Crystal structure of the Molybdenum(V) Diphosphate KMoP2O8 isotypic with KNbP2O8

A new molybdenum(V) diphosphate KMoP₂O₈ has been isolated. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study of this phase has shown that it is isotypic with KNbP₂O₈. It crystallizes in the P2₁/n space group a = 5.0862(4), b = 11.720(1), c = 11.486(1) Å, β = 90.91(1)°. The structure of this phase is compared with those of other molybdenum(V) diphosphates. This tunnel structure is described in terms of [MP₂O₈]₈∞ ribbons running along ā, showing close relationships with the titanophosphate NaTiP₂O₇. The existence of one free apex for each MoO₆ octahedron and each P₂O₇ group, respectively, is emphasized, allowing a great flexibility of the structure.