Synthesis and crystal structure of new uranyl tungstates M2(UO2)(W2O8) (M=Na, K), M2(UO2)2(WO5)O (M=K, Rb), and Na10(UO2)8(W5O20)O8

The solid-state reactions of UO₃ and WO₃ with M₂CO₃ (M=Na, K, Rb) at 650°C for 5 days result, accordingly the starting stoichiometry, in the formation of M₂(UO₂)(W₂O₈) (M=Na (1), K (2)), M₂(UO₂)₂(WO₅)O (M=K (3), Rb (4)), and Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈ (5). The crystal structures of compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Mo(Kα) radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structures were solved by direct methods and Fourier difference techniques, and refined by a least-squares method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections. For (1), unit-cell parameters were determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, a=12.736(4) Å, b=7.531(3) Å, c=8.493(3) Å, β=93.96(2)°, ρ_cal=6.62(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.64(1) g/cm³, Z=4; 2, orthorhombic, space group Pmcn, a=7.5884(16) Å, b=8.6157(18) Å, c=13.946(3) Å, ρ_cal=6.15(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.22(1) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.029 for 80 parameters with 1069 independent reflections; 3, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.083(4) Å, b=28.724(5) Å, c=9.012(4) Å, β=102.14(1)°, ρ_cal=5.83(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=5.90(2) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1471 reflections; 4, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.234(1) Å, b=28.740(3) Å, c=9.378(1) Å, β=104.59(1)°, ρ_cal=6.13(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1452 reflections; 5, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=24.359(5) Å, b=23.506(5) Å, c=6.8068(14) Å, β=94.85(3)°, ρ_cal=6.42(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.036 for 306 parameters with 5190 independent reflections. The crystal structure of 2 contains linear one-dimensional chains formed from edge-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids connected by two octahedra wide (W₂O₈) ribbons formed from two edge-sharing WO₆ octahedra connected together by corners. This arrangement leads to [UW₂O₁₀]²⁻ corrugated layers parallel to (001). Owing to the unit-cell parameters, compound 1 probably contains similar sheets parallel to (100). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and the structure consists of bi-dimensional networks built from the edge- and corner-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. This arrangement creates square sites occupied by W atoms, a fifth oxygen atom completes the coordination of W atoms to form WO₅ distorted square pyramids. The interspaces between the resulting [U₂WO₁₀]²⁻ layers parallel to plane are occupied by K or Rb atoms. The crystal structure of compound 5 is particularly original. It is based upon layers formed from UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and two edge-shared octahedra units, W₂O₁₀, by the sharing of edges and corners. Two successive layers stacked along the [100] direction are pillared by WO₄ tetrahedra resulting in sheets of double layers. The sheets are separated by Na⁺ ions. The other Na⁺ ions occupy the rectangular tunnels created within the sheets. In fact complex anions W₅O₂₀¹⁰⁻ are built by the sharing of the four corners of a WO₄ tetrahedron with two W₂O₁₀ dimmers, so, the formula of compound 5 can be written Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈.     

K1.4P4W14O50: An odd-m member (m = 7) of the monophosphate tungsten bronze series KxP4O8(WO3)2m

The crystal structure of K_xP₄W₁₄O₅₀ (x = 1.4) has been solved by three-dimensional single crystal X-ray analysis. The refinement in the cell of symmetry $\text{A2}\text{m}$, with a = 6.660(2) Å, b = 5.3483(3) Å, c = 27.06(5) Å, and β = 97.20(2)°, Z = 1, has led to R = 0.036 and R_w = 0.039 for 2436 reflections with $\text{σ(I)}\text{I}\text{≤ 0.333}$. This structure belongs to the structural family K_xP₄O₈(WO₃)_2m, called monophosphate tungsten bronzes (MPTB), which is characterized by ReO₃-type slabs of various widths connected through PO₄ single tetrahedra. This bronze corresponds to the member m = 7 of the series and its framework is built up alternately of strands of three and four WO₆ octahedra. The structural relationships with the P₄O₈(WO₃)_2m series, called M′PTB, are described and the possibility of intergrowth between these two structures is discussed.     

