Die metallreiche Schichtstruktur von Ta6STe3

The Metal‐rich Layer Structure of Ta₆STe₃ Ta₆S_1+xTe_3–x was prepared from an appropriate mixture of 2 H–Ta_1.3S₂, TaTe₂, and Ta in a fused tantalum tube at 1273 K within 3 d. The results of a X‐ray single crystal structure analysis for a phase near the Te‐rich limit of the homogeneity range are reported. Ta₆S_1.00Te_3.00(1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, a = 993.14(8) pm, b = 1032.18(8) pm, c = 1378.78(11) pm, α = 79.32(1)°, β = 81.36(1)°, γ = 85.74(1)°, Z = 6, Pearson symbol aP60, 6048 I_o > 2σ (I_o), 286 variables, wR₂ = 0.067. The metal‐rich layer structure of Ta₆STe₃ comprises distorted icosahedral Ta₁₃ clusters and related deltahedral cluster fragments complemented by chalcogen atoms. The centred clusters consist of 11, 12, 13, 14, or 16 atoms. They interpenetrate into lamellae in which the tantalum and chalcogen atoms are spatially segregated according to [Q–Ta₃–Q]. The signature of the structure is a lenticular heptagonal antiprismatic Ta₃₀ cluster which seems to be excised from the pentagonal antiprismatic columnar structure of Ta₆S. The Ta₃₀ clusters and distorted icosahedral Ta₁₃ clusters are connected and fused into puckered layers. The rest of the tantalum valences are used for heteronuclear bonding. The chalcogen atoms having three to six next tantalum atoms coat the corrugated, tetrahedrally close‐packed layers. Ta₆STe₃ is a moderate metallic conductor (ρ_{293 K} = 3 × 10^–4 Ωcm) exhibiting typical temperature independent paramagnetic properties.     

MAl2Ta35O70 (M = Na,K, Rb), niedervalente Oxotantalate mit isolierten kuboktaedrischen Ta6O12-Clustern

MAl₂Ta₃₅O₇₀ (M = Na, K, Rb), Low-Valent Oxotantalates with Discrete Cuboctahedral Ta₆O₁₂ Clusters The title compounds were prepared by reducing Ta₂O₅ with tantalum and aluminium in the presence of alkali metal carbonates at 1650 K. NaAl₂Ta₃₅O₇₀ was characterized by means of a single crystal X-ray structure determination: space group P 3, lattice parameters a = 780.15(7) pm, c = 2621.7(8) pm, Z = 1, 167 variables, R_F = 0.048. The structure can be described in terms of a close packing of oxide ions with specific defects. The sequence of the layers is hhcchchcchh. The characteristic structural units are Ta₆O₁₂ clusters being substantially stabilized by Ta–Ta bonding (d_Ta–Ta = 279.3–283.3 pm, 14 electrons per cluster). The sodium cations occupy acentrically and statistically half of the anti-cuboctahedral sites. The compounds are semiconductors with band gaps E_a of 0.2 to 0.3 eV.     

Na0.74Ta3O6, ein niedervalentes Oxotantalat mit einer Ta–Ta‐Mehrfachbindung

Na_0.74Ta₃O₆, a Low‐Valent Oxotantalate with Multiple Ta–Ta Bonds The title compound was prepared in a sealed tantalum tube through the reaction of Ta₂O₅, tantalum and Na₂CO₃ in a NaCl flux at 1570 K within 5 d. The crystal structure of Na_0.74Ta₃O₆ (a = 713.5(1), b = 1027.4(2), c = 639.9(1) pm, Immm, Z = 4) was determined by single crystal X‐ray means. The structure is isomorphous with NaNb₃O₅F [1]. The characteristic structural units are triply bonded Ta1₂ dumb‐bells with eight square‐prismatically co‐ordinated O ligands. Four Ta2, each octahedrally surrounded by O atoms, are side‐on bonded weakly to the binuclear Ta₂O₈ complex, thus forming a Ta₆ propellane‐like cluster. The lattice parameters of three additional M_xTa₃O₆ phases, M = Li, Mn, and Yb, are reported.     

