Synthesis, crystal structure and mono-dimensional thallium ion conduction of TlFe0.22Al0.78As2O7

A new solid solution TlFe_0.22Al_0.78As₂O₇ has been synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The structure of the title compound has been determined from a single-crystal X-ray diffraction and refined to final values of the reliability factors: R(F²)=0.030 and wR(F²)=0.081 for 1343 independent reflections with I>2σ(I). It crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, with a=6.296(2) Å, b=6.397(2) Å, c=8.242(2) Å, α=96.74(2)°, β=103.78(2)°, γ=102.99(3)°, V=309.0(2) Å³ and Z=2. The structure can be described as a three-dimensional framework containing (Fe/Al)O₆ octahedra connected through As₂O₇ groups. The metallic units and diarsenate groups share oxygen corners to form a three-dimensional framework with interconnected tunnels parallel to the a, b and c directions, where Tl⁺ cations are located. The ionic conductivity measurements are performed on pellets of the polycrystalline powder. At 683 K, The conductivity value is 5.23×10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ and the ionic jump activation energy is 0.656 eV. The bond valence analysis reveals that the ionic conductivity is ensured by Tl⁺ along the [001] direction.     

A new organically templated gallium(III)-doped chromium(III) fluorophosphite, (C2H10N2)[Ga0.98Cr0.02(HPO3)F3] hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties

A new organically templated fluoro-phosphite gallium(III)-doped chromium(III) with formula (C₂H₁₀N₂)[Ga_0.98Cr_0.02(HPO₃)F₃] has been synthesized by using mild hydrothermal conditions under autogeneous pressure. The crystal structure has been solved from X-ray single-crystal data. The compound crystallizes in the P2₁2₁2₁ orthorhombic space group, with the unit-cell parameters a=12.9417(7) Å, b=9.4027(6) Å, c=6.3502(4) Å and Z=4. The final R factors were R1=0.022 (all data) and wR2=0.050. The crystal structure consists of [Ga_0.98Cr_0.02(HPO₃)F₃]²⁻ anionic chains extended along the c-axis, with the ethylenediammonium cations placed in the cavities of the structure delimited by three different chains. The IR and Raman spectra show the characteristic bands of the phosphite oxoanion. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy allowed us to calculate the Dq and Racah parameters of the Cr(III) cations in octahedral environment. The values are Dq=1375 cm⁻¹, B=780 cm⁻¹ and C=3420 cm⁻¹. The polycrystalline ESR spectra performed at X and Q-bands show the signals belonging to the diluted Cr(III) cation in this phase. From the fit of the X-band ESR spectrum at 4.2 K, the calculated values of the axial (D) and rhombic (E) distortion parameters are 0.075 and 0.042 cm⁻¹, respectively, the components of the g-tensor being g_x=1.98, g_y=1.99 and g_z=1.90.     

Crystal structure and conductivity investigation of KDyP4O12: a new potassium dysprosium cyclotetraphosphate

A single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed on KDyP₄O₁₂ synthesized by a flux method. The new compound crystallizes at room temperature in the monoclinic space group C2/c with unit cell parameters: a=7.812(2) Å, b=12.318(3) Å, c=10.441(2) Å, β=111.09(2)°, V=937.42(4) Å³ and D_cal=3.66 g cm⁻³ for Z=4. A full-matrix least square refinement gave R₁=0.022, wR₂=0.04 for 2421 independent reflections (I>2σ(I)) refined with 84 parameters.The structure is built up from P₄O₁₂⁴⁻ cyclotetraphosphate anions linked by DyO₈ polyhedra to form a three-dimensional framework, which delimits intersecting oxygen tunnels in which the K⁺ ions are located. The atomic arrangement can be described as a succession of layers extending along the [010] direction. The P₄O₁₂⁴⁻ ring anion is centrosymmetrical is connected by irregularly shaped KO₁₀ polyhedra to form a layer structure parallel to (001). Dysprosium and potassium are surrounded by eight and ten oxygen atoms respectively.Samples have been examined by impedance and infrared spectroscopy techniques. The reported IR absorption investigation, recorded at room temperature in the frequency range 200-4000 cm⁻¹, shows some bands characteristic of cyclotetraphosphates.The electrical conductivity of KDyP₄O₁₂ has subsequently been measured as a function of temperature, it represents a significant ionic conductivity and activation energy (σ=2.15×10⁻⁴ Ω⁻¹cm⁻¹ at 453 K and E_a=0.387 eV) corresponding to the mobility of the K⁺ cations located within tunnels.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, phase transition and thermal behaviour of a new dabcodiium hexaaquanickel(II) bis(sulphate), (C6H14N2)[Ni(H2O)6](SO4)2