New pseudo-one-dimensional metals: M2Mo6Se6 (M = Na,In, K,TI), M2Mo6S6 (M = K,Rb, Cs), M2Mo6Te6 (M = In,TI)

We present a new series of ternary chalcogenides, derived from divalent molybdenum: M₂Mo₆X₆. These compounds crystallize in a hexagonal lattice with a ≈ 9 Å, c ≈ 4.5 Å, and space group $\text{P6}{}_3\text{m}$. The compounds are characterized by clusters (Mo₃)¹_∞ in the form of linear chains, resulting from a linear condensation of Mo₆ octahedral clusters. The (Mo₃)¹_∞ clusters are well separated from each other, with the shortest MoMo intercluster distance larger than 6 Å. The resulting pseudo-one-dimensional structures show remarkable anisotropy of physical properties.     

Phase relations and crystal structures in the systems (Bi,Ln)2WO6 and (Bi,Ln)2MoO6 (Ln=lanthanide)

Several outstanding aspects of phase behaviour in the systems (Bi,Ln)₂WO₆ and (Bi,Ln)₂MoO₆ (Ln=lanthanide) have been clarified. Detailed crystal structures, from Rietveld refinement of powder neutron diffraction data, are provided for Bi_1.8La_0.2WO₆ (L-Bi₂WO₆ type) and BiLaWO₆, BiNdWO₆, Bi_0.7Yb_1.3WO₆ and Bi_0.7Yb_1.3WO₆ (all H-Bi₂WO₆ type). Phase evolution within the solid solution Bi_2−xLa_xMoO₆ has been re-examined, and a crossover from γ(H)-Bi₂MoO₆ type to γ-R₂MoO₆ type is observed at x∼1.2. A preliminary X-ray Rietveld refinement of the line phase BiNdMoO₆ has confirmed the α-R₂MoO₆ type structure, with a possible partial ordering of Bi/Nd over the three crystallographically distinct R sites.     

Salt effect on vapour-liquid equilibrium in the dimethylsulphoxide-water-0.9 m NaClO4 system at 298.15 K

Isothermal total pressure vs. liquid and vapour composition (P-x-y) equilibrium data are presented for the DMSO-H₂O and DMSO-H₂O-0.9 m NaClO₄ systems. A modified transpiration technique was used to measure the saturated vapour pressures. The compositions of the equilibrium liquid and condensed vapour phases were determined by precision refractometry. The salt appreciably affects the activity coefficients of the solvent components; the effect is discussed in terms of interactions between the DMSO and H₂O molecules and of the preferential solvation of the salt.     

Franck-condon factors for I2 lines arising from Ar, K and He-Ne laser excitation

We report Franck-Condon factors for the I₂ B → X transitions excited by several lines of Ar⁺, Kr⁺ and He-Ne lasers and observed in fluorescence. The most recent and accurate molecular constants of Luc have been used in the calculation.     

Structural relationships in the series AxP4O8(WO3)2m (A = K,Rb): A high-resolution electron microscopy study

The first members of the series A_xP₄O₈(WO₃)_2m were studied by means of electron microscopy. These bronzes can be classified into two groups on the basis of ReO₃-type block composition: even- and odd-m members. High-resolution lattice images of tungstophosphate crystals (m ≤ 10) allow us to establish a correlation between the image contrast and the framework of the structure. The structural mechanism proposed for this series is discussed and compared to the possibility of intergrowth, and to the crystallographic shear phenomena observed in tungsten and molybden oxides.     

Vapour-liquid equilibrium data for the systems C2H6 + N2, C2H4 + N2, C3H8 + N2, and C3H6 + N2

High pressure vapour-liquid equilibrium data for the C₂H₆ + N₂, C₂H₄ + N₂, C₃H₈ + N₂, and C₃H₆ + N₂ systems are presented. The data are obtained isothermally in the range from 200 K to 290 K. For each point of data, temperature, pressure and liquid and vapour phase mole fractions are measured.Values for the vapour phase mole fractions are calculated from the obtained pressure, temperature and liquid phase mole fractions. The calculated values are compared with the experimental results, and it is found that the average mean deviation between calculated and experimental mole fractions is less than 0.009 for the systems considered in this work.     

