Sr2(OLi2Sr4)[CrN4]2, ein Nitridochromat(VI)‐Oxid mit Sauerstoff in tetragonal‐bipyramidaler Koordination durch Lithium und Strontium

Sr₂(OLi₂Sr₄)[CrN₄]₂, a Nitridochromate(VI)‐Oxide with Oxygen in Tetragonal‐Bipyramidal Coordination by Lithium and Strontium Green gleaming crystals of Sr₂(OLi₂Sr₄)[CrN₄]₂ were prepared by reaction of Li, Sr and CrN/Cr₂N (approximate 1 : 1 mixture) with flowing nitrogen at 900 °C (molar overall composition Li : Sr : Cr = 6 : 1 : ∼3). The oxygen content results from a leak in the gas supply. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal methods (triclinic; P1; a = 615.87(9) pm, b = 682.50(10) pm, c = 754.30(8) pm, α = 82.302(14)°, β = 75.197(10)°, γ = 70.133(13)°; Z = 1) and contains distorted tetragonal bipyramids (OLi₂Sr₄)⁸⁺ and [Cr^VIN₄]^6–‐tetrahedra besides Sr²⁺.     

Control of Oxidation States of Transition Elements (Cr,Mn) in Nitridometalates and the Solid Solution Series Li6(Ca1‐xSrx)2[Mn2N6]

The formation of ternary nitridometalates from the elements in the case of the systems Li—Cr, V, Mn—N leads to compounds which contain the transition metals in the highest (V^V, Cr^VI) or a comparably high (Mn^V) oxidation state. In the corresponding calcium and strontium systems, the transition metals show a lower oxidation state (V^III, Cr^III, Mn^III). Transition metals with intermediate oxidation states (Cr^V, Mn^IV) are present in the quaternary (mixed cation) compounds Li₄Sr₂[CrN₆], Li₆Ca₂[MnN₆], and Li₆Sr₂[MnN₆] (R3¯(#148), a = 585.9(3) pm, c = 1908.6(4) pm, Z = 3), as well as in the solid solution series Li₆(Ca_1—xSr_x)₂[MnN₆].     

Ba5[CrN4]N: Das erste Nitridochromat(V)

Ba₅[CrN₄]N: The First Nitridochromate(V) Ba₅[CrN₄]N is prepared by reaction of mixtures of Li₃N, Ba₃N₂ and CrN/Cr₂N (1 : 1) (molar ratio Li : Ba : Cr = 3 : 5 : 1) in tantalum crucibles at 700°C with flowing nitrogen (1 atm) within a period of 48 h. After cooling down to room temperature (60°C/h) black-shining single crystals of the ternary phase with a platy habit are obtained (monoclinic, C2/m; a = 1054.0(2) pm, b = 1170.9(3) pm, c = 937.7(2) pm, b? = 110,79(2)°; Z = 4). The crystal structure contains isolated complex anions [Cr^VN₄]^7? which nearly satisfy the ideal tetrahedral symmetry (Cr? N [pm]: 2 × 175.3(4), 2 × 175.8(5); N? Cr? N [°]: 106.8(2), 109.5(2), 2 × 109.9(2), 2 × 110,3(2)). The coordination sphere for each of the terminal nitride functions of the complex anions is completed by five neighbouring Ba²⁺ ions (distorted CrBa₅ octahedra). The octahedra are connected via common CrBa₂ faces as well as CrBa edges thereby forming condensed tetrameric octahedral groups. The isolated nitride ions which are also present in the crystal structure of Ba₅[CrN₄]N are in an octahedral environment of Ba²⁺ ions. The presence of a d¹-System (Cr(V)) is confirmed by magnetic susceptibility data.     

Sr5[NbN4]N ‐ A Nitridoniobate(V) Nitride Containing Isolated [NbN4]7‐ Tetrahedra and Octahedral Chains 1(Sr4Sr2/2N7+)

Sr₅[NbN₄]N (transparent, red single crystals) was synthesized by reaction of Sr2N with Nb under nitrogen at ambient pressure and 1223 K. The crystal structure was solved and refined in the space group Pbcm (no. 57), Z = 4, with lattice constants a = 646.6(3) pm, b = 1792.5(9) pm, c = 729.8(4) pm, and R = 0.019, wR² = 0.034. The crystal structure contains both isolated tetrahedra [NbN₄]^7‐ as well as chains of corner sharing octahedra 1(Sr₄Sr_2/2N⁷⁺). Strontium is irregularly coordinated by nitrogen (CN = 4 ‐ 6, Sr‐N: 252.3(4) ‐ 340.8(3) pm); nitrogen is located in a distorted octahedral environment by strontium and niobium (Nb‐N: 194.5(4) ‐ 199.2(2) pm). By formal reduction of the structural building units to their centers a close structural relationship to both the NiAs and the CaSi type structure is evident.     

