Darstellung und Kristallstruktur der Dialkalimetalltrichalkogenide Rb2S3, Rb2Se3, Cs2S3 und Cs2Se3

Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Dialkali Metal Trichalcogenides Rb₂S₃, Rb₂Se₃, Cs₂S₃, and Cs₂Se₃ Crystalline products were obtained by the reaction of the pure alkali metals with the chalcogens in the molar ratio 2:3 in liquid ammonia at pressures up to 3000 bar and temperatures around 600 K. The substances crystallize in the K₂S₃ type structure (space group Cmc2₁(NO. 36)). Unit cell constants see ?Inhaltsübersicht”?. The characteristic feature of this structure are bent polyanions X₃^2?:(X = S,Se). The new described compounds are compared with the other known alkali metal trichalcogenides.     

Alkalimanganselenide und -telluride A2Mn3X4 – Synthese,Kristall- und Spinstruktur

Alkali Metal Manganese Selenides and Tellurides – Synthesis, Crystal and Spin Structures The compounds Rb₂Mn₃Se₄, Cs₂Mn₃Se₄, Rb₂Mn₃Te₄ and Cs₂Mn₃Te₄ were synthesized by the reaction of alkali metal carbonates with chalcogen and Mn or MnCO₃ in a stream of hydrogen charged with chalcogen. Structural investigations show that all compounds crystallize in isotypic atomic arrangements (Cs₂Mn₃S₄-type, space group Ibam, Z = 4). Additionally neutron diffraction experiments were carried out and yielded the spin structures of Rb₂Mn₃Se₄ and Cs₂Mn₃Se₄ (Shubnikov space group Ibam'). The structural related selenides ALiMnSe₂ and ALiZnSe₂ (A = K, Rb or Cs) were synthesized by analogous reactions. All these compounds are isotypic and crystallize in the BaZn₂P₂-structure type.     

K3Er7S12 und Rb3Er7S12: Zwei ternäre Erbium(III)‐sulfide mit Kanalstruktur

K₃Er₇S₁₂ and Rb₃Er₇S₁₂: Two Ternary Erbium(III) Sulfides with Channel Structures The isotypic ternary erbium(III) sulfides K₃Er₇S₁₂ (a = 1185.38(9), b = 2461.5(2), c = 393.59(3) pm) and Rb₃Er₇S₁₂ (a = 1203.51(9), b = 2483.0(2), c = 394.85(3) pm; both orthorhombic, Pnnm, Z = 2) are obtained by reacting erbium metal and sulfur with an excess of alkali chloride (KCl or RbCl, respectively) serving as flux and reagent within seven days at 900 °C. The rod—shaped, yellow, transparent single crystals distinguish themselves in their crystal structure by a framework of corner— and edge—linked [ErS₆] octahedra (d(Er³⁺—S^2—) = 265—285 pm), in which the alkali metal cations (K⁺ and Rb⁺, respectively; CN = 6 and 7 + 1) are inserted into channels running along [001]. Under consideration of the ionic radius quotients r_i(A⁺)/r_i(Ch^2—) (A = K—Cs, Ch = S—Te) the existence range of this Cs₃Y₇Se₁₂—type of structure is discussed.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Optical Properties of New Quaternary Metal Chalcogenides of Group 5: Cs2AgVS4, K2AgVSe4, Rb2AgVSe4, Rb2AgNbS4, and Cs2AgNbSe4

The new quaternary compounds Cs₂AgVS₄, K₂AgVSe₄, Rb₂AgVSe₄, Rb₂AgNbS₄, and Cs₂AgNbSe₄ were prepared using the reactive flux method. In this structure type infinite chains of edge-sharing AgQ₄- and M^VQ₄-tetrahedra are running parallel to the crystallographic a-axis. The chains are separated by alkali cations. A linear relationship between the size of the alkali cation A⁺ and the Q–Q interchain distances was found. These compounds are isostructural with the analogous quaternary copper chalcogenides. The optical properties were studied by collecting UV/Vis transmission and reflectance spectra which allowed to derive the optical band gaps. The colours of the vanadium compounds range from black to dark violet with optical band gaps between 1.7 and 1.8 eV. In addition, the behaviour of the samples was studied using polarized light. Under these experimental conditions the niobium compound Rb₂AgNbS₄ changes its colour from green to red when the direction of the polarization plane is changed by 90°.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Rb2B2Se7, Tl2B2Se7, Cs3B3Se10, and Tl3B3Se10: New Perseleno‐selenoborates with Polymeric Anionic Chains