A family of three-dimensional porous coordination polymers with general formula (Kat)2[{M(H2O)n}3{Re6Q8(CN)6}2]·xH2O (Q=S, Se; n=1.5, 2)

The X-ray crystal structures of a series of new compounds (H₃O)₂[{Mn(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·19H₂O (1), (Me₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·13H₂O (2), (Me₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)_1.5}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·3H₂O (3), (Et₄N)₂[{Mn(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆Se₈(CN)₆}₂]·6.5H₂O (4), (Et₄N)₂[{Ni(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·6.5H₂O (5), and (Et₄N)₂[{Co(H₂O)₂}₃{Re₆S₈(CN)₆}₂]·10H₂O (6) are reported. All six compounds are isostructural crystallizing in cubic space group with four formulae per unit cell. For compounds 1, 3-5 the following parameters were found: (1) a=19.857(2) Å, R1=0.0283; (3 at 150 K) a=19.634(1) Å, R1=0.0572; (4) a=20.060(2) Å, R1=0.0288; (5) a=19.697(2) Å, R1=0.0224. The structures consist three-dimensional cyano-bridged framework formed by cyano cluster anions [Re₆Q₈(CN)₆]⁴⁻, Q=S, Se and transition metal cations, M²⁺=Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺. Water molecules and large organic cations Me₄N⁺ and Et₄N⁺ are included in cavities of this framework. Porosity of the framework, its ability to accommodate different cations and water molecules by little changes in the structure, as well as distortion of coordination framework under loss of water of crystallization is discussed.     

Distorted-wave calculations for the three dimensional chemical reaction H + H2(v ⩽ 2, j = 0) → H2(v′ ⩽ 2, j′, mj) + H

Calculations of the vibrational—rotational product state population distributions and differential cross sections for the chemical reaction H + H₂(v ? 2, j = 0) → H₂(v′ ? 2, j′, m_j) + H have been carried out on the Porter—Karplus potential energy surface. The vibrationally-adiabatic-distorted-wave (VADW) method has been used. The relative rotational product distributions, differential cross sections and the helicity m_j, dependences of these quantities for the v = 0 reaction agree well with accurate close-coupling results. The absolute integral cross sections are considerably smaller than the accurate quantum values, however. The calculations for the v = 1 reaction agree with the findings of previous sudden quantum, limited close-coupling and quasiclassical theoretical studies and experiments that product H₂(v′ = 1) is more likely to be produced than H₂(v′ = 0). For the reaction with v = 2, it is found that at high translational energies product H₂(v′ = 2) is favoured over H₂(v′ = 1) or H₂(v′ = 0). The VADW differential cross sections for the v = 1 and v = 2 reactions have a similar shape to those of the v = 0 reaction, with backward peaking when summed over all m_j states. The relative rotational distributions for the v = 2, j = 0 → v′ = 2, j and v = 1, j = 0 → v′ = 1, j reactions are also similar to those obtained for the v = 0, j = 0 → v′ = 0, j reaction, with low rotational excitation.     

Cation ordering in Ca2La8(SiO4)6O2

The distribution of La³⁺ and Ca²⁺ over the cation sites in Ca₂La₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ca₂La₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ has the apatite structure, and all available evidence indicates that the space group is $\text{P6}{}_3\text{m}$, thus precluding a completely ordered structure. The 6h lattice sites are occupied by La³⁺. In contrast, the 4f sites are occupied equally by La³⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions. Consideration of the properties of the La³⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions suggests that this distribution is thermodynamically favored for this composition. A simple Ising model suggests ordered columns. These would not be precluded by space group $\text{P6}{}_3\text{m}$, if the correlation between adjacent columns were random.     