[CoN2]/[CN2]‐Substitution in a Crystalline Phase with Composition Close to Sr6[CoN2]2[CN2]

Sr₆[CoN₂]₂[CN₂] was prepared from Sr₂N, carbon, cobalt, and NaN₃ as nitrogen source. The crystal structure (I4/mmm (no. 139), a = 383.55(10) pm, c = 1237.8(4) pm) represents a Na₂[HgO₂] type arrangement with both linear [Co^IN₂]^5– and smaller [CN₂]^2– ions mutually occupying the [HgO₂] position.     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur des ersten Oxonitridoborates — Sr3[B3O3N3]

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the First Oxonitridoborate — Sr₃[B₃O₃N₃] The cyclotri(oxonitridoborate) Sr₃[B₃O₃N₃] was synthesized at 1450 °C as coarsely crystalline colourless crystals by the reaction of SrCO₃ with poly(boron amide imide) using a radiofrequency furnace. The structure was solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry (Sr₃[B₃O₃N₃], Z = 4, P2₁/n, a = 663.16(2), b = 786.06(2), c = 1175.90(3) pm, η = 92.393(1)°, R1= 0.0441, wR2 = 0.1075, 1081 independent reflections, 110 refined parameters). Besides Sr²⁺ there are hitherto unknown cyclic [B₃O₃N₃]^6— ions (B—N 143.7(10) — 149.1(9) pm, B—O 140.5(8) — 141.4(8) pm).     

Preparation and Crystal Structure of Li4[TaN3]

The new lithium nitridotantalate(V), Li₄[TaN₃], was prepared by reaction of Li₁₅[CrN₄]₂N with the wall of a welded Ta ampoule in the presence of metallic Li at 1470 K. Li₄[TaN₃] forms colourless single crystals (platelets, space group Ibca, No. 73, a = 491.85(4) pm, b = 973.59(6) pm, c = 1415.0(1) pm, Z = 8, R1 = 0.0288). The crystal structure is described as Li₂O superstructure with ordered occupation of the tetrahedral sites by Li and Ta. The resulting arrangement leads to infinite chains [TaN₂N_2/2^4—] running along [100].     

Über die komplexen Hydroxide des Chroms: Na9[Cr(OH)6]2(OH)3 · 6 H2O und Na4[Cr(OH)6]X · H2O (X = Cl, (S2)1/2) – Synthese,Kristallstruktur und thermisches Verhalten

Complex Hydroxides of Chromium: Na₉[Cr(OH)₆]₂(OH)₃ · 6 H₂O and Na₄[Cr(OH)₆]X · H₂O (X = Cl, (S₂)_1/2) – Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Thermal Behaviour Green plate‐like crystals of Na₉[Cr(OH)₆]₂(OH)₃ · 6 H₂O (triclinic, P1, a = 872.9(1) pm, b = 1142.0(1) pm, c = 1166.0(1) pm, α = 74.27(1)°, β = 87.54(1)°, γ = 70.69(1)°) are obtained upon slow cooling of a hot saturated solution of Cr^III in conc. NaOH (50 wt%) at room temperature. In the presence of chloride or disulfide the reaction yields green prismatic crystals of Na₄[Cr(OH)₆]Cl · H₂O (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 1138.8(2) pm, b = 1360.4(1) pm, c = 583.20(7) pm, β = 105.9(1)°) or green elongated plates of Na₄[Cr(OH)₆](S₂)_1/2 · H₂O (monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 580.8(1) pm, b = 1366.5(3) pm, c = 1115.0(2) pm, β = 103.71(2)°), respectively. The latter compounds crystallize in related structures. All compounds can be described as distorted cubic closest packings of the anions and the crystal water molecules with the cations occupying octahedral sites in an ordered way. The thermal decomposition of the compounds was investigated by DSC/TG or DTA/TG and high temperature X‐ray powder diffraction measurements. In all cases the final decomposition product is NaCrO₂.     