The perseleno‐selenoborates Rb₂B₂Se₇ and Cs₃B₃Se₁₀ were prepared from the metal selenides, amorphous boron and selenium, the thallium perseleno‐selenoborates Tl₂B₂Se₇ and Tl₃B₃Se₁₀ directly from the elements in evacuated carbon coated silica tubes by solid state reactions at temperatures between 920 K and 950 K. All structures were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The isotypic perseleno‐selenoborates Rb₂B₂Se₇ and Tl₂B₂Se₇ crystallize in the monoclinic space group I 2/a (No. 15) with lattice parameters a = 12.414(3) Å, b = 7.314(2) Å, c = 14.092(3) Å, β = 107.30(3)°, and Z = 4 for Rb₂B₂Se₇ and a = 11.878(2) Å, b = 7.091(2) Å, c = 13.998(3) Å, β = 108.37(3)° with Z = 4 for Tl₂B₂Se₇. The isotypic perseleno‐selenoborates Cs₃B₃Se₁₀ and Tl₃B₃Se₁₀ crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 (Cs₃B₃Se₁₀: a = 7.583(2) Å, b = 8.464(2) Å, c = 15.276(3) Å, α = 107.03(3)°, β = 89.29(3)°, γ = 101.19(3)°, Z = 2, (non‐conventional setting); Tl₃B₃Se₁₀: a = 7.099(2) Å, b = 8.072(2) Å, c = 14.545(3) Å, α = 105.24(3)°, β = 95.82(3)°, γ = 92.79(3)°, and Z = 2). All crystal structures contain polymeric anionic chains of composition ([B₂Se₇]^2–)_n or ([B₃Se₁₀]^3–)_n formed by spirocyclically fused non‐planar five‐membered B₂Se₃ rings and six‐membered B₂Se₄ rings in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 or 2 : 1, respectively. All boron atoms have tetrahedral coordination with corner‐sharing BSe₄ tetrahedra additionally connected via Se–Se bridges. The cations are situated between three polymeric anionic chains leading to a nine‐fold coordination of the rubidium and thallium cations by selenium in M₂B₂Se₇ (M = Rb, Tl). Coordination numbers of Cs⁺ (Tl⁺) in Cs₃B₃Se₁₀ (Tl₃B₃Se₁₀) are 12(11) and 11(9).     

Über Alkalimetallmanganchalkogenide A2MnX2 mit A K,Rb oder Cs und X S,Se oder Te

Inhaltsübersicht. Die Verbindungen K₂MnS₂, Rb₂MnS₂, Cs₂MnS₂, K₂MnSe₂, Rb₂MnSe₂, Cs₂MnSe₂, K₂MnTe₂, Rb₂MnTe₂ und Cs₂MnTe₂ wurden durch Umsetzungen von Alkalimetall-carbonaten mit Mangan bzw. Mangantellurid in einem mit Chalkogen beladenen Wasserstoffstrom erhalten. Kristallstrukturuntersuchungen an Einkristallen ergaben, daß alle neun Verbindungen isotyp kristallisieren (K₂ZnO₂-Typ, Raumgruppe Ibam). Untersuchungen zum magnetischen Verhalten zeigen antiferromagnetische Kopplungen der Manganionen in den [MnX_4/2^2–]-Ketten, On Alkali Metal Manganese Chalcogenides A₂MnX₂ with A K, Rb, or Cs and X S, Se, or Te The compounds K₂MnS₂, Rb₂MnS₂, Cs₂MnS₂, K₂MnSe₂, Rb₂MnSe₂, Cs₂MnSe₂, K₂MnTe₂, Rb₂MnTe₂, and Cs₂MnTe₂ were synthesized by the reaction of alkali metal carbonates with Mn or MnTe in a stream of hydrogen charged with chalcogen. Structural investigations on single crystals show that all nine compounds crystallize in isotypic atomic arrangements (K₂ZnO₂ type, space group Ibam). The magnetic behaviour indicates antiferromagnetic interactions of the manganese ions within the [MnX_1/2^2–] chains.     

