New routes in the synthesis of metal oxides,I

Single crystals of numerous new metal oxides “rich in cations” are prepared by using methods such as dis- or conproportionation, thermal decomposition of higher valence oxides, or oxidation of metals and intermetallic compounds (“reactions with the wall”). Exchange reactions allow growth of single crystals even outside of thermodynamic equilibrium. The role of vacancies in structural chemistry as well as in “tailor-made” syntheses is emphasized and illustrated. Molecular aspects of solid state chemistry are demonstrated by cutting chains or rings and by dimerization of small entities. Many examples are provided.