Carbometallate: Komplexe Anionenverbände [MoC4/26—] in der Kristallstruktur von Pr[MoIIC2]

Carbometalates: Complex Anions equation/tex2gif-stack-4.gif [MoC_4/2^6—] in the Crystal Structure of Pr equation/tex2gif-stack-5.gif [Mo^IIC₂] Criteria for the existence of carbometalates are established and discussed in a broader context. The concept is then applied to the novel compound Pr₂[MoC₂], which is characterized by chemical analyses, X‐ray diffraction and metallography. The crystal structure (tetragonal, P4₂/mnm, Z = 4, a = 581.29(8) pm, c = 1032.53(14) pm) consists of layered polyanions equation/tex2gif-stack-6.gif[MoC_4/2^6—] of distorted vertex and edge sharing MoC₄ tetrahedra. Praseodymium is also in a distorted tetrahedral coordination by carbon. The physical properties show “bad metal” behaviour and localized magnetic 4f‐moments in agreement with the existence of Pr³⁺‐species. A detailed bonding analysis using both the electron localization function ELF and the COHP method justifies the interpretation of the title compound as a carbomolybdate(II).     

LiSr2[ReN4] und LiBa2[ReN4] – isotype Nitridorhenate(VII)

LiSr₂[ReN₄] and LiBa₂[ReN₄] – isotypic Nitridorhenates(VII) The quaternary nitridorhenates(VII) LiAE₂[ReN₄] (AE = Sr, Ba) were synthesized by reaction of the metals with molecular nitrogen at 850–900 °C. The plate‐like, nearly colourless crystals were investigated by X‐ray single crystal methods and were identified as isotypic phases: LiSr₂[ReN₄] (LiBa₂[ReN₄]); monoclinic, P2₁/m; a = 614.64(8) pm (651.04(12) pm), b = 585.97(6) pm (b = 598.86(9) pm), c = 689.70(17) pm (737.43(5) pm), β = 106.375(4)° (108.535(2)°); Z = 2. Crystals of the strontium compound were systematically twinned along [001]. In the crystal structures of the quaternary compounds the alkaline earth‐ and nitride‐ ions are arranged in the motif of the InNi₂‐type structure. Strontium and barium are in a trigonal prismatic coordination by nitrogen (Sr–N: 261.0(7)–284.3(4) pm; Ba–N: 278.0(7)–303.0(6) pm). One half of the tetrahedral voids within the partial structure formed by stacking of trigonal prismatic rod layers is occupied by rhenium (formation of [Re^VIIN₄]^5–‐tetrahedra; Re–N: 181.0(6)–184.5(8) pm), lithium takes the positions of the remaining tetrahedral sites (Li–N: 2 × 198(1) pm, 224(2) pm and 228(2) pm for the strontium phase). In the barium compound the lithium positions show a larger shift from the tetrahedral centres towards a tetrahedral plane (Li–N: 2 × 195(1) pm, 213(2) pm and 304(2) pm).     

Über die Schichtstruktur von Cu2(H2O)4[C4H4N2][C6H2(COO)4]·2H2O

The Layered Structure of Cu₂(H₂O)₄[C₄H₄N₂][C₆H₂(COO)₄]·2H₂O Triclinic single crystals of Cu₂(H₂O)₄[C₄H₄N₂][C₆H₂(COO)₄]·2H₂O have been grown in an aqueous silica gel. Space group (Nr. 2), a = 723.94(7) pm, b = 813.38(14) pm, c = 931.0(2) pm, α = 74.24(2)°, β = 79.24(2)°, γ = 65.451(10)°, V = 0.47819(14) nm³, Z = 1. Cu²⁺ is coordinated in a distorted, octahedral manner by two water molecules, three oxygen atoms of the pyromellitate anions and one nitrogen atom of pyrazine (Cu—O 194.1(2)–229.3(3) pm; Cu–N 202.0(2) pm). The connection of Cu²⁺ and [C₆H₂(COO)₄)]^4? yields infinite strands, which are linked by pyrazine molecules to form a two‐dimensional coordination polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis in air showed that the dehydrated compound was stable between 175 and 248 °C. Further heating yielded CuO.     