Isolation of C60(CF3)n (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) with high compositional purity

The high temperature reaction of C₆₀ with silver(I) trifluoroacetate followed by 500 °C sublimation and subsequent HPLC purification has led to the isolation of the five trifluoromethyl[60]fullerenes C₆₀(CF₃)_n (n=2, 4, 6, 8, 10). Four of them have >90% compositional purity. Two of the compounds, C₆₀(CF₃)₄ and C₆₀(CF₃)₆, were obtained as C₁-symmetry isomers with >90% isomeric purity, and a sample of C₆₀(CF₃)₂ also contained ca. 15-20% of a C_s-symmetry isomer of C₆₀(CF₃)₄. The new compounds were characterized by IR and EI mass spectrometry (all five compounds), NMR spectroscopy (C₆₀(CF₃)₂, C₆₀(CF₃)₄, and C₆₀(CF₃)₆), and 2D COSY NMR spectroscopy (C₆₀(CF₃)₄ and C₆₀(CF₃)₆). Calculations at the AM1 and DFT levels of theory have led to the prediction of the most likely structures for C₆₀(CF₃)₂, C₁-C₆₀(CF₃)₄, C_s-C₆₀(CF₃)₄, and the two most likely structures of C₁-C₆₀(CF₃)₆.     

Stabilization of Mo6S8 by halogens; new superconducting compounds: Mo6S6Br2, Mo6S6I2

We present a study of the properties of the series Mo₆X_8?xY_x (X = S, Se, Te; Y = Br, I) having the hexagonal rhombohedral structure of the PbMo₆S₈ type. For X = S we have found two new superconducting compounds Mo₆S₆Br₂ and Mo₆S₆I₂, having critical temperatures of 13.8 and 14.0°K, respectively. We further find that Mo₆Te₈ becomes superconducting (T_c ≈ 2.6°K) upon substitution of Te by small quantities of iodine, and that in the case of Mo₆Se₈ substitution of a Se atom by a halogen, raises T_c up to about 7.6°K.     

A large series of isotypic Mo(V) diphosphates with a tunnel structure: From A(MoO)10(P2O7)8 with A=Ba, Sr, Ca, Cd, Pb to A(MoO)5(P2O7)4 with A=Ag, Li, Na, K

The single crystal structure of a series of nine isotypic Mo(V) diphosphates was determined from crystals with composition A²⁺(MoO)₁₀(P₂O₇)₈ (A=Ba, Sr, Ca, Cd, Pb) and A⁺(MoO)₅(P₂O₇)₄ (A=Ag, Li, Na, K). The structure of those phosphates, built up of corner sharing MoO₆ octahedra, MoO₅ tetragonal pyramids and P₂O₇ diphosphates groups, forms eight-sided tunnels as described by Lii et al. for A=Ag. New features are evidenced: (1) existence of two orientations, up and down along b for the MoO₅ pyramids; (2) maximum insertion rate of the divalent cations which is twice less than that of the univalent cations; (3) different behavior of the series “Pb, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, K” which exhibits only one kind of site for the inserted cation, compared to the “Cd, Ca, Ag” series for which two kinds of sites are observed; (4) off-centering of the A-site cations with respect to the tunnel axis; and (5) unusually high thermal factors along the tunnel axis, but absence of ionic conductivity.     

Studies on the thermal decomposition kinetics of LiPF6 and LiBC4O8

Thermal decomposition of LiPF₆ and LiBC₄O₈ (lithium bis(oxalate)borate, abbreviated as LiBOB) were studied using TG (thermogravimetry)-DTG (derivative thermogravimetry) method with different heating rate β of 5, 10, 20 and 40°C min⁻¹ or at different constant temperature θ _C (109·80, 118·79, 148·41, 176·86°C for LiPF₆ and 278·51, 298·13, 317·65, 336·13 for LiBOB). From the non-isothermal kinetics we calculate that is 1·01, n _LiBOB is 1·04, is 91907·61 J/mol, and E _LiBOB is 205179·88 J/mol; from the isothermal kinetics we calculate that n for both LiPF6 and LiBOB are 1, E_LiPF6 is 91907·61 J/mol, E _LiBOB is 205179·88 J/mol, is 16·89 s⁻¹, and lnA_LiBOB is 31·96 s⁻¹. The results obtained from the two ways have minor differences and can validate each other.     

