetism below 5 K. The optical band gaps for La3LuSe6, Ce3LuSe6, beta-PrLuSe3, beta-NdLuSe3, Sm1.82Lu2.18Se6, and Gd1.87Lu2.13Se6 are 1.26, 1.10, 1.56, 1.61, 1.51, and 1.56 eV, respectively.     

A Comparative Study of Two New Structure Types. Synthesis and Structural and Electronic Characterization of K(RE)P(2)Se(6) (RE = Y, La, Ce, Pr, Gd)

Two polytypes of potassium rare-earth-metal hexaselenodiphosphates(IV), K(RE)P(2)Se(6) (RE = Y, La, Ce, Pr, Gd), have been synthesized from the stoichiometric reaction of RE, P, Se, and K(2)Se(4) at 750 degrees C. Both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the structures of these polytypes vary with the size of the rare earth metals. For the smaller rare-earth metals, Y and Gd, K(RE)P(2)Se(6) crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The yttrium compound was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with the cell parameters a = 6.7366(5) ?, b = 7.4286(6) ?, c = 21.603(2) ?, and Z = 4. This structure type comprises a layered, square network of yttrium atoms that are bound to four distinct [P(2)Se(6)](4)(-) units through selenium bonding. Each [P(2)Se(6)](4)(-) unit possesses a Se atom that is not bound to any Y atom but is pointing out into the interlayer spacing, into an environment of potassium cations. For larger rare-earth metals, La, Ce, and Pr, K(RE)P(2)Se(6) crystallized in a second, monoclinic polytype, the structure of which has been published. Both of these two different polytypes can be related to each other and several other isoelectronic chalcophosphate structures based on a Parthé valence electron concentration analysis. These structures include Ag(4)P(2)S(6), K(2)FeP(2)S(6), and the hexagonal M(II)PS(3) structure types. The magnetic susceptibilities of the title compounds have been studied, and the behavior can been explained based on a simple set of unpaired f-electrons. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy also showed that these yellow plates are moderately wide band gap ( approximately 2.75 eV) semiconductors.     

Ternary metal borides [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm] Os4B4 and [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb] Ir4B4 with NdCo4B4-type structure

New ternary metal borides with compositionR. E. T ₄B₄ (R. E.=rare earth metal,T=transition metal) have been synthesized within the systems [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm]–Os–B and [Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb]–Ir–B. All compounds were found to be crystallizing with NdCo₄B₄-type structure. Magnetic measurements (80–300 K,Curie-Weiss behaviour, _p ~ 16K and µ_eff=9.94µ_B for TbIr₄B₄) indicate Y andR. E. elements (except Ce) to be trivalent in these compounds. The crystal chemistry of the isotypic series [Y,R. E.] [Os,Ir]₄B₄ is discussed.

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Ternäre Metallboride. [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm] Os₄B₄ und [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb] Ir₄B₄ mit NdCo₄B₄-Struktur

Zusammenfassung Es wurden neue Metallboride der ZusammensetzungR. E. T ₄B₄ (R. E.=Seltenerdmetall,T=Übergangsmetall) innerhalb der Systeme [La,Ce, Pr,Nd,Sm]–Os–B und [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb]–Ir–B hergestellt. Alle Verbindungen kristallisieren entsprechend dem NdCo₄B₄-Typ. Magnetische Messungen (80–300K,Curie-Weiss-Verhalten, _p ~ 16K und µ_eff=9.94µ_B für TbIr₄B₄) zeigen an daß Y und dieR. E.-Elemente (ausgenommen Ce) in diesen Verbindungen trivalent sind. Die Kristallchemie der isotypen [Y,R. E.][Os,Ir]₄B₄-Verbindungen wird diskutiert.