Novel Barium Beryllates Ba[Be2N2] and Ba3[Be5O8]: Syntheses,Crystal Structures and Bonding Properties

Ba[Be₂N₂] was prepared as a yellow‐green microcrystalline powder by reaction of Ba₂N with Be₃N₂ under nitrogen atmosphere. The crystal structure Rietfeld refinements (space group I4/mcm, a = 566.46(5) pm, c = 839.42(9) pm, R_int = 4.73 %, R_prof = 9.16 %) reveal the compound to crystallize as an isotype of the nitridoberyllates A[Be₂N₂] (A = Ca, Sr) consisting of planar 4.8² nets of mutually trigonal planar coordinated Be and N species. Averaged magnetic susceptibility values for the anion [(Be₂N₂)^2?] determined from measurements on A[Be₂N₂] with A = Mg, Ca, Ba allow to derive a diamagnetic increment for N^3? χ_dia = (?13±1stat.) · 10^?6emu mol^?1. Colorless Ba₃[Be₅O₈] was first obtained as an oxidation product of Ba[Be₂N₂] in air. The crystal structure was solved and refined from single crystal X‐ray diffaction data (space group Pnma, a = 942.9(1) pm, b = 1163.47(7) pm, c = 742.1(1) pm, R1 = 2.99 %, wR2 = 7.15 %) and contains infinite rods of Be in trigonal planar, tetrahedral and 3 + 1 coordination by O. The crystal structure is discussed in context with other known oxoberyllates. Electronic structure calculations and electron localization function diagrams for both compounds support the classification as nitrido‐ and oxoberyllate, respectively.     

New Phases in the Lithiumnitridovanadate System — The Solid Solution Li7‐2xMgx[VN4] with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1

Solid solution phases Li_7‐2xMg_x[VN₄] (0 < x ≤ 1) with varying Mg‐content are obtained as yellow microcrystalline powders from heat treatment of mixtures of VN, Li₃N and Mg₃N₂ or from mixtures of Li₇[VN₄] and Mg₃N₂ at 1370 K in N₂ atmosphere at ambient pressure. At substitution parameter values of x > 0.5 a subsequent distortion from the ideal cubic unit cell to an orthorhombic unit cell is observed. The crystal structure of Li_7‐2xMg_x[VN₄] with x ≈ 1 was refined from neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction data (space group Pbca, No. 61, a = 963.03(3) pm, b = 958.44(3) pm, c = 951.93(2) pm, neutron pattern 14° — 156° 2θ, step non‐linear ≈ 0.0782° 2θ, No. of measured points 1816, R_p = 0.089, R_wp = 0.115, R_Bragg = 0.155, R_F = 0.114; X‐ray pattern 10° — 98° 2θ, step 0.005° 2θ, No. of measured points 17600, R_p = 0.028, R_wp = 0.045, R_Bragg = 0.113, R_F = 0.133, structure variables: 45). The crystal structure resembles a Li₂O type superstructure with the atomic arrangement of β‐Li₇[VN₄] and with two crystallographic Li‐sites each substituted by Mg with statistical occupation factors of 0.5. Chemical analyses prove the composition and XAS spectroscopy at the V K‐edge support the +5 oxidation state assignment for vanadium. XAS data also support the tetrahedral coordination of vanadium by N as indicated by the structure refinements.     

The Crystal Structure of Solvent‐Free Silver Dodecachloro‐closo‐dodecaborate Ag2[B12Cl12] from Aqueous Solution

Colourless octahedral single crystals of solvent‐free Ag₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] (cubic, Pa3¯; a = 1238.32(7) pm, Z = 4) are obtained by the metathesis reaction of Cs₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and recrystallization of the crude product from water. The crystal structure is best described as a distorted anti‐CaF₂‐type arrangement in which the quasi‐icosahedral [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions (d(B—B) = d(B—Cl) = 177—180 pm) are arranged in a cubic closest‐packed fashion. The tetrahedral interstices are filled with Ag⁺ cations which are strongly displaced from their ideal positions. Thereby each silver atom gets coordinated by six chlorine atoms from the edges of three [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions providing a distorted octahedral coordination sphere to the Ag⁺ cations (d(Ag—Cl) = 283—285 pm, CN = 6).     

