La2Si2O7 im I—Typ: Gemäß La6[Si4O13][SiO4]2 kein echtes Lanthandisilicat

I‐Type La₂Si₂O₇: According to La₆[Si₄O₁₃][SiO₄]₂ not a Real Lanthanum Disilicate In attempts to synthesize lanthanum telluride silicate La₂Te[SiO₄] (from La, TeO₂, SiO₂ and CsCl, molar ratio: 1 : 1: 1 : 20, 950 °C, 7 d) or fluoride‐rich lanthanum fluoride silicates (from LaF₃, La₂O₃, SiO₂ and CsCl, molar ratio: 5 : 2 : 3 : 17, 700 °C, 7 d) in evacuated silica tubes, colourless lath‐shaped single crystals of hitherto unknown I‐type La₂Si₂O₇ (monoclinic, P2₁/c; a = 726.14(5), b = 2353.2(2), c = 1013.11(8) pm, β = 90.159(7)°) were found in the CsCl‐flux melts. Nevertheless, this new modification of lanthanum disilicate does not contain any discrete disilicate groups [Si₂O₇]^6‐ but formally three of them are dismutated into one catena‐tetrasilicate ([Si₄O₁₃]^10‐ unit of four vertex‐linked [SiO₄]^4‐ tetrahedra) and two ortho‐silicate anions (isolated [SiO₄]^4‐ tetrahedra) according to La₆[Si₄O₁₃][SiO₄]₂. This compound can be described as built up of alternating layers of these [SiO₄]^4‐ and the horseshoe‐shaped [Si₄O₁₃]^10‐ anions along [010]. Between and within the layers the high‐coordinated La ³⁺ cations (CN = 9 ‐ 11) are localized. The close structural relationship to the borosilicates M₃[BSiO₆][SiO₄](M = Ce ‐ Eu) is discussed and structural comparisons with other catena‐tetrasilicates are presented.     

Crystal Structure of the B‐type Dierbium Oxide ortho‐Oxosilicate Er2O[SiO4]

The crystal structure of B‐type Er₂O[SiO₄] has been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes with the (Mn,Fe)₂[PO₄]F type structure in the monoclinic space group C2/c (a = 14.366(2), b = 6.6976(6), c = 10.3633(16) Å, ß = 122.219(10)°, Z = 8) and shows anionic tetrahedral [SiO₄]^4– units and non‐silicon‐bonded O^2– anions in distorted [OEr₄]¹⁰⁺ tetrahedra. The [(Er1)O₆₊₁] and [(Er2)O₆] polyhedra form infinite chains which are connected by common edges.     

Er3O2F5: Ein Erbiumoxidfluorid mit Vernier‐Struktur

Er₃O₂F₅: An Erbium Oxide Fluoride with Vernier‐Type Structure Attempts to synthesize multinary erbium‐trifluoride derivatives (e. g. Er₃F[Si₃O₁₀], Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄], CsEr₂F₇, and RbEr₃F₁₀) from mixtures of ErOF‐contaminated erbium trifluoride (ErF₃) itself and appropriate other components (such as Er₂O₃ and SiO₂ or CsF and RbF, respectively) frequently resulted in the formation of pale pink, transparent, lath‐shaped single crystals of Er₃O₂F₅ (orthorhombic, Pnma; a = 562.48(5), b = 1710.16(14), c = 537.43(4) pm; Z = 4) as by‐product, typically after seven days at 800 °C and regardless of the applied reaction‐container material (evacuated torch‐sealed silica or silica‐jacketed arc‐welded tantalum capsules). Its crystal structure, often described as a vernier‐type arrangement consisting of two interpenetrating and almost misfitting lattices (ErOF and ErF₃), contains two crystallographically different Er³⁺ cations in the eight‐ and seven‐plus‐one‐fold anionic coordination of bicapped trigonal prisms. Whereas (Er1)³⁺ carries four O^2? and F^? anions each, (Er2)³⁺ resides in the neighbourhood of only two O^2?, but five plus one F^? anions. As the main structural feature, however, one can consider O^2?‐centred (Er³⁺)₄ tetrahedra which share common edges to form linear double strands of the composition . Running parallel to the [100] direction and assembling like a hexagonal closest rod‐packing, their electroneutralization and three‐dimensional interconnection is achieved by three crystallographically independent F^? anions (d(F^??Er³⁺) = 221 ? 251 plus 281 pm) in three‐ and two‐plus‐two‐fold coordination of the Er³⁺ cations, respectively.     