     

Effects of lanthanide metal size and amino ligand denticity on the solvothermal systems Ln/Sn/Se/en and Ln/Sn/Se/dien (Ln = lanthanide)

Two systems, Ln/Sn/Se/en and Ln/Sn/Se/dien, were investigated under solvothermal conditions, and novel lanthanide selenidostannates [{Ce(en)(4)}(2)(μ-Se(2))]Sn(2)Se(6) (1a), [{Ln(en)(3)}(2)(μ-OH)(2)]Sn(2)Se(6) (Ln = Pr(1b), Nd(1c), Gd(1d); en = ethylenediamine), [{Ln(dien)(2)}(4)(μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9))(μ-Sn(2)Se(6))](∞) (Ln = Ce(2a), Nd(2b)), and [Hdien][Gd(dien)(2)(μ-SnSe(4))] (2c) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were prepared and characterized. Two structural types of lanthanide selenidostannates were obtained across the lanthanide series in both systems. In the Ln/Sn/Se/en system, two types of binuclear lanthanide complex cations [Ce(2)(en)(8)(μ-Se(2))](4+) and [{Ln(en)(3)}(2)(μ-OH)(2)](4+) (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd) were formed depending on the Ln(3+) ions. The complex cations are compensated by the [Sn(2)Se(6)](4-) anions. In the Ln/Sn/Se/dien system, coordination polymer [{Ln(dien)(2)}(4)(μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9))(μ-Sn(2)Se(6))](∞) and ionic complex [Hdien][Gd(dien)(2)(μ-SnSe(4))] are obtained along the lanthanide series, among which the μ(4)-Sn(2)Se(9), μ-Sn(2)Se(6) and μ-SnSe(4) ligands to the Ln(3+) ions were observed. The formation of title complexes shows the effects of lanthanide metal size and amino ligand denticity on the lanthanide selenidostannates. Complexes 1a-2c exhibit semiconducting properties with band gaps between 2.08 and 2.48 eV.     

Crystal structures and stability of NaLnF(4) (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Gd) studied with synchrotron single-crystal and powder diffraction

Crystal structures of the NaLnF(4) materials (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm or Gd) were studied with synchrotron single-crystal and powder diffraction. The materials with Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm and Gd have the average β structure (P6[combining macron], Z = 1) with partial ordering of the cations. A new type of a superstructure due to ordering of the cations and vacancies was found in NaPrF(4) (P3, Z = 6). It could be described using the group-subgroup relationships P6[combining macron]?P3. Our observations suggest that the β structure is unstable and that the ordering is a slow process at ambient conditions. Upon compression, β-NaNdF(4), β-NaGdF(4) and the superstructure NaPrF(4) are stable to at least 8 GPa with no evidence for any pressure-induced disorder-order phenomena.     

Syntheses and structures of the infinite chain compounds Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13), Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14)

The alkali metal/group 4 metal/polychalcogenides Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13), Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14) have been synthesized by means of the reactive flux method at 823 or 873 K. Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13) crystallizes in a new structure type in space group C(2)(2)-P2(1) with eight formula units in a monoclinic cell at T = 153 K of dimensions a = 10.2524(6) A, b = 32.468(2) A, c = 14.6747(8) A, beta = 100.008(1) degrees. Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13) is composed of four independent one-dimensional [Ti(3)Se(13)(4-)] chains separated by Cs(+) cations. These chains adopt hexagonal closest packing along the [100] direction. The [Ti(3)Se(13)(4-)] chains are built from the face- and edge-sharing of pentagonal pyramids and pentagonal bipyramids. Formal oxidation states cannot be assigned in Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13). The compounds Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14) crystallize in the K(4)Ti(3)S(14) structure type with four formula units in space group C(2)(h)()(6)-C2/c of the monoclinic system at T = 153 K in cells of dimensions a = 21.085(1) A, b = 8.1169(5) A, c = 13.1992(8) A, beta = 112.835(1) degrees for Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14);a = 21.329(3) A, b = 8.415(1) A, c = 13.678(2) A, beta = 113.801(2) degrees for Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14); a = 21.643(2) A, b = 8.1848(8) A, c = 13.331(1) A, beta = 111.762(2) degrees for Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14); a = 22.605(7) A, b = 8.552(3) A, c = 13.880(4) A, beta = 110.919(9) degrees for Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14); a = 22.826(5) A, b = 8.841(2) A, c = 14.278(3) A, beta = 111.456(4) degrees for Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14); and a = 22.758(5) A, b = 8.844(2) A, c = 14.276(3) A, beta = 111.88(3) degrees for Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14). These A(4)M(3)Q(14) compounds (A = alkali metal; M = group 4 metal; Q = chalcogen) contain hexagonally closest-packed [M(3)Q(14)(4-)] chains that run in the [101] direction and are separated by A(+) cations. Each [M(3)Q(14)(4-)] chain is built from a [M(3)Q(14)] unit that consists of two MQ(7) pentagonal bipyramids or one distorted MQ(8) bicapped octahedron bonded together by edge- or face-sharing. Each [M(3)Q(14)] unit contains six Q(2)(2-) dimers, with Q-Q distances in the normal single-bond range 2.0616(9)-2.095(2) A for S-S and 2.367(1)-2.391(2) A for Se-Se. The A(4)M(3)Q(14) compounds can be formulated as (A(+))(4)(M(4+))(3)(Q(2)(2-))(6)(Q(2-))(2).     

