The Metallic Zintl Phase Ba3Si4 – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Chemical Bonding,and Physical Properties

The Zintl phase Ba₃Si₄ has been synthesized from the elements at 1273 K as a single phase. No homogeneity range has been found. The compound decomposes peritectically at 1307(5) K to BaSi₂ and melt. The butterfly‐shaped Si₄⁶⁻ Zintl anion in the crystal structure of Ba₃Si₄ (Pearson symbol tP28, space group P4₂/mnm, a = 8.5233(3) Å, c = 11.8322(6) Å) shows only slightly different Si‐Si bond lengths of d(Si–Si) = 2.4183(6) Å (1×) and 2.4254(3) Å (4×). The compound is diamagnetic with χ ≈ −50 × 10⁻⁶ cm³ mol⁻¹. DC resistivity measurements show a high electrical resistivity (ρ(300 K) ≈ 1.2 × 10⁻³ Ω m) with positive temperature gradient dρ/dT. The temperature dependence of the isotropic signal shift and the spin‐lattice relaxation times in ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy confirms the metallic behavior. The experimental results are in accordance with the calculated electronic band structure, which indicates a metal with a low density of states at the Fermi level. The electron localization function (ELF) is used for analysis of chemical bonding. The reaction of solid Ba₃Si₄ with gaseous HCl leads to the oxidation of the Si₄⁶⁻ Zintl anion and yields nanoporous silicon.     

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

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

Charged Si9 Clusters in Neat Solids and the Detection of [H2Si9]2− in Solution: A Combined NMR,Raman, Mass Spectrometric,and Quantum Chemical Investigation

Polyanionic silicon clusters are provided by the Zintl phases K₄Si₄, comprising [Si₄]⁴⁻ units, and K₁₂Si₁₇, consisting of [Si₄]⁴⁻ and [Si₉]⁴⁻ clusters. A combination of solid‐state MAS‐NMR, solution NMR, and Raman spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and quantum‐chemical investigations was used to investigate four‐ and nine‐atomic silicon Zintl clusters in neat solids and solution. The results were compared to ²⁹Si isotope‐enriched samples. ²⁹Si‐MAS NMR and Raman shifts of the phase‐pure solids K₄Si₄ and K₁₂Si₁₇ were interpreted by quantum‐chemical calculations. Extraction of [Si₉]⁴⁻ clusters from K₁₂Si₁₇ with liquid ammonia/222crypt and their transfer to pyridine yields in a red solid containing Si₉ clusters. This compound was characterized by elemental and EDX analyses and ²⁹Si‐MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy. Charged Si₉ clusters were detected by ²⁹Si NMR in solution. ²⁹Si and ¹H NMR spectra reveal the presence of the [H₂Si₉]²⁻ cluster anion in solution.     

Charged Si9 Clusters in Neat Solids and the Detection of [H2Si9]2− in Solution: A Combined NMR,Raman, Mass Spectrometric,and Quantum Chemical Investigation

Polyanionic silicon clusters are provided by the Zintl phases K₄Si₄, comprising [Si₄]⁴⁻ units, and K₁₂Si₁₇, consisting of [Si₄]⁴⁻ and [Si₉]⁴⁻ clusters. A combination of solid‐state MAS‐NMR, solution NMR, and Raman spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and quantum‐chemical investigations was used to investigate four‐ and nine‐atomic silicon Zintl clusters in neat solids and solution. The results were compared to ²⁹Si isotope‐enriched samples. ²⁹Si‐MAS NMR and Raman shifts of the phase‐pure solids K₄Si₄ and K₁₂Si₁₇ were interpreted by quantum‐chemical calculations. Extraction of [Si₉]⁴⁻ clusters from K₁₂Si₁₇ with liquid ammonia/222crypt and their transfer to pyridine yields in a red solid containing Si₉ clusters. This compound was characterized by elemental and EDX analyses and ²⁹Si‐MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy. Charged Si₉ clusters were detected by ²⁹Si NMR in solution. ²⁹Si and ¹H NMR spectra reveal the presence of the [H₂Si₉]²⁻ cluster anion in solution.     