Rb7[SiO4][VO4]: ein Ortho‐Silicat‐Vanadat(V)

Rb₇[SiO₄][VO₄]: an Ortho‐Silicate‐Vanadate(V) Rb₇[SiO₄][VO₄] has been obtained from a redox reaction between CdO and vanadium metal in the presence of Rb₂O and SiO₂ at 600 °C in an Ag container as yellow‐greenish transparent single crystals. The crystal structure determination (IPDS data: P2₁/c, a = 637.6(1) pm, b = 1039.7(1) pm, c = 2076.8(4) pm, β = 93.21(2)°, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.1319) reveals the presence of isolated complex anions, [SiO₄]^4— and [VO₄]^3—.     

Sm4S3[Si2O7] und NaSm9S2[SiO4]6: Zwei Sulfidsilicate mit dreiwertigem Samarium

Sm₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and NaSm₉S₂[SiO₄]₆: Two Sulfide Silicates with Trivalent Samarium The sulfide silicates Sm₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and NaSm₉S₂[SiO₄]₆ are obtained as light yellow transparent crystals by the reaction of Sm, Sm₂O₃, S, and SiO₂ with fluxing SmCl₃ or NaCl, respectively, in suitable molar ratios in fused evacuated silica tubes (850 °C, 7 d). Tetragonal crystals of Sm₄S₃[Si₂O₇] (I4₁/amd; Z = 8; a = 1186.4(1); c = 1387.0(2) pm) with ecliptically conformed [Si₂O₇]^6–‐groups of corner sharing [SiO₄]‐tetrahedra are formed. These double tetrahedra as well the sulfide anions (S^2–) coordinate two crystallographically independent metal cations. They provide coordination numbers of 8 + 1 (5 S^2– and 3 + 1 O^2–) for Sm1 and 9 (3 S^2– and 6 O^2–) for Sm2. NaSm₉S₂[SiO₄]₆ crystallizes hexagonally (P6₃/m; Z = 1; a = 975.32(9); c = 676.46(7) pm) in a modified bromapatite‐type structure. The coordination spheres about the two crystallographically different Sm³⁺ cations are built up by oxygen atoms of the orthosilicate units ([SiO₄]^4–) and sulfide anions (S^2–). As a result, Sm1 and Sm2 have coordination numbers of 9 and 8, respectively. Na⁺ and (Sm1)³⁺ occupy the position 4 f in a molar ratio of 1 : 3 whereas the lower coordinated (Sm2)³⁺ occupies the 6 h position.     

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.     

Über den H‐ und A‐Typ von La2[Si2O7]

On the H‐ and A‐Type Structure of La₂[Si₂O₇] By thermal decomposition of La₃F₃[Si₃O₉] at 700 °C in a CsCl flux single crystals of a new form of La₂[Si₂O₇] have been found which is called H type (triclinic, P1; a = 681.13(4), b = 686.64(4), c = 1250.23(8) pm, α = 82.529(7), β = 88.027(6), γ = 88.959(6)°; V_m = 87.223(9) cm³/mol, D_x = 5.113(8) g/cm³, Z = 4) continuing Felsche's nomenclature. It crystallizes isotypically to the triclinic K₂[Cr₂O₇] in a structure closely related to that of A–La₂[Si₂O₇] (tetragonal, P4₁; a = 683.83(7), c = 2473.6(4) pm; V_m = 87.072(9) cm³/mol, D_x = 5.122(8) g/cm³, Z = 8). For comparison, the latter has been refined from single crystal data, too. Both the structures can be described as sequence of layers of each of two crystallographically different [Si₂O₇]^6– anions always built up of two corner‐linked [SiO4] tetrahedra in eclipsed conformation with non‐linear Si–O–Si bridges (∢(Si–O–Si) = 128–132°) piled up in [001] direction and aligned almost parallel to the c axis. They differ only in layer sequence: Whereas the double tetrahedra of the disilicate units are tilted alternating to the left and in view direction ([010]; stacking sequence: AB) in H–La₂[Si₂O₇], after layer B there follow due to the 4₁ screw axis layers with anions tilted to the right and tilted against view direction ([010]; stacking sequence: ABA′B′) in A–La₂[Si₂O₇]. The extremely irregular coordination polyhedra around each of the four crystallographically independent La³⁺ cations in both forms (H and A type) consist of eight to ten oxygen atoms in spacing intervals of 239 to 330 pm. The possibility of more or less ordered intermediate forms will be discussed.     