Structural studies on single crystals of Chevrel phase selenides REMo6Se8 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, or Sm) at 298 K

We report on structural studies at room temperature of rare-earth based Chevrel phase selenides of the formula RExMo6Se8, where RE stands for a light rare-earth La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), or Sm (5). The single crystals were grown at 1650 degrees C < T < 1690 degrees C from off-stoichiometric starting compositions, with the exception of 3, which was grown at 1710 degrees C from a stoichiometric charge (congruently melting material). The crystal structures were solved in space group R3 (No. 148; Z = 1) and found to be isostructural with the well-known Chevrel phases having large cations (e.g., PbMo6S8, REMo6S8). The structures are based on Mo6Se8 metallic clusters that are slightly rotated inside a pseudocubic rare-earth sublattice. Structural refinements revealed that the origin site, occupied by the RE atoms, exhibits slight deficiencies, leading to a RExMo6Se8 composition, with x ranging between approximately 0.82 and approximately 0.92: 1 La0.88Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7577(9) A, alpha rh = 88.62(2) degrees; 2a Ce0.82Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7407(6) A, alpha rh = 88.83(2) degrees; 2b Ce0.92Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7473(9) A, alpha rh = 88.69(2) degrees; 3 Pr0.86Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7385(6) A, alpha rh = 88.81(2) degrees; 4 Nd0.85Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7286(5) A, alpha rh = 88.85(1) degrees; and 5 Sm0.87Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7182(2) A, alpha rh = 88.956(3) degrees. All of the structural data presented in this work (lattice constants, positional parameters and interatomic distances) concern an average RE content of x approximately 0.87. In this way, any influence due to electronic effects (VEC number) can be discarded, and exact correlations between these parameters and the ionic radius of the rare-earth atoms can then be established.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26): a quaternary thorium selenophosphate containing the (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion

Orange crystals of Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26) were grown from the reaction of (232)Th and P in a Cs(2)Se(3)/Se molten salt flux at 750 degrees C. Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with the unit cell parameters: a = 12.0130(6), b = 14.5747(7), c = 27.134(1) A; Z = 8. The compound exhibits a three-dimensional structure, consisting of dimeric [Th(2)Se(13)] polyhedral units. The two crystallographically independent, nine-coordinate, bicapped trigonal prismatic thorium atoms share a triangular face to form the dimer, and each dimer edge-shares two selenium atoms with two other dimers to form kinked chains along the [010] direction. While this structure shares features of the previously reported Rb(4)U(4)P(4)Se(26), including phosphorus in the 5+ oxidation state, careful inspection of the structure reveals that the selenophosphate anion that knits the structure together in three directions in both compounds is a unique (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion. The formula may be described best as [Cs(2)Th(2)(P(2)Se(9))(Se(2))(2)](2). The (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion features a nearly linear Se-Se-Se backbone with an angle of 171 degrees and Se-Se distances that are approximately 0.2-0.3 A longer than the typical single Se-Se bond. Magnetic studies confirm that this phase contains Th(IV). Raman data for this compound is reported, and structural comparisons will be drawn to its uranium analogue, Rb(4)U(4)P(4)Se(26).     