Tantalcluster in oxidischer Matrix – Synthese und Strukturen der gemischtvalenten Oxotantalate M2–δTa15O32 (M = K,Rb (δ = 0); M = Sr (δ = 0.15), Ba (δ = 0.12))

Tantalum Cluster in an Oxidic Matrix – Synthesis and Structures of Mixed-Valence Oxotantalates M_2–δTa₁₅O₃₂ (M = K, Rb (δ = 0); M = Sr (δ = 0.15), Ba (δ = 0.12)) The mixed-valent oxides Sr_1.85Ta₁₅O₃₂ ( 1 ), Ba_1.88Ta₁₅O₃₂ ( 2 ), K₂Ta₁₅O₃₂ ( 3 ), Rb₂Ta₁₅O₃₂ ( 4 ) were prepared from appropriate mixtures of Ta₂O₅, tantalum and the corresponding carbonate at 1520–1670 K in sealed tantalum tubes. According to X-ray single crystal structure analyses the oxides crystallize in the space group R3¯, Z = 1. The lattice parameters in the hexagonal setting are a = 777.36(11), c = 3516.2(7) pm for 1 , a = 778.87(11), c = 3548.1(7) pm for 2 , a = 780.7(2), c = 3573.1(11) pm for 3 , and a = 781.90(11), c = 3593.0(7) pm for 4 . The oxide ions form a defect dense packing with the layer sequence chhhh. Anti-cuboctahedral sites are completely occupied by the alkali metal cations. The alkaline earth cations occupy 92 to 94% of such sites; they are displaced from the centres. Smaller voids are located in the centres of the cuboctahedral Ta₆O₁₂ clusters forming the characteristic structural unit of these low-valent oxotantalates. In case of 3 and 4 the clusters have 13 electrons, in case of 1 and 2 they have close to 15 electrons available for Ta–Ta-bonding. Moreover, the structures of the alkali and alkaline earth metal compounds differ notably with respect to the spectrum of Ta–O and Ta–Ta distances in the Ta₃O₁₃ octahedra triples forming another characteristic structural unit for these oxides. Such differences are traced back to distinct local charge balances for the uni- and divalent cations. The oxides 2 , 3 are semiconductors with band gaps ranging from 130 to 360 meV.     

Tantalum‐Niobium Mixing in Ta3–xNbxTeI7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3)

A substitutional study of the layered, trinuclear metal cluster system, Ta_3–xNb_xTeI₇ (0 ≤ x ≤ 3), has been performed. Synthetic, crystallographic, and spectroscopic results are presented for starting compositions corresponding to the x values: 1, 1.5, and 2. For the entire composition range studied, Ta(Nb) could readily substitute into the Nb(Ta)₃TeI₇ structure, but with changes in the observed stacking arrangements of the layers as x varies. For tantalum‐rich (x ≤ 1.8) phases, the structure conformed to the Nb₃SeI₇ structure type, also adopted by Ta₃TeI₇ and one polytype of Nb₃TeI₇. Niobium‐rich (i. e. x ≥ 1.7) phases were observed to adopt two structure types according to X‐ray powder diffraction, but crystals could only be obtained for the Nb₃SBr₇ structure type, which is a second modification of Nb₃TeI₇. Extended Hückel calculations are used to discuss the distribution of metal clusters in this system.     