Zwei Chloridsilicate des Yttriums: Y3Cl[SiO4]2 und Y6Cl10[Si4O12]

Two Chloride Silicates of Yttrium: Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ and Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] The chloride‐poor yttrium(III) chloride silicate Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ crystallizes orthorhombically (a = 685.84(4), b = 1775.23(14), c = 618.65(4) pm; Z = 4) in space group Pnma. Single crystals are obtained by the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in the stoichiometric ratio 4 : 1 : 6 with ten times the molar amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 1000 °C) as colorless, strongly light‐reflecting platelets, insensitive to air and water. The crystal structure contains isolated orthosilicate units [SiO₄]^4– and comprises cationic layers {(Y2)Cl}²⁺ which are alternatingly piled parallel (010) with anionic double layers {(Y1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2–. Both crystallographic different Y³⁺ cations exhibit coordination numbers of eight. Y1 is surrounded by one Cl^– and 7 O^2– anions as a distorted trigonal dodecahedron, whereas the coordination polyhedra around Y2 show the shape of bicapped trigonal prisms consisting of 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The chloride‐rich chloride silicate Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] crystallizes monoclinically (a = 1061,46(8), b = 1030,91(6), c = 1156,15(9) pm, β = 103,279(8)°; Z = 2) in space group C2/m. By the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in 2 : 5 : 6‐molar ratio with the double amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 850 °C), colorless, air‐ and water‐resistant, brittle single crystals emerge as pseudo‐octagonal columns. Here also a layered structure parallel (001) with distinguished cationic double‐layers {(Y2)₅Cl₉}⁶⁺ and anionic layers {(Y1)Cl[Si₄O₁₂]}^6– is present. The latter ones contain discrete cyclo‐tetrasilicate units [Si₄O₁₂]^8– of four cyclically corner‐linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra in all‐ecliptical arrangement. The coordination sphere around (Y1)³⁺ (CN = 8) has the shape of a slightly distorted hexagonal bipyramid comprising 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The 5 Cl^– and 2 O^2– anions building the coordination polyhedra around (Y2)³⁺ (CN = 7) form a strongly distorted pentagonal bipyramid.     

Pr4S3[Si2O7] und Pr3Cl3[Si2O7]: Durch weiche Fremdanionen modifizierte Derivate von Praseodymdisilicat

Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇]: Derivatives of Praseodymium Disilicate Modified by Soft Foreign Anions For synthesizing both the disilicate derivatives Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇], Pr, Pr₆O₁₁ and SiO₂ are brought to reaction with S and PrCl₃, respectively, in suitable molar ratios (850 °C, 7 d) in evacuated silica tubes. By using NaCl as a flux, Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] crystallizes as pale green, transparent single crystals (tetragonal, I4₁/amd, a = 1201.6(1), c = 1412.0(2) pm, Z = 8) with the appearance of slightly compressed octahedra. On the other hand, Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇] emerges as pale green, transparent platelets and crystallizes monoclinically (space group: P2₁, a = 530.96(6), b = 1200.2(1), c = 783.11(8) pm, β = 109.07(1)°, Z = 2). In both crystal structures ecliptically conformed [Si₂O₇]^6– units of two corner‐linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra with Si–O–Si bridging angles of 131° in the sulfide and 148° in the chloride disilicate are present. In Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] both crystallographically independent Pr³⁺ cations show coordination numbers of 8 + 1 (5 S^2– and 3 + 1 O^2–) and 9 (3 S^2– and 6 O^2–). For Pr1, Pr2 and Pr3 in Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇] coordination numbers of 10 (5 Cl^– and 5 O^2–) and 9 (2 ×; 4 Cl^– and 5 O^2– or 3 Cl^– and 6 O^2–, respectively) occur.     