Rare-earth tricyanomelaminates [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)H(2)O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy): structural investigation, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and photoluminescence

The rare-earth tricyanomelaminates, [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O (LnTCM; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy), have been synthesized through ion-exchange reactions. They have been characterized by powder as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N MAS NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray powder pattern common to all nine rare-earth tricyanomelaminates LnTCM (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) indicates that they are isostructural. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction pattern of LnTCM is indicative of non-merohedral twinning. The crystals are triclinic and separation of the twin domains as well as refinement of the structure were successfully carried out in the space group P1 for LaTCM (LaTCM; P1, Z=2, a=7.1014(14), b=13.194(3), c=13.803(3) A, alpha=90.11(3), beta=77.85(3), gamma=87.23(3) degrees , V=1262.8(4) A(3)). In the crystal structure, each Ln(3+) is surrounded by two nitrogen atoms from two crystallographically independent tricyanomelaminate moieties and seven oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules. The positions of all of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ions and water molecules could not be located from difference Fourier syntheses. The presence of [NH(4)](+) ions as well as two NH groups belonging to two crystallographically independent monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties has only been confirmed by subjecting LaTCM to solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N{(1)H} cross-polarization (CP) MAS NMR and advanced CP experiments such as cross-polarization combined with polarization inversion (CPPI). The (1)H 2D double-quantum single-quantum homonuclear correlation (DQ SQ) spectrum and the (15)N{(1)H} 2D CP heteronuclear-correlation (HETCOR) spectrum have revealed the hydrogen-bonded (N--HN) dimer of monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties as well as H-bonding through [NH(4)](+) ions and H(2)O molecules. The structures of the other eight rare-earth tricyanomelaminates (LnTCM; Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method. Photoluminescence studies of [NH(4)]Eu[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have revealed orange-red (lambda(max)=615 nm) emission due to the (5)D(0)-(7)F(2) transition, whereas [NH(4)]Tb[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O has been found to show green emission with a maximum at 545 nm arising from the (5)D(4)-(7)F(5) transition. DTA/TG studies of [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have indicated several phase transitions associated with dehydration of the compounds above 150 degrees C and decomposition above 200 degrees C.     

Lanthanide borohydride complexes supported by diaminobis(phenoxide) ligands for the polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and L- and rac-lactide

Reaction of Na2O2NN' [H2O2NN' = (2-C5H4N)CH2N[2-HO-3,5-C6H2(t)Bu2]2] with M(BH4)3(THF)3 afforded the dimeric, rare-earth borohydride compounds [M(O2NN')(mu-BH4)(THF)n]2 [M = Y(III), n = 0.5 (1-Y); M = NdIII, n = 1 (1-Nd); M = SmIII, n = 0 (1-Sm)]. For comparison the chloride analogues [M(O2NN')(mu-Cl)(THF)n]2 (2-M; M = La(III) or Sm(III), n = 0; M = Nd(III), n = 1) and the corresponding pyridine adducts [M(O2NN')(mu-X)(py)]2 [X = BH4 (3-M) or Cl (4-M); M = La(III), Nd(III), or Sm(III)] were prepared and structurally characterized for 4-La. Compounds 1-M initiated the ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone. The best molecular weight control (suppression of chain transfer) for all three monomers was found for the samarium system 1-Sm. The most effective heterotactic enrichment (Pr) in the polymerization of rac-lactide was found for 1-Y (P(r) = 87%). Compound 1-Nd catalyzed the block copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and L- and rac-lactide provided that epsilon-caprolactone was added first. Attempted block polymerization by the addition of L-lactide first, or random copolymerization of a ca. 1:1 mixture of epsilon-caprolactone and L-lactide, gave only a poly(L-lactide) homopolymer.     

Selten‐Erd‐Metall‐Koordinationspolymere: Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von sechs neuen Pimelinaten, [M(Pim)(PimH)(H2O)](H2O) (M = Ce,Pr) und [M2(Pim)3(H2O)4] (M = Tb,Ho, Er,Tm)