Reactions of Chalcogen Oxide Chlorides EOCl2 (E = S,Se) with Group 5 Metal Chlorides

The tantalum derivative TaCl₅(SOCl₂), thermally unstable above 290 K, was prepared from Ta₂Cl₁₀ and SOCl₂ and studied by X‐ray crystallography at 180 K. Tantalum atom is octahedrally coordinated by five chlorides at Ta–Cl distances comprised between 2.32 and 2.36 Å and by the oxygen atom of SOCl₂ at the Ta–O distance of 2.34 Å. No evidence for the existence of an analogous compound of niobium(V) has been obtained. The halides of Group 5, M₂Cl₁₀, M = Nb, Ta, react with SeOCl₂ to give the solid adducts MCl₅(SeOCl₂) stable at room temperature. The reaction of NbCl₅(SeOCl₂) with SOCl₂ affords [SeCl₃][NbCl₆] which contains trigonal‐pyramidal (SeCl₃)⁺ cations with Se–Cl distances of 2.13–2.16 Å and octahedral [NbCl₆]^– anions (Nb–Cl: 2.27–2.45 Å). A distorted octahedral coordination around the selenium atom is achieved by additional interactions [Se…Cl, 2.81–2.98 Å] between selenium and the [NbCl₆]^– anion.     

Die Oxochlorotantalate (PPh4)2[Ta2OCl9]2 · 2 CH2Cl2, (PPh4)2[Ta2OCl10] · 2 CH3CN und (K-18-Krone-6)4[Ta4O6Cl12] · 12 CH2Cl2

The Oxochlorotantalates (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₉]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂, (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₁₀] · 2 CH₃CN, and (K-18-crown-6)₄[Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂] · 12 CH₂Cl₂ (K-18-crown-6)₄[Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂] · 12 CH₂Cl₂ was obtained from a reaction of tantalum pentachloride, K₂S₅ and 18-crwon-6 in dichlormethane. According to its crystal structure analysis it is tetragonal (space group I 4 2d) and contains [Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂]^4– ions that have an adamantane-like Ta₄O₆ skeleton. Each K⁺ ion is coordinated by the oxygen atoms of the crown ether molecule from one side and with three Cl atoms of one [Ta₄O₆Cl₁₂]^4– ion from the opposite side. (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₁₀] · 2 CH₃CN was a product from PPh₄Cl and TaCl₅ in acetonitrile in the presence of Na₂S₄. Its crystals are monoclinic (space group P2₁/c) and contain centrosymmetric [Ta₂OCl₁₀]^2– ions having a linear Ta–O–Ta grouping with short bonds (Ta–O 189 pm). TaCl₅ and H₂S formed a solid substance (TaSCl₃) from which a small amount of (PPh₄)₂[Ta₂OCl₉]₂ · 2 CH₂Cl₂ was obtained by the reaction with PPh₄Cl in CH₂Cl₂. The anions in the monoclinic crystals (space group P2₁/n) consist of two Ta₂OCl₉^– units which are joined by chloro bridges; each Ta₂OCl₉^– unit has a nearly linear Ta–O–Ta group with differing bond lengths (179 and 202 pm). The oxygen in the compounds probably was introduced by traces of water in the crown ether, acetonitrile or H₂S, respectively.     

Re‐evaluation of the X‐ray Crystal Structure of [Ta4F20] and the Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Mixed‐Metal Pentafluorides of Niobium and Tantalum

The direct fluorination of intimately mixed niobium and tantalum powders gives a range of mixed‐metal pentafluorides [Nb_xTa_4‐xF₂₀] (x = 1 2 , 2 3 , 3 4 ) as discreet species isostructural with tantalum pentafluoride (x = 0 1 ). The crystal structures of 1–4 are indistinguishable by X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 9.5462(13), b = 14.3578(19), c = 5.0174(7) Å, β = 97.086(2)°, Z = 2. The geometry about the tantalum atom is distorted octahedral with 2 short and 2 slightly longer Ta‐F_terminal, and 2 Ta‐F_bridging distances. The angles at the bridging fluorine atoms are 172.9(5)°.     