Einkristalle des Cer(III)‐Borosilicats Ce3[BSiO6][SiO4]

Single Crystals of the Cerium(III) Borosilicate Ce₃[BSiO₆][SiO₄] Colorless, lath‐shaped single crystals of Ce₃[BSiO₆]‐ [SiO₄] (orthorhombic, Pbca; a = 990.07(6), b = 720.36(4), c = 2329.2(2) pm, Z = 8) were obtained in attempts to synthesize fluoride borates with trivalent cerium in evacuated silica tubes by reaction of educt mixtures of elemental cerium, cerium dioxide, cerium trifluoride, and boron sesquioxide (Ce, CeO₂, CeF₃, B₂O₃; molar ratio 3 : 1 : 3 : 3) in fluxing CsCl (700 °C, 7 d) with the glass wall. The crystal structure contains eight‐ (Ce1) and ninefold coordinated Ce³⁺ cations (Ce2 and Ce3) surrounded by oxygen atoms. Charge balance is achieved by both discrete borosilicate ([BSiO₆]^5– ≡ [O₂BOSiO₃]^5–) and ortho‐silicate anions ([SiO₄]^4–). The former consists of a [BO₃] triangle linked to a [SiO₄] tetrahedron by a single vertex. The anions form layers in [001] direction alternatingly built up from [BSiO₆]^5– and [SiO₄]^4– groups while Ce³⁺ cations are located in between.     

La3F3[Si3O9]: Das erste Fluoridsilicat aus dem ternären System LaF3/La2O3/SiO2

La₃F₃[Si₃O₉]: The First Fluoride Silicate in the Ternary System LaF₃/La₂O₃/SiO₂ By reacting La₂O₃ with LaF₃ and SiO₂ (silica gel) using CsCl as a flux (molar ratio 1 : 1 : 3 : 6; 700 °C, 21 d) it was possible to obtain single crystals of La₃F₃[Si₃O₉] (hexagonal, space group: P 6 2c (no. 190); a = 708.32(3), c = 1089.48(6) pm; Z = 2) as colourless, hexagonal platelets. The crystal structure comprises discrete cyclic [Si₃O₉]^6– anions of three corner-linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra along with a graphite-like network of the composition {[LaF_3/3]²⁺}. Shorter reaction times even produced single crystals of tysonite-type LaF₃ (trigonal, space group: P 3 c1 (no. 165); a = 718.80(6), c = 735.94(6) pm; Z = 6) on which a X-ray structure analysis was achieved, too. The structures of both compounds, each of which show an elevenfold anionic coordination (CN = 9 + 2) for the La³⁺ cations, are compared. The influence of the reactivity of the educts and the temperature on the reaction as well as the difficulties in the X-ray differentiation of fluorine and oxygen will be discussed.     

Darstellung und Aufbau der Lanthanoidfluorid‐catena‐Trisilicate M3F[Si3O10] (M = Dy,Ho, Er) im Fluorthalenit‐Typ (Y3F[Si3O10])

Synthesis and Constitution of Fluorothalenite‐Type (Y₃F[Si₃O₁₀]) Fluoride catena‐ Trisilicates M₃F[Si₃O₁₀] with the Lanthanides (M = Dy, Ho, Er) By the reaction of the sesquioxides M₂O₃ with the corresponding trifluorides MF₃ (M = Dy, Ho, Er), SiO₂ and CsCl as flux (molar ratio: 1 : 1 : 3 : 6; 700 °C, 7 d) in evacuated silica tubes and gastight sealed metal capsules made of platinum, niobium or tantalum, respectively, single crystals of the fluoride silicates M₃F[Si₃O₁₀] (monoclinic, P2₁/n; Z = 4; M = Dy: a = 734.06(6), b = 1116.55(9), c = 1040.62(8) pm, β = 97.281(7)°; M = Ho: a = 730.91(6), b = 1111.68(9), c = 1037.83(8) pm, β = 97.238(7)°; M = Er: a = 727.89(6), b = 1107.02(9), c = 1035.21(8) pm, β = 97.209(7)°) were obtained. The most important building groups in the crystal structures of the thalenite type are “isolated” [FM₃]⁸⁺ triangles and catena‐trisilicate anions [Si₃O₁₀]^8–, which contain three [SiO₄] tetrahedra linked to a chain fragment via common corners. This has the shape of a horseshoe where both the terminal tetrahedra show different conformations (eclipsed and staggered) relative to the central unit. Therefore a chelatizing coordination on the same M³⁺ cation via oxygen atoms of both terminal [SiO₄] groups is possible. The narrow area of existence of these fluoride silicates within the lanthanide series will be discussed and structural comparisons with other catena‐trisilicates are presented.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur des Fluorid‐ino‐Oxosilicats Cs2YFSi4O10