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Coordination Polymers: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Six New Pimelinates, [M(Pim)(PimH)(H₂O)](H₂O) (M = Ce, Pr) and [M₂(Pim)₃(H₂O)₄] (M = Tb, Ho, Er, Tm) The new rare‐earth metal carboxylates [M(Pim)(PimH)(H₂O)](H₂O) (M = Ce ( 1 ), Pr ( 2 )) and [M₂(Pim)₃(H₂O)₄] (M = Tb ( 3 ), Ho ( 4 ), Er ( 5 ), Tm ( 6 )) were prepared from the reaction of pimelinic acid with CeO₂, Pr₆O₁₁, Tb₄O₇, HoCl₃, ErCl₃ and Tm(NO₃)₃, respectively. Their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. [M(Pim)(PimH)(H₂O)](H₂O) crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with a = 909.6(1), b = 870.6(1), c = 2240.5(2) pm, β = 92.30(1)°, Z = 4 (crystal data for M = Ce). The isostructural pimelinate‐hydrates [M₂(Pim)₃(H₂O)₄] crystallize with orthorhombic symmetry, Pbcn (no. 60), with a = 1392.5(1), b = 902.3(1), c = 2408.8(2) pm, Z = 4 (crystal data for M = Tb). The rare‐earth cations have coordination numbers of 10 ( 1 , 2 ) and 9 ( 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 ), respectively. In the crystal structure of [M(Pim)(PimH)(H₂O)](H₂O) bidentate and tridentate‐bridging carboxylate groups form rather dense structures in which chains are bridged to layers and further to networks. Pimelinic acid molecules fill the channels. In [M₂(Pim)₃(H₂O)₄] tridentate‐bridging carboxylate groups coordinating to two rare‐earth ions lead to dimers that are linked with other dimers to strands. The channels thus formed between the strands are rather small in diameter. They do not contain any non‐coordinated water molecules.     

Ternary rare-earth arsenides REZn3As3 (RE = La-Nd, Sm) and RECd3As3 (RE = La-Pr)

Ternary rare-earth zinc arsenides REZn(3)As(3) (RE = La-Nd, Sm) with polymorphic modifications different from the previously known defect CaAl(2)Si(2)-type forms, and the corresponding rare-earth cadmium arsenides RECd(3)As(3) (RE = La-Pr), have been prepared by reaction of the elements at 800 °C. LaZn(3)As(3) adopts a new orthorhombic structure type (Pearson symbol oP28, space group Pnma, Z = 4, a = 12.5935(8) ?, b = 4.1054(3) ?, c = 11.5968(7) ?) in which ZnAs(4) tetrahedra share edges to form ribbons that are fragments of other layered arsenide structures; these ribbons are then interconnected in a three-dimensional framework with large channels aligned parallel to the b direction that are occupied by La(3+) cations. All remaining compounds adopt the hexagonal ScAl(3)C(3)-type structure (Pearson symbol hP14, space group P6(3)/mmc, Z = 2; a = 4.1772(7)-4.1501(2) ?, c = 20.477(3)-20.357(1) ? for REZn(3)As(3) (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm); a = 4.4190(3)-4.3923(2) ?, c = 21.4407(13)-21.3004(8) ? for RECd(3)As(3) (RE = La-Pr)) in which [M(3)As(3)](3-) layers (M = Zn, Cd), formed by a triple stacking of nets of close-packed As atoms with M atoms occupying tetrahedral and trigonal planar sites, are separated by La(3+) cations. Electrical resistivity measurements and band structure calculations revealed that orthorhombic LaZn(3)As(3) is a narrow band gap semiconductor.     

New lanthanide-containing polytungstates derived from the cyclic P8W48 Anion: {Ln4(H2O)28[K subset P8W48O184(H4W4O12)2Ln2(H2O)10]13-}x, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd

The reaction of K28Li5H7[P8W48O184].92H2O with early lanthanides under hydrothermal and conventional conditions yields novel structures of the molecular formula Ln4(H2O)28K6Li7[K subsetP8W48O184(H4W4O12)2Ln2(H2O)10] congruent with 57H2O, Ln = La (1), Ce (2, 2a), Pr (3), Nd (4), in which the central cavity of the precursor anion is occupied by lanthanide cations and H4W4O12 moieties. The new heteropolyanions were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, 31P NMR, and X-ray crystallography. All of the crystals are monoclinic, space group C2/m, with lattice constants (A, Epsilon) a = 33.061(3), b = 30.986(3), c = 15.1649(13), beta = 103.607(2), (1); a = 33.0577(16), b = 31.0562(15), c = 15.2320(7), beta = 104.015(2), (2); a = 33.0577(16), b = 31.0562(15), c = 15.2320(7), beta = 104.015(2), (2a); a = 33.007(2), b = 31.060(2), c = 15.2129(10), beta = 104.0140(10), (3); a = 32.913(19), b = 31.155(18), c = 15.135(9), beta = 103.495(11), (4); and Z = 2.