Rubidium‐ und Caesium‐Verbindungen mit dem Isopolyanion [Ta6O19]8– – Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, thermische und schwingungsspektroskopische Untersuchungen der Oxotantalate A8[Ta6O19] · n H2O (A = Rb,Cs; n = 0, 4, 14)

Rubidium und Caesium Compounds with the Isopolyanion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8– – Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Thermogravimetric and Vibrational Spectrocopic Analysis of the Oxotantalates A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) The compounds A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) contain the isopoly anion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8–, which consists of six [TaO₆] octahedra connected via corners to form a large octahedron. They transform into each other by reversible hydratation/dehydratation processes, as shown from thermoanalytic measurements (TG/DSC), and show also structural similarities. Cs₈[Ta₆O₁₉] (tetragonal, I4/m, a = 985.9(1) pm, c = 1403.3(1) pm, Z = 2), the isotypic phases A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 14 H₂O (A = Rb/Cs; monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 1031.30(6)/1055.4(1) pm, b = 1590.72(9)/1614.9(6) pm, c = 1150.43(6)/1171.4(1) pm, β = 100.060(1)/99.97(2)°, Z = 2) and Rb₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 4 H₂O (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 1216.9(4) pm, b = 1459.2(5) pm, c = 1414.7(4) pm, β = 90.734(6)°, Z = 4) have been characterised on the basis of single crystal x‐ray data. Furthermore the RAMAN spectra allow a detailled comparison of the hexatantalate ions in the four compounds.     

Mg15Ir5Si2, ein Magnesium‐Iridiumsilicid mit isolierten Ir5Si2‐Baugruppen

Mg₁₅Ir₅Si₂ a Magnesium Iridium Silicide with Isolated Ir₅Si₂ Building Groups Mg₁₅Ir₅Si₂ (tetragonal, P4₂/n, a = 1371.7(1) pm, c = 873.0(2) pm, Z=4, 1497 reflections, 103 parameters, R1 = 0.048) was prepared by reaction of the elements at 900 °C in sealed tantalum ampoules. The compound is the silicide with the highest alkaline earth metal content known so far. It is the first example of a silicide with an isolated transition metal silicon building group embedded in a matrix of non‐transition metal atoms. The structure contains planar Ir₂SiIrSiIr₂ groups with silicon atoms in nearly trigonal planar coordination of three iridium atoms (d_Ir‐Si = 235 and 236 pm).     

Neue Vertreter des Er6[Si11N20]O‐Strukturtyps Hochtemperatur‐Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von Ln(6+x/3)[Si(11–y)AlyN(20+x–y)]O(1–x+y) mit Ln = Nd,Er, Yb,Dy und 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3

New Representatives of the Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O Structure Type. High‐Temperature Synthesis and Single‐Crystal Structure Refinement of Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) with Ln = Nd, Er, Yb, Dy and 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3 According to the general formula Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) (0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3) four nitridosilicates, namely Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O, Yb_6.081[Si₁₁N_20.234]O_0.757, Dy_0.33Sm₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]N, and Nd₇[Si₈Al₃N₂₀]O were synthesized in a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures between 1300 and 1650 °C. The homeotypic crystal structures of all four compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The nitridosilicates are trigonal with the following lattice constants: Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O: a = 978.8(4) pm, c = 1058.8(3) pm; Yb_6.081[Si₁₁N_20.243]O_0.757: a = 974.9(1) pm, c = 1055.7(2) pm; Dy_0.33Sm₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]N: a = 989.8(1) pm, c = 1078.7(1) pm; Nd₇[Si₈Al₃N₂₀]O: a = 1004.25(9) pm, c = 1095.03(12) pm. The crystal structures were solved and refined in the space group P31c with Z = 2. The compounds contain three‐dimensional networks built up by corner sharing SiN₄ and AlN₄ tetrahedra, respectively. The Ln³⁺ and the “isolated” O^2– ions are situated in the voids of the structures. According to Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) an extension of the Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O structure type has been found.     