Synthesis,Structural, and Optical Characterization of a New Europium(II) Tin Selenide,Eu8(Sn4Se14)(Se3)2 with a (Sn4Se14)12– Building Block

A new phase in europium‐tin‐chalcogenide chemistry has been prepared using the reactive flux method: Eu₈(Sn₄Se₁₄)(Se₃)₂. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2 with cell parameters a = 11.990(2) Å, b = 16.425(4) Å, c = 8.543(1) Å, and Z = 2. Eu₈(Sn₄Se₁₄)(Se₃)₂ is a three dimensional structure with Eu^II cations linked together with an unusual (Sn₄Se₁₄)^12– anionic unit and (Se₃)^2– chains. UV‐VIS‐NIR band‐gap analysis shows that these black metallic crystals are likely semiconductors with an optical band‐gap of 1.07 eV.     

Cs6Nb4Se22 and K12Nb6Se35.3: two new compounds containing the M4Q22 building block

The title compounds, namely hexacaesium tetraniobium docosaselenide and dodecapotassium hexaniobium pentatriacontaselenide, were formed from their respective alkali chalcogenide reactive flux and niobium metal. Both compounds fall into the larger family of solid‐state compounds that contain the M₂Q₁₁ building block (M = Nb, Ta; Q = Se, S), where the metal chalcogenide forms dimers of face‐shared pentagonal bipyramids. Cs₆Nb₄Se₂₂ contains two Nb₂Se₁₁ building blocks linked by an Se—Se bond to form isolated Nb₄Se₂₂ tetrameric building blocks surrounded by caesium ions. K₁₂Nb₆Se_35.3 contains similar Nb₄Se₂₂ tetramers that are linked by an Se—Se—Se unit to an Nb₂Se₁₁ dimer to form one‐dimensional anionic chains surrounded by potassium ions. Further crystallographic studies of K₁₂Nb₆Se_35.3 demonstrate a new M₂Se₁₂ building block because of disorder between an Se²⁻ site (85%) and an (Se—Se)²⁻ unit (15%). The subtle differences between the structures are discussed.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of a New Niobium Polysulfide K6Nb4S22 and two New Dimorphic Tantalum Polysulfides K6Ta4S22

The new compounds K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( I ) have been synthesised by the reaction of NbS₂ or Ta metal in a K₂S₃ flux. Using TaS₂ as educt a second modification of K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( II ) is obtained. K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and K₆Ta₄S₂₂ (form I ) crystallise in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 35.634 (2)Å, b = 7.8448 (4)Å, c = 12.1505 (5)Å, β = 100.853 (5)°, V = 3335.8 (3)ų, and Z = 4 for K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and a = 35.563 (7) Å, b = 7.836 (2)Å, c = 12.139 (2)Å, β = 100.56 (3)°, V = 3325.5 (2)ų, and Z = 4 for K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( I ). The second modification K₆Ta₄S₂₂ (form II ) crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 7.5835 (6)Å, b = 8.7115 (5)Å, c = 24.421 (2)Å, β = 98.733 (9)°, V = 1594.6 (2)ų, and Z = 2. The structures consist of [M₄S₂₂]^6— anions composed of two M₂S₁₁ sub‐units which are linked into M₄S₂₂ units via terminal sulfur ligands. The anions are well separated by the K⁺ cations. Differences between the structures of the title compounds and those with the heavier alkali cations Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ are caused by the different arrangement of the [M₄S₂₂]^6— anions around the cations and the different S^2—/S₂^2— binding modes. The thermal behaviour of both modifications was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From these investigations there is no hint for a polymorphic transition between the two forms. After heating crystals of form II above the melting point and cooling the melt to room temperature a crystalline powder of form I can be isolated.     

Ba2In2Q5 (Q = S,Se): Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Electronic Structures,and Optical Properties

Two ternary metal chalcogenides, Ba₂In₂Q₅ (Q = S, Se) were successfully synthesized by solid‐state reactions. They are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (no. 61). Both of them have a similar three‐dimensional (3D) framework structure, which is composed of [InQ₄] (Q = S, Se) tetrahedra that are alternatingly connected on layer in the ab plane, with Ba²⁺ cations arranged between In–S or In–Se layers for electric charge balance. The measured Raman and IR spectra show that title compounds have broad transparency range up to 20 μm. From the UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra, it can be seen that the bandgaps of Ba₂In₂S₅ and Ba₂In₂S₅ are 2.47 eV and 2.12 eV, which are larger than these of the calculation values (Ba₂In₂S₅, 2.362 eV and Ba₂In₂Se₅, 1.908 eV), respectively. The calculated partial densities of states indicate that the bandgaps are determined by the interaction of S‐3p and In‐5s (Ba₂In₂S₅) or Se‐4p and In‐5s (Ba₂In₂Se₅), respectively. The calculated birefringences (Δn) are about 0.03 (Ba₂In₂S₅) and 0.05 (Ba₂In₂Se₅) as the wavelength above 1 μm, respectively.     