A new dabcodiium-templated nickel sulphate, (C₆H₁₄N₂)[Ni(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂, has been synthesised and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 20 and −173 °C, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction (TDXD). The high temperature phase crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with the unit-cell parameters: a = 7.0000(1), b = 12.3342(2), c = 9.9940(2) Å; β = 90.661(1)°, V = 862.82(3) Å³ and Z = 2. The low temperature phase crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with the unit-cell parameters: a = 12.0216(1), b = 12.3559(1), c = 12.2193(1) Å; β = 109.989(1)°, V = 1705.69(2) Å³ and Z = 4. The crystal structure of the HT-phase consists of Ni²⁺ cations octahedrally coordinated by six water molecules, sulphate tetrahedra and disordered dabcodiium cations linked together by hydrogen bonds. It undergoes a reversible phase transition (PT) of the second order at −53.7/−54.6 °C on heating-cooling runs. Below the PT temperature, the structure is fully ordered. The thermal decomposition of the precursor proceeds through three stages giving rise to the nickel oxide.     

A high temperature superionic phase of CsSn2F5

The compound CsSn₂F₅ has been investigated over the temperature range from ambient to 545 K using differential scanning calorimetry, impedance spectroscopy and neutron powder diffraction methods. A first-order phase transition is observed from DSC measurements at 510(2) K, to a phase possessing a high ionic conductivity (σ∼2.5×10⁻² Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 520 K). The crystal structure of the high temperature superionic phase (labelled α) has been determined to be tetragonal (space group I4/mmm, a=4.2606(10) Å, c=19.739(5) Å and Z=2) in which the cations form layers perpendicular to the [001] direction, with a stacking sequence CsSnSnCsSnSn… All the anions are located in two partially occupied sites in the gap between the Cs and Sn layers, whilst the space between the Sn cations is empty, due to the orientation of the lone-pair electrons associated with the Sn²⁺. The structure of α-CsSn₂F₅ is discussed in relation to two other layered F⁻ conducting superionic phases containing Sn²⁺ cations, α-RbSn₂F₅ and α-PbSnF₄ and, to facilitate this comparison, an improved structural characterisation of the former is also presented. The wider issue of the role of lone-pair cations such as Sn²⁺ in promoting dynamic disorder within an anion substructure is also briefly addressed.     

Synthesis crystal structure and ionic conductivity of Ca0.5Bi3V2O10 and Sr0.5Bi3V2O10

Two new compounds Ca_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀ and Sr_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀ have been synthesized in the ternary system: MO-Bi₂O₃-V₂O₅ system (M=M²⁺). The crystal structure of Sr_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀ has been determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data, space group and Z=2, with cell parameters a=7.1453(3) Å, b=7.8921(3) Å, c=9.3297(3) Å, α=106.444(2)°, β=94.088(2)°, γ=112.445(2)°, V=456.72(4) Å³. Ca_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀ is isostructural with Sr_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀, with, a=7.0810(2) Å, b=7.8447(2) Å, c=9.3607(2) Å, α=106.202(1)°, β=94.572(1)°, γ=112.659(1)°, V=450.38(2) Å³ and its structure has been refined by Rietveld method using powder X-ray data. The crystal structure consists of infinite chains of (Bi₂O₂) along c-axis formed by linkage of BiO₈ and BiO₆ polyhedra interconnected by MO₈ polyhedra forming 2D layers in ac plane. The vanadate tetrahedra are sandwiched between these layers. Conductivity measurements give a maximum conductivity value of 4.54×10⁻⁵ and 3.63×10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ for Ca_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀ and Sr_0.5Bi₃V₂O₁₀, respectively at 725 °C.     