The Binary Silicides Eu5Si3 and Yb3Si5 – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Chemical Bonding

The binary silicides Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes and their crystal structures were determined from single crystal X-ray data: I4/mcm, a = 791.88(7) pm, c = 1532.2(2) pm, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.0545, 600 F² values, 16 variables for Eu₅Si₃ (Cr₅B₃-type) and P62m, a = 650.8(2) pm, c = 409.2(1) pm, Z = 1, wR2 = 0.0427, 375 F² values, 12 variables for Yb₃Si₅ (Th₃Pd₅ type). The new silicide Eu₅Si₃ contains isolated silicon atoms and silicon pairs with a Si–Si distance of 242.4 pm. This silicide may be described as a Zintl phase with the formula [5 Eu²⁺]¹⁰⁺[Si]^4–[Si₂]^6–. The silicon atoms in Yb₃Si₅ form a two-dimensional planar network with two-connected and three-connected silicon atoms. According to the Zintl-Klemm concept the formula of homogeneous mixed-valent Yb₃Si₅ may to a first approximation be written as [3 Yb]⁸⁺[2 Si^–]^2–[3 Si^2–]^6–. Magnetic susceptibility investigations of Eu₅Si₃ show Curie-Weiss behaviour above 100 K with a magnetic moment of 7.85(5) μ_B which is close to the free ion value of 7.94 μ_B for Eu²⁺. Chemical bonding in Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ was investigated by semi-empirical band structure calculations using an extended Hückel hamiltonian. The strongest bonding interactions are found for the Si–Si contacts followed by Eu–Si and Yb–Si, respectively. The main bonding characteristics in Eu₅Si₃ are antibonding Si1₂-π* and bonding Eu–Si1 states at the Fermi level. The same holds true for the silicon polyanion in Yb₃Si₅.     

Darstellung,Eigenschaften und Kristallstruktur von RuSn6[(Al1/3–xSi3x/4)O4]2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) – einem Oxid mit isolierten RuSn6‐Oktaedern

Preparation, Properties, and Crystal Structure of RuSn₆[(Al_1/3–xSi_3x/4)O₄]₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) – an Oxide with isolated RuSn₆ Octahedra RuSn₆[(Al_1/3–xSi_3x/4)O₄]₂ is obtained by the solid state reaction of RuO₂, SnO₂, Sn, and Si in an Al₂O₃‐crucible at 1273 to 1373 K. The compound is cubic with the space group Fm 3 m (a = 9.941(1) Å, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0277, wR₂ = 0.0619), a semiconductor and stable in air. Results of Mößbauer measurements as well as bond length‐bond strength calculations justify the ionic formulation Ru²⁺Sn₆²⁺[(Al_1/3–x³⁺Si_3x/4⁴⁺)O₄^2–]₂. The central motif of the crystal structure are separated RuSn₆‐octahedrea. These are interconnected by oxygen atoms, arranged tetrahedrely above the surfaces of the RuSn₆‐octahedrea and partialy filled with Al and Si, respectively. Because of these features the compound can be considered as a variant of the crystal structure type of pentlandite.     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional [IrSi] Networks in the Silicides Sm3Ir2Si2, HoIrSi,and YbIrSi

New intermetallic rare earth iridium silicides Sm₃Ir₂Si₂, HoIrSi, and YbIrSi were synthesized by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction both on powders and single crystals. HoIrSi and YbIrSi crystallize in a TiNiSi type structure, space group Pnma: a = 677.1(1), b = 417.37(6), c = 745.1(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0930, 340 F² values for HoIrSi, and a = 667.2(2), b = 414.16(8), c = 742.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0370, 262 F² values for YbIrSi with 20 parameters for each refinement. The iridium and silicon atoms build a three‐dimensional [IrSi] network in which the holmium(ytterbium) atoms are located in distorted hexagonal channels. Short Ir–Si distances (246–256 pm in YbIrSi) are indicative for strong Ir–Si bonding. Sm₃Ir₂Si₂ crystallizes in a site occupancy variant of the W₃CoB₃ type: Cmcm, a = 409.69(2), b = 1059.32(7), c = 1327.53(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0995, 383 F² values and 27 variables. The Ir1, Ir2, and Si atoms occupy the Co, B2, and B1 positions of W₃CoB₃, leading to eight‐membered Ir₄Si₄ rings within the puckered two‐dimensional [IrSi] network. The Ir–Si distances range from 245 to 251 pm. The [IrSi] networks are separated by the samarium atoms. Chemical bonding in HoIrSi, YbIrSi, and Sm₃Ir₂Si₂ is briefly discussed.     