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Fluoride ino‐Oxosilicate Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ The novel fluoride oxosilicate Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ could be synthesized by the reaction of Y₂O₃, YF₃ and SiO₂ in the stoichiometric ratio 2 : 5 : 3 with an excess of CsF as fluxing agent in gastight sealed platinum ampoules within seventeen days at 700 °C. Single crystals of Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ appear as colourless, transparent and water‐resistant needles. The characteristic building unit of Cs₂YFSi₄O₁₀ (orthorhombic, Pnma (no. 62), a = 2239.75(9), b = 884.52(4), c = 1198.61(5) pm; Z = 8) comprises infinite tubular chains of vertex‐condensed [SiO₄]^4? tetrahedra along [010] consisting of eight‐membered half‐open cube shaped silicate cages. The four crystallographically different Si⁴⁺ cations all reside in general sites 8d with Si–O distances from 157 to 165 pm. Because of the rigid structure of this oxosilicate chain the bridging Si–O–Si angles vary extremely between 128 and 167°. The crystallographically unique Y³⁺ cation (in general site 8d as well) is surrounded by four O^2? and two F^? anions (d(Y–O) = 221–225 pm, d(Y–F) = 222 pm). These slightly distorted trans‐[YO₄F₂]^7? octahedra are linked via both apical F^? anions by vertex‐sharing to infinite chains along [010] (?(Y–F–Y) = 169°, ?(F–Y–F) = 177°). Each of these chains connects via terminal O^2? anions to three neighbouring oxosilicate chains to build up a corner‐shared, three‐dimensional framework. The resulting hexagonal and octagonal channels along [010] are occupied by the four crystallographically different Cs⁺ cations being ten‐, twelve‐, thirteen‐ and fourteenfold coordinated by O^2? and F^? anions (viz.[(Cs1)O₁₀]^19?, [(Cs2)O₁₀F₂]^21?, [(Cs3)O₁₂F]^24?, and [(Cs4)O₁₂F₂]^25? with d(Cs–O) = 309–390 pm and d(Cs–F) = 360–371 pm, respectively).     

[PtIn6][GaO4]2 – das erste Oxid mit [PtIn6]‐Oktaedern. Darstellung,Charakterisierung und Rietveldverfeinerung – mit einer Bemerkung zur Mischkristallreihe [PtIn6][GaO4]2–x[InO4]x (0 < x ≤ 1)

[PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ – The First Oxide Containing [PtIn₆] Octahedra. Preparation, Characterisation, and Rietveld Refinement – With a Remark to the Solid Solution Series [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2‐x[InO₄]_x (0 < x ≤ 1) The novel oxides [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2–x[InO₄]_x (0 < x ≤ 1) are formed by heating intimate mixtures of Pt, In, In₂O₃, and Ga₂O₃ in the corresponding stoichiometric ratio in corundum crucibles under an atmosphere of argon (1220 K, 70 h). The compounds are black, stable in air at room temperature, reveal a semiconducting behaviour, and decompose only in oxidizing acids. X‐ray powder diffraction patterns can be indexed by assuming a face centered cubic unit cell with lattice parameters ranging from a = 1001.3(1) pm (x = 0) to a = 1009.3(1) pm (x = 1). According to a Rietveld refinement [PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ crystallizes isotypic to the mineral Pentlandite (Fm3m, Z = 4, R(profile) = 6.11%, R(intensity) = 3.95%). The characteristic building units are isolated [PtIn₆]¹⁰⁺ octahedra which are linked via [GaO₄]^5– tetrahedra to a three dimensional framework. Starting from [PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ the substitution of Ga³⁺ ions by larger In³⁺ ions leads to the formation of a solid solution series according to the general formula [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2–x[InO₄]_x and becomes apparent in an increase of the lattice parameter.     