Crystal chemistry of M[PO2(OH)2]2·2H2O compounds (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd): Structural investigation of the Ni, Zn and Cd salts

The compounds M[PO₂(OH)₂]₂·2H₂O (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) were prepared from super-saturated aqueous solutions at room temperature. Single-crystal X-ray structure investigations of members with M=Ni, Zn, Cd were performed at 295 and 120 K. The space-group symmetry is P2₁/n, Z=2. The unit-cell parameters are at 295/120 K for M=Ni: a=7.240(2)/7.202(2), b=9.794(2)/9.799(2), c=5.313(1)/5.285(1) Å, β=94.81(1)/94.38(1)°, V=375.4/371.9 Å³; M=Zn: a=7.263(2)/7.221(2), b=9.893(2)/9.899(3), c=5.328(1)/5.296(2) Å, β=94.79(1)/94.31(2)°, V=381.5/377.5 Å³; M=Cd: a=7.356(2)/7.319(2), b=10.416(2)/10.423(3), c=5.407(1)/5.371(2) Å, β=93.85(1)/93.30(2)°, V=413.4/409.1 Å³. Layers of corner-shared MO₆ octahedra and phosphate tetrahedra are linked by three of the four crystallographically different hydrogen bonds. The fourth hydrogen bond (located within the layer) is worth mentioning because of the short O_h?O bond distance of 2.57-2.61 Å at room temperature (2.56-2.57 Å at 120 K); only for M=Mg it is increased to 2.65 Å. Any marked temperature-dependent variation of the unit-cell dimension is observed only vertical to the layers. The analysis of the infrared (IR) spectroscopy data evidences that the internal PO₄ vibrations are insensitive to the size and the electronic configuration of the M²⁺ ions. The slight strengthening of the intra-molecular P-O bonds in the Mg salt is caused by the more ionic character of the Mg-O bonds. All IR spectra exhibit the characteristic “ABC trio” for acidic salts: 2900-3180 cm⁻¹ (A band), 2000-2450 cm⁻¹ (B band) and 1550-1750 cm⁻¹ (C band). Both the frequency and the intensity of the A band provide an evidence that the PO₂(OH)₂ groups in M[PO₂(OH)₂]₂·2H₂O compounds form weaker hydrogen bonds as compared with other acidic salts with comparable O?O bond distances of about 2.60 Å. The observed shift of the O-H stretching vibrations of the water molecule in the order M=Mg>Mn≈Fe≈Co>Ni>Zn≈Cd has been discussed with respect to the influence of both the character and the strength of M↔H₂O interactions.     

High-pressure synthesis and structural characterization of three new polyphosphides, α-SrP3, BaP8, and LaP5

Three novel metal polyphosphides, α-SrP₃, BaP₈, and LaP₅, were prepared in BN crucibles by the reaction of the respective stoichiometric mixtures under a high pressure of 3 GPa at 950-1000°C. Their crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray data (α-SrP₃: space group C2/m, a=9.199(6) Å, b=7.288(3) Å, c=5.690(3) Å, β=113.45(4)°, Z=4, R₁/wR₂=0.0684/0.1180 for 471 observed reflections and 22 variables; BaP₈: space group P−1, a=6.762(2) Å, b=7.233(2) Å, c=8.567(2) Å, α=86.32(2)°, β=84.31(2)°, γ=70.40(2)°, Z=2, R₁/wR₂=0.0476/0.1255 for 2702 observed reflections and 82 variables; LaP₅: space group P2₁/m, a=4.885(1) Å, b=9.673(3) Å, c=5.577(2) Å, β=105.32(2)°, Z=2, R₁/wR₂=0.0391/0.1034 for 1272 observed reflections and 31 variables). α-SrP₃ is isostructural with SrAs₃ and the crystal structure consists of two-dimensional puckered polyanionic layers _∞²[P₃]²⁻ that stack along the c-axis yielding channels occupied by Sr²⁺ counterions. BaP₈ crystallizes in a new structure type which contains a three-dimensional infinite polyanionic framework _∞³[P₃]²⁻, with large channels hosting the barium cations. LaP₅ is a layered compound containing _∞²[P₅]³⁻ polyanionic layers separated by La³⁺ ions. All three compounds exhibit expected diamagnetic behaviors.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and Li ion conductivity of a new vanado-molybdate phase, LiMg3VMo2O12