Synthetic,Structural, and Spectroscopic Investigations of K3Nb8O21‐type Complex Oxides K3MTa7O21 (M = Ti,Zr)

Potassium‐containing zirconium(IV)/titanium(IV) tantalum(V) oxides, K₃TiTa₇O₂₁ ( 1 ) and K₃ZrTa₇O₂₁ ( 2 ), of K₃Nb₈O₂₁‐type of compounds are afforded from potassium‐molybdate flux. Both compounds crystallize in the hexagonal space group P6₃/mcm (no. 193) with a = 908.69(2), c = 1202.83(7) pm and c/a = 1.324 (Z = 2) for 1 and a = 913.30(3), c = 1219.21(6) pm and c/a = 1.335 (Z = 2) for 2 , respectively. The Structural motif of [MTa₇O₂₁]^3– (M = Ti⁴⁺ or Zr⁴⁺) consists of edge‐shared (M,Ta)₆O₂₄‐units that are similar to corner‐sharing Ta₆O₂₇ units of synthetic soro‐silicate K₃Ta₃Si₂O₁₃ and double borate K₃Ta₃B₂O₁₂. The solid state bandgap measurements revealed that calculated values (3.26 eV for K₃TiTa₇O₂₁ and 3.14 eV for K₃ZrTa₇O₂₁) are dependent on aperture of Ta–O–Ta bond angle as it was previously shown for perovskite‐type tantalate photocatalysts.     

Darstellung,Kristallstruktur und IR‐Spektren von BeSeO3 · H2O – Wasserstoffbrücken und Korrelation von IR‐ und Strukturdaten in den Monohydraten MSeO3 · H2O (M = Be,Ca, Mn,Co, Ni,Zn, Cd)

Preparation, Crystal Structure and IR Spectra of BeSeO₃ · H₂O – Hydrogen Bonds and Correlation of IR and Structure Data in the Monohydrates MSeO₃ · H₂O (M = Be, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) BeSeO₃ · H₂O (oP32) has been obtained by treating amorphous BeSeO₃ · 4 H₂O precipitated from Be(HSeO₃)₂ solutions hydrothermally at 150 °C. The crystal structure (P2₁2₁2₁, a = 560.59(4), b = 755.25(5), c = 781.14(5) pm, Z = 4, D_X = 3.092 gcm^–3, R = 0.018 for the 2034 reflections with I > 2σ_I of the enantiomer investigated) contains BeO₃(H₂O) tetrahedra built up from three selenite and one water oxygen atoms. The BeO₃(H₂O) tetrahedra are 3 D‐connected via Se atoms of trigonal pyramidal SeO₃^2– ions. The Be–O distances are 161.8 to 164.4 pm. The Se–O bond lenghts (169.2–170.3 pm) and the O–Se–O bond angles (98.1–101.4°) are normal. The water molecules of crystallization form together with the SeO₃^2– ions screw‐like hydrogen bond systems along [100]. Despite the strong synergetic effect of the Be²⁺ ions, the hydrogen bonds (d(OH…O) = 267.4 and 276.4 pm, respectively; ν_OD of matrix isolated HDO molecules: 2244 and 2405 cm^–1, respectively) are normal compared to other neutral selenite hydrates. Together with the hitherto known monohydrates M^IISeO₃ · H₂O and other beryllium salt hydrates, the hydrogen bonds of BeSeO₃ · H₂O are discussed with regard to their geometry and IR spectroscopy.     