One-dimensional chains in uranyl tungstates: Syntheses and structures of A8[(UO2)4(WO4)4(WO5)2] (A=Rb, Cs) and Rb6[(UO2)2O(WO4)4]

Three new uranyl tungstates, A₈[(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂] (A=Rb (1), Cs (2)), and Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄] (3), were prepared by high-temperature solid-state reactions and their structures were solved by direct methods on twinned crystals, refined to R₁=0.050, 0.042, and 0.052 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, monoclinic P2₁/n, (1): a=11.100(7), b=13.161(9), , β=90.033(13)°, , Z=8 and (2): , , , β=89.988(2)°, , Z=8. There are four symmetrically independent U⁶⁺ sites that form linear uranyl [O=U=O]²⁺ cations with rather distorted coordination in their equatorial planes. There are six W positions: W(1) and W(2) have square-pyramidal coordination (WO₅), whereas W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) are tetrahedrally coordinated. The structures are based upon a novel type of one-dimensional (1D) [(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂]⁴⁻ chains, consisting of WU₄O₂₅ pentamers linked by WO₄ tetrahedra and WO₅ square pyramids. The chains run parallel to the a-axis and are arranged in modulated pseudo-2D-layers parallel to (0 1 0). The A⁺ cations are in the interlayer space between adjacent pseudo-layers and provide a 3D integrity of the structures. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first uranyl tungstates with 2/3 of W atoms in tetrahedral coordination. Such a high concentration of low-coordinated W⁶⁺ cations is probably responsible for the 1D character of the uranyl tungstate units. The compound 3 is triclinic, P1¯ a=10.188(2), b=13.110(2), , α=97.853(3), β=96.573(3), γ=103.894(3)°, , Z=4. There are four U positions in the structure with a typical coordination of a pentagonal bipyramid that contain uranyl ions, UO₂²⁺, as apical axes. Among eight W sites, the W(1), W(2), W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated, whereas the W(7) and W(8) cations have distorted fivefold coordination. The structure contains chains of composition [(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄]⁶⁻ composed of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and W polyhedra. The chains involve dimers of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids that share common O atoms. The dimers are linked into chains by sharing corners with WO₄ tetrahedra. The chains are parallel to [−101] and are arranged in layers that are parallel to (1 1 1). The Rb⁺ cations provide linkage of the chains into a 3D structure. The compound 1 has many structural and chemical similarities to its molybdate analog, Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(MoO₄)₄]. However, the compounds are not isostructural. Due to the tendency of the W⁶⁺ cations to have higher-than-fourfold coordination, part of the W sites adopt distorted fivefold coordination, whereas all Mo atoms in the Mo compound are tetrahedrally coordinated. Distribution of the WO₅ configurations along the chain extension does not conform to its ‘typical’ periodicity. As a result, both the chain identity period and the unit-cell volume are doubled in comparison to the Mo analog, which leads to a new structure type.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the layered uranyl tellurites A2[(UO2)3(TeO3)2O2] (A=K, Rb, Cs)

The reactions of UO₃ and TeO₃ with KCl, RbCl, or CsCl at 800 °C for 5 d yield single crystals of A₂[(UO₂)₃(TeO₃)₂O₂] (A=K (1), Rb (2), and Cs (3)). These compounds are isostructural with one another, and their structures consist of two-dimensional sheets arranged in a stair-like topology separated by alkali metal cations. These sheets are comprised of zigzagging uranium(VI) oxide chains bridged by corner-sharing trigonal pyramidal TeO₃²⁻ anions. The chains are composed of dimeric, edge-sharing, pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ moieties joined by edge-sharing tetragonal bipyramidal UO₆ units. The lone-pair of electrons from the TeO₃ groups are oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another on each side of the sheets rendering each individual sheet non-polar. The alkali metal cations form contacts with nearby tellurite oxygen atoms as well as with oxygen atoms from the uranyl moieties. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): 1, triclinic, space group , , , , α=101.852(1)°, β=102.974(1)°, γ=100.081(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.70% for 98 parameters and 1697 reflections with I>2σ(I); 2, triclinic, space group , , , , α=105.590(2)°, β=101.760(2)°, γ=99.456(2)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.36% for 98 parameters and 1817 reflections with I>2σ(I); 3, triclinic, space group , , , , α=109.301(1)°, β=100.573(1)°, γ=99.504(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.61% for 98 parameters and 1965 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Phase diagrams of systems SrF2(Y,Ln)F3. II. Fusibility of systems and thermal behavior of phases

