K21–δNa2+δIn39 (δ = 2.8): A Cluster-Replacement Clathrate-II Structure with an Alkali Metal M136-Network

K_21–δNa_2+δIn₃₉ with δ = 2.82 was synthesized (melted at 973 K, annealed at 623 K) from the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. The compound forms prismatic crystals with silver metallic lustre and is unstable in air and moisture. The crystal structure of K_21–δNa_2+δIn₃₉ (orthorhombic; space group Pnma, No. 62; a = 17.844(5) Å, b = 17.192(3) Å, c = 25.078(7) Å; Z = 4; Pearson code oP248; δ = 2.82, obtained from the structure refinement) contains eight empty In icosahedra of two types, A (12 exo-bonds) and B (7 exobonds), and four open In₁₅ clusters (15 exo-bonds). The latter are centered by K atoms and belong to C units, which are defined as K(Na₂M₃In₁₅)] heteroatomic clusters (M = K + Na). The spatial distribution of the In icosahedra A, B and heteroatomic clusters C is that of the atoms in the cubic Laves phase MgCu₂: MgCu₂ ? K(Na₂M₃In₁₅)]In]₂. All the In_n clusters are interconnected by exo-bonds forming a covalent three-dimensional framework (d(In? In) = 2.832 to 3.301 Å). The remaining alkali metal atoms build up a three-dimensional M₁₃₆ network of the clathrate-II type with (16 + 8) cages, which envelopes the In icosahedra and K(Na₂M₃In₁₅)] clusters. This structure can be described as a cluster-replacement derivative of the clathrate-II structure: (H₂S)₁₆(CCl₄)₈ · (H₂O)₁₃₆ ? In]₁₆K(M₅In₁₅)]₈M₁₃₆, and is one member of a novel hierarchical structure family, based upon cluster-replacement. The bonding as well as the structural relationships to other phases are discussed.