Na2B2Se7, K2B2S7 und K2B2Se7: Drei Perchalkogenoborate mit neuem polymeren Anionengerüst

Na₂B₂Se₇, K₂B₂S₇, and K₂B₂Se₇: Three Perchalcogenoborates with a Novel Polymeric Anion Network Na₂B₂Se₇ (I 2/a; a = 11.863(4) Å, b = 6.703(2) Å, c = 13.811(6) Å, β = 109.41(2)°; Z = 4), K₂B₂S₇ (I 2/a; a = 11.660(2) Å, β = 6.827(1) Å, c = 12.992(3) Å, β = 106.78(3)°; Z = 4), and K₂B₂Se₇ (I 2/a; a = 12.092(4) Å, b = 7.054(2) Å, c = 13.991(5) Å, β = 107.79(3)°; Z = 4) were prepared by reaction of stoichiometric amounts of sodium selenide (potassium sulfide) with boron and sulfur or of potassium selenide and boron diselenide, respectively, at 600°C with subsequent annealing. The crystal structures consist of polymeric anion chains of composition ([B₂S₇]^2?)_n or ([B₂Se₇]^2?)_n formed by spirocyclically connected five-membered B₂S₃ (B₂Se₃) rings and six-membered B₂S₄ (B₂Se₄) rings. The nine-coordinate alkaline metal cations are situated in between.     

K3FeSe3 und K3Fe2Se4, zwei neue Verbindungen im System K/Fe/Se

K₃FeSe₃ and K₃Fe₂Se₄, Two New Compounds in the System K/Fe/Se The two selenides K₃FeSe₃ and K₃Fe₂Se₄ were synthesised by fusion reactions of potassium carbonate with iron and selenium in a stream of hydrogen charged with selenium at 695 °C and 710–730 °C, respectively. The crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data. The atomic arrangement of K₃FeSe₃ is characterised by edge sharing [Fe₂Se₆] double tetrahedra separated by potassium ions (space group P2₁/c, Z = 4). The characteristic structural unit of the mixed‐valent compound K₃Fe₂Se₄ is a zig‐zag chain of edge‐sharing, iron‐centred selenium tetrahedra, again separated by potassium ions (space group Pnma, Z = 4).     

Tetrahedral [Tt4]4– Zintl Anions Through Solution Chemistry: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the Ammoniates Rb4Sn4·2NH3, Cs4Sn4·2NH3, and Rb4Pb4·2NH3

The crystalline isotypic solvates Rb₄Sn₄·2NH₃, Cs₄Sn₄·2NH₃, and Rb₄Pb₄·2NH₃ have been synthesized using the direct reduction of elemental tin or tetraphenyltin, respectively, with heavier alkali metals or the dissolution of the binary phase RbPb in liquid ammonia. These compounds contain the cluster ions [Sn₄]^4– or [Pb₄]^4– respectively. This is the first time that[Tt₄]^4– ions (Tt = tetrels) are detected as result of a solution reaction. The accommodation of the ammonia molecules, which build up ion‐dipole interactions to alkali metal cations, requires some modifications of the crystal structures compared to the binary phases RbSn, CsSn, and RbPb. The tetrahedral [Tt₄]^4– anions have a slightly lower coordination by Rb⁺ or Cs⁺ cations and, furthermore, the intercluster distances show a remarkable increase.     

Potassium sodium tin selenide,K3NaSn3Se8

The title compound, tripotassium sodium tritin octaselenide, K₃NaSn₃Se₈, has a molecular (zero‐dimensional) structure containing trimeric [Sn₃Se₈]^4? units which consist of three edge‐sharing SnSe₄ tetrahedra. The [Sn₃Se₈]^4? anions and the tetrahedrally coordinated Na⁺ cations are arranged in an alternating fashion along the c axis to form SiS₂‐like chains, which are then separated by eight‐coordinate K⁺ cations. The Sn—Se bond distances are normal, being in the range 2.477 (1)–2.612 (1) Å.     