Drei Alkalimetall‐Erbium‐Thiophosphate: Von der Schichtstruktur bei KEr[P2S7] zur dreidimensionalen Vernetzung in NaEr[P2S6] und Cs3Er5[PS4]6

Three Alkali‐Metal Erbium Thiophosphates: From the Layered Structure of KEr[P₂S₇] to the Three‐Dimensional Cross‐Linkage in NaEr[P₂S₆] and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄]₆ The three alkali‐metal erbium thiophosphates NaEr[P₂S₆], KEr[P₂S₇], and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] show a small selection of the broad variety of thiophosphate units: from ortho‐thiophosphate [PS₄]^3? and pyro‐thiophosphate [S₃P–S–PS₃]^4? with phosphorus in the oxidation state +V to the [S₃P–PS₃]^3? anion with a phosphorus‐phosphorus bond (d(P–P) = 221 pm) and tetravalent phosphorus. In spite of all differences, a whole string of structural communities can be shown, in particular for coordination and three‐dimensional linkage as well as for the phosphorus‐sulfur distances (d(P–S) = 200 – 213 pm). So all three compounds exhibit eightfold coordinated Er³⁺ cations and comparably high‐coordinated alkali‐metal cations (CN(Na⁺) = 8, CN(K⁺) = 9+1, and CN(Cs⁺) ≈ 10). NaEr[P₂S₆] crystallizes triclinically ( ; a = 685.72(5), b = 707.86(5), c = 910.98(7) pm, α = 87.423(4), β = 87.635(4), γ = 88.157(4)°; Z = 2) in the shape of rods, as well as monoclinic KEr[P₂S₇] (P2₁/c; a = 950.48(7), b = 1223.06(9), c = 894.21(6) pm, β = 90.132(4)°; Z = 4). The crystal structure of Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] can also be described monoclinically (C2/c; a = 1597.74(11), b = 1295.03(9), c = 2065.26(15) pm, β = 103.278(4)°; Z = 4), but it emerges as irregular bricks. All crystals show the common pale pink colour typical for transparent erbium(III) compounds.     

Cu1,45Er0,85S2: Ein Kupfer(I)‐Erbium(III)‐Sulfid mit kationendefekter CaAl2Si2‐Struktur

Cu_1.45Er_0.85S₂: A Copper(I) Erbium(III) Sulfide with Cation‐Deficient CaAl₂Si₂‐Type Structure Attempts to synthesize single‐phase CuYS₂‐type copper(I) erbium(III) disulfide (CuErS₂) from 1 : 1 : 2‐molar mixtures of the elements (Cu, Er and S) after seven days at 900 °C in sealed evacuated silica tubes failed with equimolar amounts of CsCl working as flux and reagent. In these cases, quaternary CsCu₃Er₂S₅ (orthorhombic, Cmcm; a = 394.82(4), b = 1410.9(1), c = 1667.2(2) pm, Z = 4) and ternary Cu_1.45Er_0.85S₂ (trigonal, P3m1; a = 389.51(4), c = 627.14(6) pm, Z = 1) become the unexpected by‐products. Both emerge even as yellow single crystals (lath‐shaped fibres and platelets, respectively, with triangular cross‐section) and both crystal structures contain condensed [CuS₄] and [ErS₆] units as dominating building blocks. The ternary sulfide Cu_1.45Er_0.85S₂ exhibits CdI₂‐analogous layers {[(Er³⁺)(S^2–)_6/3]^–} of edge‐shared [ErS₆] octahedra (d(Er–S) = 272 pm, 6 × ) which are piled up parallel (001) and interconnected by interstitial Cu⁺ cations in tetrahedral S^2– coordination (d(Cu–S) = 236 pm, 1 × ; 240 pm, 3 × ). The latter thereby form anionic layers {([(Cu⁺)(S^2–)_4/4]^–)₂} as well, consisting of [CuS₄] tetrahedra which share three cis‐oriented edges. When the S^2– anions arrange hexagonally closest‐packed and the corresponding layers are symbolized with capital Roman letters, the Er³⁺ cations (small Roman) and the Cu⁺ cations (small Greek letters) reside layerwise alternatingly within half of the octahedral (Er³⁺) and tetrahedral (Cu⁺) voids according to … AcB αβ AcB αβ A … . Since both kinds of cations occupy only a certain percentage (Cu⁺: 72.6%, Er³⁺: 85.1%) of their regular positions, the crystal structure of Cu_1.45Er_0.85S₂ can be addressed as a double cation‐deficient CaAl₂Si₂‐type arrangement according to (Er_0.85□_0.15)(Cu_1.45□_0.55)S₂. The partial occupation could be established by both released site occupation factors in the course of the crystal structure refinement and electron beam X‐ray microanalysis (EDX).     