A new vanado-molybdate LiMg₃VMo₂O₁₂ has been synthesized, the crystal structure determined an ionic conductivity measured. The solid solution Li_2−zMg_2+zV_zMo_3−zO₁₂ was investigated and the structures of the z=0.5 and 1.0 compositions were refined by Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray (XRD) and powder neutron diffraction (ND) data. The structures were refined in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a∼5.10, b∼10.4 and c∼17.6 Å, and are isostructural with the previously reported double molybdates Li₂M₂(MoO₄)₃ (M=M²⁺, z=0). The structures comprise of two unique (Li/Mg)O₆ octahedra, (Li/Mg)O₆ trigonal prisms and two unique (Mo/V)O₄ tetrahedra. A well-defined 1:3 ratio of Li⁺:Mg²⁺ is observed in octahedral chains for LiMg₃VMo₂O₁₂. Li⁺ preferentially occupies trigonal prisms and Mg²⁺ favours octahedral sheets. Excess V⁵⁺ adjacent to the octahedral sheets may indicate short-range order. Ionic conductivity measured by impedance spectroscopy (IS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements show the presence of a phase transition, at 500-600 °C, depending on x. A decrease in activation energy for Li⁺ ion conductivity occurs at the phase transition and the high temperature structure is a good Li⁺ ion conductor, with σ=1×10⁻³-4×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ and E_a=0.6 to 0.8 eV.     

Structural and vibrational characterization of [KrF][AuF6] and α-[O2][AuF6] using single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and electron structure calculations

The salt [KrF][AuF₆] has been prepared by the direct oxidation of gold powder in anhydrous HF at 20 °C using the potent oxidative fluorinating agent KrF₂. The KrF⁺ salt readily oxidizes molecular oxygen at ambient temperature to yield [O₂][AuF₆]. Variable temperature Raman spectroscopy has been used to identify a reversible phase transition in [O₂][AuF₆], which occurs between −114 and −118 °C. Single crystal X-ray diffraction has been used to characterize the low-temperature, α-phase of [O₂][AuF₆]. The phase transition is attributed to ordering of the O₂⁺ cation in the crystal lattice, which is accompanied by minor distortions of the AuF₆⁻ anion. The α-phase of [O₂][AuF₆] crystallizes in the triclinic space group , with a=4.935(6) Å, b=4.980(6) Å, c=5.013(6) Å, α=101.18(1)°, β=90.75(2)°, γ=101.98(2)°, V=342.97 Å³, Z=1, and R₁=0.0481 at −122 °C. The structure of the precursor, [KrF][AuF₆], has also been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with a=7.992(3) Å, b=7.084(3) Å, c=10.721(4) Å, β=105.58(1)°, V=584.8(4) Å³, Z=4 and R₁=0.0389 at −125 °C. The KrF⁺ and AuF₆⁻ ions interact by means of a FKr---FAu fluorine bridge that is bent by 125.3(7)° about the bridge fluorine. The KrF_t and Kr---F_b bond lengths in [KrF][AuF₆] were determined to be 1.76(1) and 2.15(1) Å, respectively. The energy minimized structures of the [KrF][AuF₆] ion-pair and the AuF₆⁻ anion have been determined at the Hartree-Fock (HF), MP2 and local density functional (LDF) levels of theory. These calculations have also been used to assign the vibrational spectrum of the [KrF][AuF₆] ion-pair in greater detail and to reassign the vibrational spectrum of the AuF₆⁻ anion.     

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.     