Darstellung,Eigenschaften, röntgenographische und spektroskopische Untersuchung von Tl4Nb2S11 und Tl4Ta2S11

On Polychalcogenides of Thallium with M₂Q₁₁ Groups as a Structural Building Block. I Preparation, Properties, X‐ray Diffractometry, and Spectroscopic Investigations of Tl₄Nb₂S₁₁ and Tl₄Ta₂S₁₁ The new ternary compounds Tl₄Nb₂S₁₁ and Tl₄Ta₂S₁₁ were prepared using Thallium polysulfide melts. Tl₄M₂S₁₁ crystallises isotypically to K₄Nb₂S_8.9Se_2.1 in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 7.806(2) Å, b = 8.866(2) Å, c = 13.121(3) Å, α = 72.72(2)°, β = 88.80(3)°, and γ = 85.86(2)° for M = Nb and a = 7.837(1) Å, b = 8.902(1) Å, c = 13.176(1) Å, α = 72.69(1)°, β = 88.74(1)°, and γ = 85.67(1)° for M = Ta. The interatomic distances as well as angles within the [M₂S₁₁]^4– anions are similar to those of the previously reported data for analogous alkali metal polysulfides. Significant differences between Tl₄M₂S₁₁ and A₄M₂S₁₁ (A = K, Rb, Cs) are obvious for the shape of the polyhedra around the electropositive elements. The two title compounds melt congruently at 732 K (M = Nb) and 729 K (M = Ta). The optical band gaps were estimated as 1.26 eV for Tl₄Nb₂S₁₁ and as 1.80 eV for the Tantalum compound.     

Zur Kenntnis der Dialkalimetalldichalkogenide β-Na2S2, K2S2, α-Rb2S2, β-Rb2S2, K2Se2, Rb2Se2, α-K2Te2, β-K2Te2 und Rb2Te2

On Dialkali Metal Dichalcogenides β-Na₂S₂, K₂S₂, α-Rb₂S₂, β-Rb₂S₂, K₂Se₂, Rb₂Se₂, α-K₂Te₂, β-K₂Te₂ and Rb₂Te₂ The first presentation of pure samples of α- and β-Rb₂S₂, α- and β-K₂Te₂, and Rb₂Te₂ is described. Using single crystals of K₂S₂ and K₂Se₂, received by ammonothermal synthesis, the structure of the Na₂O₂ type and by using single crystals of β-Na₂S₂ and β-K₂Te₂ the Li₂O₂ type structure will be refined. By combined investigations with temperature-dependent Guinier-, neutron diffraction-, thermal analysis, and Raman-spectroscopy the nature of the monotropic phase transition from the Na₂O₂ type to the Li₂O₂ type will be explained by means of the examples α-/β-Na₂S₂ and α-/β-K₂Te₂. A further case of dimorphic condition as well as the monotropic phase transition of α- and β-Rb₂S₂ is presented. The existing areas of the structure fields of the dialkali metal dichalcogenides are limited by the model of the polar covalence.     

Conductibilité electrique aux basses températures des composés binaires Cr2X3 et Cr3X4 (X = S,Se ou Te)

Electrical resistivity of some binary compounds Cr₂X₃ and Cr₃X₄ (X = S, Se or Te) is studied on polycrystalline samples with the four point probe method, at temperatures between 4.2 and about 330 K. A metallic behavior is observed on Cr₂Te₃, Cr₃Te₄, Cr₃S₄ and the 3c′ form of Cr₂Se₃. Some other compounds are semiconductors: Cr₃Se₄ (E_300K ≈ 0.07 eV; E_4.2K = 2.07 × 10^?4 eV), the 2c′ form of Cr_2+εSe₃ (E_300K ≈ 0.074 eV; E_4.2K = 2.76 × 10^?4 eV) and the 3c′ form of Cr₂S₃ (E_275K ≈ 0.55 eV). The observed results seem to be closely related to the nature of the octahedral neighborhood of the cations.     