Quaternary Germanides RE3TRh4Ge4 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd; T = Nb,Ta) – A New Coloring Variant of the Aristotype AlB2

The quaternary germanides RE₃TRh₄Ge₄ (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd; T = Nb, Ta) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent annealing in a muffle furnace. The structure of Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, Pbam, a = 719.9(2), b = 1495.0(3), c = 431.61(8), wR₂ = 0.0678, 1004 F² values, and 40 variables. Isotypy of the remaining phases was evident from X‐ray powder patterns. Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ is a new superstructure variant of the aristotype AlB₂ with an ordering of cerium and tantalum on the aluminum site, whereas the honey‐comb network is built up by a 1:1 ordering of rhodium and germanium. This crystal‐chemical relationship is discussed based on a group‐subgroup scheme. The distinctly different size of tantalum and cerium leads to a pronounced puckering of the [Rh₄Ge₄] network, which shows the shortest interatomic distances (253–271 pm Rh–Ge) within the Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ structure. Another remarkable structural feature concerns the tantalum coordination with six shorter Ta–Rh bonds (265–266 pm) and six longer Ta–Ge bonds (294–295 pm). The [Rh₄Ge₄] network fully separates the tantalum and cerium atoms (Ce–Ce > 387 pm, Ta–Ta > 431 pm, and Ce–Ta > 359 pm). The electronic density of states DOS from DFT calculations show metallic behavior with large contributions of localized Ce 4f as well as itinerant ones from all constituents at the Fermi level but no significant magnetic polarization on Ce could be identified. The bonding characteristics described based on overlap populations illustrate further the crystal chemistry observations of the different coordination of Ce1 and Ce2 in Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄. The Rh–Ge interactions within the network are highlighted as dominant. The bonding magnitudes follow the interatomic distances and identify differences of Ta bonding vs. Ce1/Ce2 bonding with the Rh and Ge substructures.     

Ternary Rhodium Borides A3Rh5B2 (A = Mg,Sc) and Quaternary Derivatives A2MRh5B2. Preparation,Crystal Structure (M = Main Group and 3 d Elements), and Magnetism (M = Mn,Fe)

The new ternary rhodium borides Mg₃Rh₅B₂ and Sc₃Rh₅B₂ (P4/mbm, Z = 2; a = 943.4(1) pm, c = 292.2(1) pm and a = 943.2(1) pm, c = 308.7(1) pm, respectively) crystallize with the Ti₃Co₅B₂ type structure. Mg and Sc may in part be substituted by a variety of elements M. For M = Si and Fe, homogeneity ranges were found according to A_3–xM_xRh₅B₂ with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 for A = Sc and with x up to 1.5 for A = Mg. Quaternary compounds with x = 1 (A₂MRh₅B₂: A/M in short) were prepared with M = Be, Al, Si, P, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sn (Co, Ni only with A = Mg; Sn only with A = Sc; P, As with deficiencies). Single crystal X‐ray investigations show an ordered substitutional variant of the Ti₃Co₅B₂ type in which the M atoms are arranged in chains along [001] with intrachain and interchain M–M distances of about 300 pm and 660 pm, respectively. Measuring the magnetisation (1.7 K–800 K) of the phases Mg/Mn, Sc/Mn, Mg/Fe, and Sc/Fe reveals antiferromagnetic interactions in the first and dominating ferromagnetic intrachain interactions in the remaining ones. Interchain interactions of antiferromagnetic nature are evident in Sc/Mn and Mg/Fe leading to metamagnetism below T_N = 130 K, while Sc/Fe behaves ferromagnetically below T_C = 450 K. The overall trend towards stronger ferromagnetic interactions with increasing valence electron concentration is obvious.     