Synthesis, vibrational and NMR spectroscopic characterization of [N(CH3)4][IO2F2] and X-ray crystal structure of [N(CH3)4]2[IO2F2][HF2]

The salt, [N(CH₃)₄][IO₂F₂], was prepared from [N(CH₃)₄][IO₃] and 49% aqueous HF, and characterized by Raman, infrared, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. Crystals of [N(CH₃)₄]₂[IO₂F₂][HF₂] were obtained by reduction of [N(CH₃)₄][cis-IO₂F₄] in the presence of [N(CH₃)₄][F] in CH₃CN solvent and were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction: C2/m, a = 14.6765(2) Å, b = 8.60490(10) Å, c = 13.9572(2) Å, β = 120.2040(10)°, V = 1523.35(3) Å³, Z = 4 and R = 0.0192 at 210 K. The crystal structure consists of two IO₂⁻F₂ anions that are symmetrically bridged by two H⁻F₂ anions, forming a [F₂O₂I(FHF)₂IO₂F₂]⁴⁻ dimer. The symmetric bridging coordination for the H⁻F₂ anion in this structure represents a new bonding modality for the bifluoride anion.     

The new silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C4N2H14][Ag3Sb3S7] and a new structural variant of the silver(I)thioantimonate(III) [C2N2H9]2[Ag5Sb3S8] both synthesized under solvothermal conditions

The novel silver(I)thioantimonates(III) [C₄N₂H₁₄][Ag₃Sb₃S₇] (I) (C₄N₂H₁₂=1,4-diaminobutane) and [C₂N₂H₉]₂[Ag₅Sb₃S₈] (II) (C₂N₂H₈=ethylenediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using AgNO₃, Sb, S and the amines as structure directing molecules. Both compounds crystallize as orange needles with lattice parameters a=6.669(1) Å, b=30.440(3) Å, c=9.154(1) Å for I (space group Pnma), and a=6.2712(4) Å, b=15.901(1) Å, c=23.012(2) Å, β=95.37(1)° for II (space group P2₁/n). In both compounds the primary building units are trigonal SbS₃ pyramids, AgS₃ triangles and AgS₄ tetrahedra. In I the layered [Ag₃Sb₃S₇]²⁻ anion is constructed by two different chains. An [Sb₂S₄] chain running along [100] is formed by vertex sharing of SbS₃ pyramids. The second chain contains a Ag₃SbS₅ group composed of the AgS₄ tetrahedron, two AgS₃ units and one SbS₃ pyramid. The Ag₃SbS₅ units are joined via S atoms to form the second chain which is also directed along [100]. The layered anion is then obtained by condensation of the two individual chains. The organic structure director is sandwiched by the inorganic layers and the shortest inter-layer distance is about 6.4 Å. In II the primary building units are linked into different six-membered rings which form a honeycomb-like layer. Two such layers are connected via Ag-S bonds of the AgS₄ tetrahedra giving the final undulated double layer anion. The structure directing ethylenediamine cations are located in pairs between the layers and a sandwich-like arrangement of alternating anionic layers and organic cations is observed. The inter-layer separation is about 5.4 Å. Both compounds decompose in a more or less complex manner when heated in an argon atmosphere. The optical band gaps of about 1.9 eV for the two compounds proof the semiconducting behavior. For II the conductivity was measured with impedance spectroscopy and amounts to σ_295K=7.6×10⁻⁷ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹. At 80 °C the conductivity is significantly larger by one order of magnitude.     

Quaternary selenostannates Na2−xGa2−xSn1+xSe6 and AGaSnSe4 (A=K, Rb, and Cs) through rapid cooling of melts. Kinetics versus thermodynamics in the polymorphism of AGaSnSe4