Solvent extraction of groups 4 and 14 metal chelate complexes: Model experiments for chemical studies on coordination number of element 104

To verify the idea that the coordination number of element 104 could be influenced by relativistic effects the studies on complexation of possible homologs of element 104 in group 4 (Zr⁴⁺, Hf⁴⁺, Ti⁴⁺) and 14 (Sn⁴⁺, Pb⁴⁺) by thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) and tropolone (T) were performed. Contrary to monodentate ligands, TTA forms octacoordinate complexes not only with Zr⁴⁺ and Hf⁴⁺ but also with Ti⁴⁺, which are extracted to organic phase. Tropolone forms octacoordinate neutral complexes also with group 14 metal cations Sn⁴⁺ and Pb⁴⁺. Since octacoordinate complexes of Ti⁴⁺, Sn⁴⁺ and Pb⁴⁺ with TTA and T are much weaker than the respective complexes of Zr⁴⁺ and Hf⁴⁺, extraction of the former complexes to organic phase requires higher values of pH. The behavior of 104⁴⁺ in experiments with TTA or T extractants should answer the question concerning the similarity of 104⁴⁺, in respect to CN to its lighter congeners Zr⁴⁺ and Hf⁴⁺ or Ti⁴⁺ and group 14 elements.     

Ruthenium(II)−Bipyridine/NanoC3N4 Hybrids: Tunable Photochemical Properties by Using Exchangeable Alkali Metal Cations

A series of nanoporous carbon nitrides that contained a range of alkali metal cations (M@nanoC₃N₄: M=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺) have been successfully synthesized from as‐synthesized g‐C₃N₄ by delamination with concentrated sulfuric acid, followed by neutralization with aqueous solutions of the corresponding alkali metal hydroxides. Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, were grafted onto the carbon nitrides in an effort to explore the physicochemical properties of the deposited [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, as well as its photocatalytic activity in the aerobic photooxidation of phenylboronic acid and H₂ production from aqueous media in the presence of a Pt co‐catalyst under visible‐light irradiation. Highly porous nanoC₃N₄ could significantly enhance photocatalytic activity, because of its high surface area, owing to its unique porous structure. More interestingly, the photoluminescence intensities of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complexes that were associated with M@nanoC₃N₄ increased in the presence of lighter alkali metal cations, which correlated with increased photocatalytic activities for both reactions. This study demonstrates that M@nanoC₃N₄ are fascinating supports, in which the local environment of an immobilized metal complex can be precisely controlled by varying the alkali metal cation from Li⁺ to Cs⁺.     

New Hexachalcogeno–Hypodiphosphates of the Alkali Metals: Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Vibrational Spectra of the Hexathiodiphosphate(IV) Hydrates K4[P2S6] · 4 H2O,Rb4[P2S6] · 6 H2O,and Cs4[P2S6] · 6 H2O

The new hexathiodiphosphate(IV) hydrates K₄[P₂S₆] · 4 H₂O ( 1 ), Rb₄[P₂S₆] · 6 H₂O ( 2 ), and Cs₄[P₂S₆] · 6 H₂O ( 3 ) were synthesized by soft chemistry reactions from aqueous solutions of Na₄[P₂S₆] · 6 H₂O and the corresponding heavy alkali‐metal hydroxides. Their crystal structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. K₄[P₂S₆] · 4 H₂O ( 1 ) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/n with a = 803.7(1), b = 1129.2(1), c = 896.6(1) pm, β = 94.09(1)°, Z = 2. Rb₄[P₂S₆] · 6 H₂O ( 2 ) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/c with a = 909.4(2), b = 1276.6(2), c = 914.9(2) pm, β = 114.34(2)°, Z = 2. Cs₄[P₂S₆] · 6 H₂O ( 3 ) crystallizes in the triclinic space group with a = 742.9(2), b = 929.8(2), c = 936.8(2) pm, α = 95.65(2), β = 112.87(2), γ = 112.77(2)°, Z = 1. The structures are built up by discrete [P₂S₆]^4? anions in staggered conformation, the corresponding alkali‐metal cations and water molecules. O ··· S and O ··· O hydrogen bonds between the [P₂S₆]^4? anions and the water molecules consolidate the structures into a three‐dimensional network. The different water‐content compositions result by the corresponding alkali‐metal coordination polyhedra and by the prefered number of water molecules in their coordination sphere, respectively. The FT‐Raman and FT‐IR/FIR spectra of the title compounds have been recorded and interpreted, especially with respect to the [P₂S₆]^4? group. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that K₄[P₂S₆] · 4 H₂O converted to K₄[P₂S₆] as it was heated at 100 °C.