AuTa14S2 — Zentrierte (Au,Ta)13-Ikosaeder organisiert nach dem Motiv einer kubisch dichten Packung

AuTa₁₄S₂ – Centred (Au,Ta)₁₃ Icosahedra Organized According to the Motif of a Cubic Close Packing The tantalum-rich phases of composition Au_xTa_15?xS₂ (0.4 < x < 1.1) were prepared by arc-melting of appropriate compressed mixtures (Au, Ta, Ta_1.35S₂) and subsequent annealing of the samples in sealed molydenum crucibles. Brittle crystals with silver lustre were grown in tantalum ampoules at 1 700 K within two days using iodine as a chemical transport agent. In contrast to Vegard's rule the lattice parameters of the rhombohedral phases which are isostructural with Pd₁₅P₂, shrink with increasing gold content. The structures were determined from Rietveld fits of powder X-ray diffraction spectra and confirmed by a crystal structure analysis of a merohedral twinned crystal of Au_0.7Ta_14.3S₂: a = 747.7(2) pm, α = 59.84(2)°, R3 , Z = 1, 760 reflections (F² > 2σ(F²)), 30 variables, R(F) = 0.048. The parts of the volumina of the domains with distinct orientations are 0.346(4) and 0.654. Topologically the structure corresponds to a cubic close packed arrangement of Ta₁₂-icosahedra with all non-tetrahedral interstices being filled. Gold accumulates preferentially in the centres of the icosahedra. The remaining metal atoms – two per formula and site – populate the ?octahedral sites”? which are encased in stretched polyhedra limited by 32 triangulated faces. The ?tetrahedral sites”? are occupied by the sulfur atoms which themselves have a ninefold, triangulated tetrakaidecahedral coordination. The complete occupation of interstices together with the specific orientation of the gold stabilized icosahedral (Au,Ta)₁₃-clusters ensure a tetrahedral close packing of all atoms. The distortions of the packing are quantitatively analysed in terms of dihedral angles and deviations of the tetrahedral edge lengths from the mean and are compared with those of other tcp structures.     

Zn5Ir7B3, Zn5Rh7B3 und Zn7+xRh9–xB3 (x ≈ 0,4) – neue ternäre Zink‐Platinmetallboride

Zn₅Ir₇B₃, Zn₅Rh₇B₃, and Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (x ≈ 0.4) – New Ternary Zinc Platinum Metal Borides The new ternary zinc borides Zn₅Ir₇B₃, Zn₅Rh₇B₃, and Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (x ≈ 0.4) were prepared by reaction of the elemental components at temperatures in the range 1200 to 1230 ?C. They crystallize orthorhombically in the space group Pmma with Z = 2. Zn₅Ir₇B₃ (a = 1116.1(2) pm, b = 284.96(4) pm, c = 1178.1(2) pm; R = 0.042, 1414 reflections, 47 parameters) and Zn₅Rh₇B₃ (a = 1101.6(2) pm, b = 283.94(3) pm, c = 1166.6(4) pm, R = 0.033, 787 reflections, 47 parameters) are isotypic. Along the short axis planar nets of platinum metal atoms at y = 0 alternate with layers containing the boron and zinc atoms at z = ¹/₂. By the stacking of the platinum metal nets columns of trigonal prisms centered by boron atoms, columns of pentagonal prisms containing zinc atoms and channels with horse shoe shaped cross sections, all running along the b‐axis are formed. The latter are filled by an aggregation of zinc atoms consisting of four parallel rows. In the structure of Zn_7+xRh_9–xB₃ (a = 1117.1(3) pm, b = 285.38(8) pm, c = 1484.8(5) pm; R = 0.026, 975 reflections, 59 parameters) one of the sitesets is occupied by Rh and Zn atoms approximately in the ratio 6 : 4. The structure contains the same building elements as those found in Zn₅Rh₇B₃ and in addition Rh prisms with elongated hexagon cross sections accommodating pairs of zinc atoms. These prisms are connected by common faces to form layers perpendicular to the c axis.