The quaternary alkali-metal gallium selenostannates, Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ and AGaSnSe₄ (A=K, Rb, and Cs), were synthesized by reacting alkali-metal selenide, Ga, Sn, and Se with a flame melting-rapid cooling method. Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group C2 with cell constants a=13.308(3) Å, b=7.594(2) Å, c=13.842(3) Å, β=118.730(4)°, V=1226.7(5) Å³. α-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm with a=8.186(5) Å and c=6.403(5) Å, V=429.1(5) Å³. β-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with cell constants a=7.490(2) Å, b=12.578(3) Å, c=18.306(5) Å, β=98.653(5)°, V=1705.0(8) Å³. The unit cell of isostructural RbGaSnSe₄ is a=7.567(2) Å, b=12.656(3) Å, c=18.277(4) Å, β=95.924(4)°, V=1741.1(7) Å³. CsGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmcn with a=7.679(2) Å, b=12.655(3) Å, c=18.278(5) Å, V=1776.1(8) Å³. The structure of Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ consists of a polar three-dimensional network of trimeric (Sn,Ga)₃Se₉ units with Na atoms located in tunnels. The AGaSnSe₄ possess layered structures. The compounds show nearly the same Raman spectral features, except for Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆. Optical band gaps, determined from UV-Vis spectroscopy, range from 1.50 eV in Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ to 1.97 eV in CsGaSnSe₄. Cooling of the melts of KGaSnSe₄ and RbGaSnSe₄ produces only kinetically stable products. The thermodynamically stable product is accessible under extended annealing, which leads to the so-called γ-form (BaGa₂S₄-type) of these compounds.     

Spectroscopic and structural characterization of Na2[(VO)2(ttha)]·8H2O (ttha = triethylenetetraamine-N,N,N′,N″,N′″,N′″-hexaacetate): Interpreting the results with density functional theory

Na₂[(V^IVO)₂(ttha)]·8 H₂O (ttha = triethylenetetraamine–N,N,N′,N″,N′″,N′″–hexaacetate ion), prepared by treating [VO(H₂O)₅][(VO)₂(ttha)]·4 H₂O with Na₆(ttha), has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and modeled by density functional theory (DFT). The X-ray structure revealed a distorted octahedral geometry around each vanadium center. The electronic absorption spectrum of [(VO)₂(ttha)]²⁻ (aq) features absorptions at ca. 200 nm (ε > 13900 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹), 255 nm (ε = 3480 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹), 586 nm (ε = 33 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹), and 770 nm (ε = 38 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹). The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculated electronic absorption spectrum was remarkably similar to the actual spectrum, and TDDFT predicts absorption peaks at 297, 330, 458, 656, and 798 nm. TDDFT assigned the peak at 798 nm to be the α spin HOMO → LUMO transition. Hence, the peak at 770 nm in the actual spectrum is most likely the α spin HOMO → LUMO transition. Moreover, the TDDFT calculations revealed that the α spin HOMO and LUMO are partly comprised of d orbitals on both vanadium centers, and the first derivative electron spin resonance spectrum also suggests that the two unpaired electrons in [(VO)₂(ttha)]²⁻ are localized near the vanadium centers.     

Syntheses, structures and Raman spectra of Cd(BF4)(AF6) (A = Ta, Bi) compounds

The compounds, Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Both isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with a = 8.2700(6) Å, b = 9.3691(6) Å, c = 8.8896(7) Å, β = 94.196(3)°, V = 686.94(9) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and a = 8.3412(8) Å, b = 9.4062(8) Å, c = 8.9570(7) Å, β = 93.320(5)°, V = 701.58(11) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆). Eight fluorine atoms (4 BF₄⁻ + 4 AF₆⁻) form a surrounding around the cadmium atom in the shape of distorted square antiprism. These compounds are not isostructural with mixed-anion analogues of Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb studied earlier.     

Low-dimensional compounds containing cyanido groups. XXI. Crystal structure, spectroscopic, thermal and magnetic properties of two polymorphous modifications of [Cu(men)2Pt(CN)4]n complex (men = N-methyl-1,2-diaminoethane)