Ce3Cl5[SiO4] und Ce3Cl6[PO4]: Ein chloridreiches Chloridsilicat und ‐phosphat des Cers im Vergleich

Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄]: A Chloride‐Rich Chloride Silicate of Cerium as Compared to the Phosphate By reacting CeCl₃ with CeO₂, cerium and SiO₂, or P₂O₅, respectively, in molar ratios of 5 : 3 : 1 : 3 or 8 : 3 : 1 : 2, respectively, in sealed evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 850 °C) colorless, rod‐shaped single crystals of Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] (orthorhombic, Pnma; a = 1619.7(2), b = 415.26(4), 1423.6(1) pm; Z = 4) and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄] (hexagonal, P6₃/m; a = 1246.36(9), c = 406.93(4) pm; Z = 2) are obtained as products insensitive to air and water. Excess cerium trichloride as flux promotes crystal growth and can be rinsed off again with water after the reaction. The crystal structures are determined by discrete [SiO₄]^4– or [PO₄]^3– tetrahedra as isolated units. Both, the chloride silicate Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and the chloride phosphate Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄], exhibit structural similarities to CeCl₃ (UCl₃ type), when four or three Cl^– anions are each substituted formally by one [SiO₄]^4– or [PO₄]^3– unit, respectively, in the tripled formula (Ce₃Cl₉). The coordination number for Ce³⁺ is thus raised from nine in CeCl₃ to ten in Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄], along with a drastic reduction of the molar volume with the transition from Ce₃Cl₉ (V_m = 186.17 cm³/mol) to Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] (V_m = 144.15 cm³/mol) and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄] (V_m = 164.84 cm³/mol). The polyhedra of coordination around Ce³⁺ can be described as quadruple‐capped trigonal prisms, which in addition to seven Cl^– anions each also show another three oxygen atoms of two ortho‐silicate or ortho‐phosphate tetrahedra, respectively.     

Pr5F[SiO4]2[SeO3]3: Another Complex Fluoride Oxosilicate Oxoselenate(IV)