Ternäre Hydroxide. I. Synthese,Struktur und Eigenschaften von Li2[Sn(OH)6] · 2 H2O

Ternary Hydroxides. I. Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Li₂[Sn(OH)₆] · 2 H₂O Colourless crystals of Li₂[Sn(OH)₆] · 2 H₂O were synthesized by reaction of SnCl₄ with LiOH in aqueous solution. The crystal structure was determined from single crystal data. Li₂[Sn(OH)₆] · 2 H₂O: monoclinic, P2₁/n (Nr. 14), a = 502.3(1), b = 692.3(1), c = 1020.2(3) pm, β = 99.78(1)°, V = 349.6(2) · 10⁶ pm³, Z = 2, R/Rw = 0.0192/0.0472, N(I) > 2σ(I) = 1527, N(Par.) = 54. Within the crystal structure only slightly distorted octahedrally [Sn(OH)₆]^2? ions are bonded via hydrogen bonds with water molecules forming layers, which themselve are linked by tetrahedrally coordinated Li ions; the structure is in accordance with the IR-data and the results of the ¹¹⁹Sn solid state NMR-spectroscopy; the hydrat water is eliminated at 117.1°C, the condensation reaction – forming the ternary oxide – takes place at 257.7°C.     

Pniktogenidostannate(IV) mit isolierten Tetraeder‐Anionen: Neue Vertreter (E1)4(E2)2[Sn(E15)4] (mit E1 = Na,K; E2 = Ca,Sr, Ba; E15 = P,As, Sb,Bi) vom Na6[ZnO4]‐Typ und die Überstrukturvariante von K4Sr2[SnAs4]

Pnictogenidostannates(IV) with Discrete Tetrahedral Anions: New Representatives (E1)₄(E2)₂[Sn(E15)₄] (with E1 = Na, K; E2 = Ca, Sr, Ba; E15 = P, As, Sb, Bi) of the Na₆[ZnO₄] Type and the Superstructure Variant of K₄Sr₂[SnAs₄] The silvery to dark metallic lustrous compounds (E1)₄(E2)₂[Sn(E15)₄] (E1 = Na, K; E2 = Ca, Sr, Ba; E15 = P, As, Sb, Bi) were prepared from melts of stoichiometric mixtures of the elements. They crystallize in the Na₆[ZnO₄]‐type structure (hexagonal, space group: P6₃mc, Z = 2; Na₄Ca₂[SnP₄]: a = 938.94(7), c = 710.09(8) pm; K₄Sr₂[SnAs₄]: a = 1045.0(2), c = 767.0(1) pm; K₄Ba₂[SnP₄]: a = 1029.1(6), c = 780.2(4) pm; K₄Ba₂[SnAs₄]: a = 1051.3(1), c = 795.79(7) pm; K₄Ba₂[SnSb₄]: a = 1116.9(2), c = 829.2(1) pm; K₄Ba₂[SnBi₄]: a = 1139.5(2), c = 832.0(2) pm). The anionic partial structure consists of tetrahedra [Sn(E15)₄]^8– orientated all in the same direction along [001]. In the cationic partial structure one of the two cation positions is occupied statistically by alkali and alkaline earth metal atoms. Up to now only for K₄Sr₂[SnAs₄] a second modification could be isolated, forming a superstructure type with three times the unit cell volume (hexagonal, space group: P6₃cm, Z = 6; a = 1801.3(2), c = 767.00(9) pm) and an ordered cationic partial structure.     

Li4Ca3Si2N6 and Li4Sr3Si2N6 – Quaternary Lithium Nitridosilicates with Isolated [Si2N6]10– Ions

The isotypic nitridosilicates Li₄Ca₃Si₂N₆ and Li₄Sr₃Si₂N₆ were synthesized by reaction of strontium or calcium with Si(NH)₂ and additional excess of Li₃N in weld shut tantalum ampoules. The crystal structure, which has been solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (Li₄Sr₃Si₂N₆: C2/m, Z = 2, a = 6.1268(12), b = 9.6866(19), c = 6.2200(12) Å, β = 90.24(3)°, wR₂ = 0.0903) is made up from isolated [Si₂N₆]^10– ions and is isotypic to Li₄Sr₃Ge₂N₆. The bonding angels and distances within the edge‐sharing [Si₂N₆]^10– double‐tetrahedra are strongly dependent on the lewis acidity of the counterions. This finding is discussed in relation to the compounds Ca₅Si₂N₆ and Ba₅Si₂N₆, which also exhibit isolated [Si₂N₆]^10– ions.     