Violet (1) and blue (2) polymorphous modifications of [Cu(men)₂Pt(CN)₄]_n (men = N-methyl-1,2-diaminoethane) have been prepared and investigated by IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis, measurement of magnetic data and X-ray structural analysis. Both modifications are formed by similar but differently packed zigzag chains, which consist of [Cu(men)₂]²⁺ moieties bridged by two trans arranged cyanido groups of [Pt(CN)₄]²⁻ units. The Cu(II) atoms in both structures are hexacoordinated by four nitrogen atoms in the equatorial plane from two molecules of bidentate men ligands with the average Cu-N(Me) and Cu-N(H₂) bond lengths of 2.046(8) and 2.008(8) Å, respectively, and by two nitrogen atoms from bridging cyanido groups in the axial positions at average distance of 2.50(7) Å. Broad nearly symmetric bands observed in the UV-vis spectra of 1 and 2 of ²B_1g → ²E_g transitions are consistent with a deformed octahedral coordination of the CuN₆ chromophoric groups. One and two ν(CN) absorption bands observed in the IR spectra of 1 and 2, respectively, are in agreement with different local symmetries of [Pt(CN)₄]²⁻ units and different Cu-N(cyanido) bond lengths in these polymorphs and are subject of discussion on the spectral-structural correlations in 1D compounds. The complexes are stable up to 238 °C when their two-stage thermal decompositions start and ending up with a mixture of CuO and metallic Pt as the most probable final thermal decomposition products. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility suggests the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between Cu(II) atoms in 1, J/hc = −0.17 cm⁻¹ and in 2, J/hc = −1.3 cm⁻¹.     

Investigations of new binary phosphate K4Ce2P4O15

The new potassium cerium(III) phosphate of formula K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ in the system Ce₂O₃-K₂O-P₂O₅ was prepared by solid state reactions and characterized by thermal analysis (DTA, TG, DSC), powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. This compound exists only in the solid state (below 880 °C) and exhibits a polymorphic transition at 527 °C. The low-temperature form β-K₄Ce₂P₄O₁₅ of this compound crystallizes as a triclinic phase (space group P) with unit cell parameters: a=9.319(7), b=12.129(3), c=9.252(1) Å, α=106.875, β=100.086, γ=107.202°, V=916.276 Å³.     

A Raman spectroscopic study of the phosphate mineral pyromorphite Pb5(PO4)3Cl

A series of selected pyromorphite minerals Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl from different Australian localities has been studied by Raman spectroscopy complemented with selected infrared spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum of unsubstituted pyromorphite shows a single band at around 920 cm⁻¹ but for the natural minerals two bands at 919 and ∼932 cm⁻¹ attributed to the ν₁ (PO₄)³⁻ stretching vibration. The observation of multiple bands is attributed to the non-equivalence of phosphate units in the pyromorphite structure and the reduction in symmetry of the (PO₄)³⁻ units. This symmetry reduction is confirmed by the observation of multiple bands in both the ν₄ bending region (500–595 cm⁻¹) and the ν₂ bending region (350–500 cm⁻¹). The presence of isomorphic substitution of (PO₄)³⁻ by (AsO₄)³⁻ units is identified by the ν₁ symmetric stretching bands at around 824 and 851 cm⁻¹ and the ν₂ bending region around 331 and 354 cm⁻¹. Contrary to expectation Raman bands in the 3320–3700 cm⁻¹ region are observed and assigned to OH stretching bands of OH units resulting from the substitution of chloride anions in the pyromorphite structure. This study brings in to question the actual formula of natural pyromorphite as it is better represented as Pb₅(PO₄,AsO₄)₃(Cl,OH) · xH₂O.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic characterization of Na2Cu5(Si2O7)2: An inorganic ferrimagnetic chain

The hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new copper silicate Na₂Cu₅(Si₂O₇)₂, are reported. The crystal structure was determined through synchrotron powder diffraction data. The unit cell was indexed to a triclinic cell, space group P-1 (n° 2) with unit cell parameters a=5.71075(2) Å, b=7.68266(3) Å, c=7.96742(3) Å, α=64.2972(2)°, β=88.4860(2)° and γ=70.5958(2)° with Z=1. A structural model was obtained through a combination of a direct-space Monte-Carlo approach and Rietveld refinement. The crystal structure contains parallel chains consisting of zig-zag copper dimers and trimers. All silicon atoms are present as part of a [Si₂O₇]⁶⁻ anion that connects the chains; therefore the compound belongs to the sorosilicate mineral family. The magnetic susceptibility was measured and shows a behavior typical of one-dimensional ferrimagnetism, in agreement with the observed structure.