The phase diagrams of 14 SrF₂(Y,Ln)F₃ systems are given, where Ln are all the lanthanides except Pm and Eu. The diagrams have been constructed for temperature intervals from 850°C to the melting points according to the thermal and X-ray analysis. The fusibility diagrams for 12 systems have been obtained for the first time. The oxygen content in the specimens before and after thermal treatment was checked. The thermal behavior of the three types of solid solutions has been studied: (1) with the fluorite-type defective structure and its derivatives; (2) with the defective structure of the lanthanum fluoride, and (3) α-YF₃(α-UO₃) types. Maxima reflecting a noticeable effect of thermal stabilization on the fluorite-type structure by the heterovalent isomorphous substitution have been found for the majority of systems (with Ln = LaHo). The Sr_1?xLn_xF_2+x nonstoichiometric fluorite phases are formed in all the systems. Similar maxima corresponding generally to irrational compositions are present on the fusibility curves of the Ln_1?ySr_yF_3?y nonstoichiometric phases with the LaF₃-type structure (tysonite). Tysonite solid solutions are in all the systems, too. Nonstoichiometric phases with the α-YF₃-type structure are formed in the systems with Ln = ErLu. They are decomposed in the process of cooling and are the most unstable. The structure of the phase diagrams in the regions adjacent to lanthanide trifluorides are determined by polymorphism and morphotropy of the above-named compounds. Changes in the thermal stability of the nonstoichiometric phases and double chemical compounds in the series of lanthanides have been observed. The SrF₂(Y,Ln)F₃ systems studied give examples of the formation of phases with the highest concentrations of point defects among all the known binary fluoride systems (up to 50 at.%). The thermal stabilization effect of the nonstoichiometric phases with the fluorite structure results in the fact that the series of the two-component compositions is melted at considerably higher temperatures as compared with scandium fluoride, the most refractory single-component fluoride compound. This effect leads to formation of tysonite-type solid solutions with melting points exceeding 1500°C (mp of LaF₃—the most refractory fluoride material with tysonite-type structure).     

Synthesis and characterization of the pseudo-hexagonal hollandites ALi2Ru6O12 (A=Na, K)

The crystal structures, synthesis and physical properties of ruthenium hollandites ALi₂Ru₆O₁₂ (A=Na, K) with a new pseudo-hexagonal structure type are described. Analogous to tetragonal hollandites, the framework is made of MO₆ octahedra in double chains that share corner oxygens with each other to create interstitial tunnels. The tunnels are either hexagonal or triangular in cross-section. Magnetic susceptibilities, low temperature specific heat, and electrical resistivities are reported. The data indicate that these materials are normal, low density of states metals. This new structure type can be extended from A=Group I to A=Group II ions with the synthesis of CaLi₂Ru₆O₁₂ and SrLi₂Ru₆O₁₂.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal behavior of two hydrated forms of lanthanide phthalates Ln2(O2+C6H4-CO2)3(H2O) (Ln=Ce, Nd) and Nd2(O2C-C6H4-CO2)3(H2O)3

New hydrated lanthanide phthalates have been hydrothermally prepared with cerium and neodymium in different reaction media involving water or mixed water-ethanol solvent. The monohydrated Ln₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O) (Ln=Ce or Nd) and dihydrated Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂ forms have been characterized by single-crystal analysis. Their structures consist of infinite inorganic chains of lanthanide-centered polyhedra linked to each other through the phthalate ligands in order to generate mixed organic-inorganic layered structure. The two hydrated structures differ by the number of terminal water species attached to the lanthanide cations, which induce symmetry change from a triclinic (Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂) to an orthorhombic (Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂) cell for neodymium whereas the cerium-based phase only exists in the monohydrated form, with two distinct symmetries (orthorhombic or triclinic). Structural comparisons with the other members of the lanthanide phthalate series with identical chemical formula are also discussed. Thermal X-ray diffraction experiment indicates that the transformation from dihydrate form into the monohydrated form does not occur during a heating process.