Ein neues Oxouranat(VI): K2Li4[UO6]. Mit einer Bemerkung über Rb2Li4[UO6] und Cs2Li4UO6

A New Oxouranate(VI): K₂Li₄[UO₆]. With a Remark about Rb₂Li₄[UO₆] and Cs₂Li₄[UO₆] For the first time K₂Li₄UO₆ has been prepared by an exchange reaction of α-Li₆UO₆ with K₂O [K:U = 2.0:1, sealed au-tube; 750°C; 30 d single crystals; 680°C, 10 d powder]. The irregular shaped single crystals, which are of yellow color and sensitive to moisture crystallize in P3 m1 (Z = 1) with a = 619.27(5), c = 533.76(6) pm. The structure determination (PW 1100, AgKα R = 4.80%, R_w = 4.81% for 220 unique reflexions) reveals a new type of structure. The characteristic elements are the isolated group [UO₆] and the C.N. = 12 for K⁺. While Li(1) has a nearly regular square of 4 O^2? as coordination polyhedron, Li(2) is octahedrally surrounded. The Madelung Part of Lattice Energy (MAPLE) is calculated and discussed. In addition to K₂Li₄[UO₆] the new oxides Rb₂Li₄[UO₆] and Cs₂Li₄[UO₆] are prepared as pale yellow powders which are little sensitive to moisture (both: au-tube, 680°C, 10 d). According to powder datas both compounds are isotypic with K₂Li₄[UO₆] [Rb₂Li₄[UO₆]: a = 622.91(5), c = 535.93(6) pm; Cs₂Li₄[UO₆]: a = 626.70(6), c = 539.92(6) pm].     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Vibrational Spectra of Novel Azidopalladates of the Alkali Metals Cs2[Pd(N3)4] and Rb2[Pd(N3)4]·2/3H2O

The transparent dark orange compounds Cs₂[Pd(N₃)₄] and Rb₂[Pd(N₃)₄]·²/₃H₂O are synthesized by reaction of the respective binary alkali metal azides with K₂PdCl₄ in aqueous solutions. According to single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction investigations, the novel ternary azidopalladates(II) crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (no. 14) with a = 705.7(2) pm, b = 717.3(2) pm, c = 1125.2(5) pm, β = 104.58(2)°, mP30 for Cs₂[Pd(N₃)₄] and a = 1041.4(1) pm, b = 1292.9(2) pm, c = 1198.7(1) pm, β = 91.93(1)°, mP102 for Rb₂[Pd(N₃)₄]·²/₃H₂O, respectively. Predominant structural features of both compounds are discrete [Pd^II(N₃)₄]^2– anions with palladium in a planar coordination by nitrogen, but differing in point group symmetries., The vibrational spectra of the compounds are analyzed based on the idealized point group C_4h of the spectroscopically relevant unit, [Pd(N₃)₄]^2– taking into account the site symmetry splitting due to the symmetry reduction in the solid phase.     

Synthesis,Crystal and Electronic Structure of the Nitridoaluminosilicate Ca5[Si2Al2N8]

Ca₅[Si₂Al₂N₈] was synthesized from elementary aluminum and silicon with phase‐pure tricalcium dinitride at 1280 K under dry argon in a sealed niobium ampoule. Ca₃N₂ was freshly prepared from distilled calcium metal in a dry nitrogen atmosphere. The compound crystallizes in form of transparent yellow distorted octahedra. In air and under moisture Ca₅[Si₂Al₂N₈] undergoes hydrolysis. The structure was determined from a single crystal to be orthorhombic (space group Pbcn – no. 60, a = 925.5, b = 614.0 and c = 1557.8 pm). The nitridoaluminate and ‐silicate substructures are separated into planes of edge and corner‐shared aluminate tetrahedra, which are linked by edge‐sharing double tetrahedral pillars of the silicate. The structure was confirmed by electrostatic and quantum mechanical analysis.