Compounds in the system Cu2SeAs2Se3

The phase diagram Cu₂SeAs₂Se₃ was investigated by thermal and X-ray methods. Cu₂Se has a limited solubility for As₂Se₃ (5 mole% at 769 K). The stoichiometric compound Cu₃AsSe₃ exists between 696 and 769 K. Cu₄As₂Se₅, a phase at 66.6 mole% Cu₂Se, decomposes peritectically at 746 K. The narrow homogeneity range (4 mole% at 683 K) extends far into the ternary space. CuAsSe₂ also decomposes peritectically at 683 K. A degenerated eutectic between CuAsSe₂ and As₂Se₃ was found at 641 K. Single crystals of Cu₄As₂Se₅ were grown in a salt melt. A metastable modification of the high-temperature phase Cu₃AsSe₃ can be obtained by quenching. Cu₄As₂Se₅ (space group R3, lattice constants a = 1404.0(1) pm, c = 960.2(1) pm), Cu₆As₄Se₉, obtained by Cambi and Elli, and Cu₇As₆Se₁₃ of Takeuchi and Horiuchi are different versions of a sphalerite-type compound with a broad homogeneity range in the system CuAsSe. CuAsSe₂ is possibly monoclinic with lattice parameters of a = 946.5(1) pm, b = 1229.3(1) pm, c = 511.7(1) pm, and β = 98.546(4)°. The enthalpy of mixing of Cu₂Se and As₂Se₃ in the liquid state is endothermic.