During attempts to synthesize lanthanoid(III) fluoride oxoselenates(IV) with the simple composition MF[SeO₃], not only Pr₃F[SeO₃]₄, but also Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ appeared as pale green crystalline by‐products in the case of praseodymium. Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ crystallizes triclinically in space group P$\bar{1}$ (no. 2) with a = 701.14(5), b = 982.68(7), c = 1286.79(9) pm, α = 70.552(3), β = 76.904(3), γ = 69.417(3)° and Z = 2. The five crystallographically different Pr³⁺ cations on the general positions 2i show coordination numbers of eight and nine. [(Pr1)O₈]^13– and [(Pr2)O₈]^13– polyhedra are connected to$\bar{1}$ {[(Pr1, 2)₂O₁₂]^18–} chains along the [100] direction. [(Pr3)O₇F]^12–, [(Pr4)O₈F]^14– and [(Pr4)O₈F]^14– polyhedra generate [F(Pr3, 4, 5)₃O₁₉]^30– units about their central F^– anion in triangular Pr³⁺ coordination. These units form $\bar{1}$ {[F(Pr3, 4, 5)₃O₁₆]^24–} strands, again running parallel to [100]. Their alternating connection with the $\bar{1}$ {[(Pr1, 2)₂O₁₂]^18–} chains results in $\bar{1}$ {[Pr₅O₂₀F]^26–} sheets parallel to the (001) plane. Like in the already known related compound Er₃F[SiO₄][SeO₃]₂, a three‐dimensional network $\bar{1}$ {[Pr₅O₁₇F]^20–} is achieved without the contribution of both the tetravalent silicon and selenium components. However, two Si⁴⁺ and three Se⁴⁺ cations forming tetrahedral [SiO₄]^4– and ψ¹‐tetrahedral [SeO₃]^2– units with all O^2– anions guarantee the charge balance. The formation of Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ was observed when praseodymium sesquioxide (Pr₂O₃: in‐situ produced from Pr and Pr₆O₁₁ in a molar ratio of ³/₁₁:⁴/₁₁),praseodymium trifluoride (PrF₃) and selenium dioxide (SeO₂) in 1:1:3 molar ratios were reacted with CsBr as fluxing agent for five days at 750 °C in evacuated fused silica (SiO₂) ampoules.     

Er2S[SiO4]: Ein Erbiumsulfid‐ortho‐Oxosilicat mit ungewöhnlicher Sulfidionen‐Koordination

During the reaction of cadmium sulfide with erbium and sulfur in evacuated silica ampoules pink lath‐shaped crystals of Er₂S[SiO₄] occur as by‐product which were characterized by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. The title compound crystallizes orthorhombically in the space group Cmce (a = 1070.02(8), b = 1235.48(9), c = 683.64(6) pm) with eight formula units per unit cell. Besides isolated ortho‐oxosilicate units [SiO₄]^4?, the crystal structure contains two crystallographically independent Er³⁺ cations which are both eightfold coordinated by six oxygen and two sulfur atoms. The sulfide anions are surrounded by four erbium cations each in the shape of very distorted tetrahedra. These excentric [SEr₄]¹⁰⁺ tetrahedra build up layers according to by vertex‐ and edge‐connection. They are piled parallel to (010) and separated by the isolated ortho‐oxosilicate tetrahedra.     

Zur Dimorphie von Nd3Cl[SiO4]2

On the Dimorphism of Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ On reacting NdCl₃, Nd₂O₃, and SiO₂ (molar ratio: 1 : 4 : 6) at 850 °C in evacuated silica tubes, pale violet, hydrolysis resistant neodymium(III) chloride ortho‐silicate Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ can be obtained within seven days. If equimolar amounts of NaCl are added as flux, rod‐ or platelet‐shaped, transparent single crystals of two modifications accumulate simultaneously. The one with the higher density (A‐Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂) crystallizes monoclinically (C2/c, no. 15; a = 1416.6(1), b = 638.79(6), c = 872.21(9) pm, β = 98.403(7)°; V_m = 117.55 cm³/mol, Z = 4), whereas the one with the lower density (B‐Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂) exhibits orthorhombic symmetry (Pnma, no. 62; a = 709.36(7), b = 1815.7(2), c = 631.48(6) pm; V_m = 122.45 cm³/mol, Z = 4). Two crystallographically independent Nd³⁺ cations exist in each of both crystal structures, which in the A type are surrounded by nine (1 Cl^– + 8 O^2–) and ten (2 Cl^– + 8 O^2–), whilst those in the B type by only two times eight (1 Cl^– + 7 O^2– and 2 Cl^– + 6 O^2–) anions, respectively. Thereby all oxygen atoms of both forms represent members of discrete ortho‐silicate tetrahedra ([SiO₄]^4–). Although both crystal structures are built of alternating anionic double layers {(Nd1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2– and cationic single layers {(Nd2)Cl}²⁺, there is a higher cross‐linkage of the building units in the A‐type lattice, where the cations are coordinated by three and four tetrahedra edges of ortho‐silicate anions, compared to only two times two of them in the B type. From this an about 4% higher density of Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ results for the A‐type structure (D_x = 5.55 g/cm³) in comparison with B‐type Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ (D_x = 5.33 g/cm³).