Synthesis,Structural Characterization,Electronic Structure,and Magnetic Properties of the Zintl Phase Eu10Cd6Bi12

A new transition‐metal‐containing Zintl phase, Eu₁₀Cd₆Bi₁₂, was synthesized by combining the elements in excess molten Cd. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicated that this compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm (No. 65) with a=7.840(2), b=24.060(7), and c=4.7809(14) Å. The crystal structure of Eu₁₀Cd₆Bi₁₂ can be viewed as a stacking of a series of [Cd₆Bi₁₂] double layers, which are arranged alternately along the b axial direction. The layers are composed of corner‐ and edge‐shared CdBi₄ tetrahedra, a common feature in the crystal chemistry of many transition‐metal Zintl phases. Electronic‐band‐structure calculations confirm the closed‐shell configuration of all constituent elements and corroborate the electron count inferred by the Zintl formalism, that is, [Eu²⁺]₁₀[Cd²⁺]₆[Bi^3?]₈[Bi^2?]₄. Magnetic‐susceptibility measurements confirm the divalency of europium and show the existence of a long‐range antiferromagnetic order of the Eu spins below 12.3 K.     

The novel silicide Eu3Si4: structure, chemical bonding, magnetic behavior and electrical resistivity

The novel binary europium silicide Eu₃Si₄ was synthesized from the elements. Its crystal structure is a derivative of the Ta₃B₄ type: space group Immm, a=4.6164(4) Å, b=3.9583(3) Å, c=18.229(1) Å, Z=2. In the structure, the silicon atoms form one-dimensional bands of condensed hexagons. Deviating from the prototype structure, a partial corrugation of the initially planar bands may be concluded from the analysis of the experimental electron density in the vicinity of the Si1 atoms. In the paramagnetic region, Eu₃Si₄ shows a 4f⁷ electronic configuration for the europium atoms. Two consecutive magnetic ordering transitions were found at 117 and 40 K. The first one is attributed to a ferromagnetic ordering of the Eu2 atoms; the second one is caused by a ferromagnetic ordering of the Eu1 atoms resulting in a ferrimagnetic ground state with a net magnetization of 7 μ_B at 1.8 K. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity reflects the metallic character of the investigated compound. Furthermore, the pronounced changes of the dρ/dT slope confirm the magnetic transitions. From bonding analysis with the electron localization function, Eu₃Si₄ shows a Zintl-like character and its electronic count balance can be written as (Eu^1.83+)₃(Si1^0.95−)₂(Si2^1.8−)₂, in good agreement with its magnetic behavior in the paramagnetic region.     

Crystal structure, physical properties and HRTEM investigation of the new oxonitridosilicate EuSi2O2N2

The new layered oxonitridosilicate EuSi₂O₂N₂ has been synthesized in a radio‐frequency furnace at temperatures of about 1400 °C starting from europium(III ) oxide (Eu₂O₃) and silicon diimide (Si(NH)₂). The structure of the yellow material has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis (space group P1 (no. 1), a=709.5(1), b=724.6(1), c=725.6(1) pm, α=88.69(2), β=84.77(2), γ=75.84(2)°,V=360.19(9)×10⁶ pm³, Z=4, R1=0.0631, 4551 independent reflections, 175 parameters). Its anionic Si₂O₂N₂^2? layers consist of corner‐sharing SiON₃ tetrahedra with threefold connecting nitrogen and terminal oxygen atoms. High‐resolution transmission electron micrographs indicate both ordered and disordered crystallites as well as twinning. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of EuSi₂O₂N₂ exhibit Curie–Weiss behavior above 20 K with an effective magnetic moment of 7.80(5) μ_B Eu^?1, indicating divalent europium. Antiferromagnetic ordering is detected at 4.5(2) K. EuSi₂O₂N₂ shows a field‐induced transition with a critical field of 0.50(5) T. The four crystallographically different europium sites cannot be distinguished by ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy. The room‐temperature spectrum is fitted by one signal at an isomer shift of δ=?12.3(1) mm s^?1 subject to quadrupole splitting of ΔE_Q=?2.3(1) mm s^?1 and an asymmetry parameter of 0.46(3). Luminescence measurements show a narrow emission band with regard to the four crystallographic europium sites with an emission maximum at λ=575 nm.     

New Examples for the Unexpected Stability of the 10π‐Electron Hückel Arene [Si6]10–

The compounds Ba₄Ag₂Si₆, Eu₄Ag₂Si₆, and Ca₄Ag₂Si₆, prepared from the elements at 1273 K (the components in inner corundum crucibles are enclosed in sealed quartz ampoules), are brittle semiconductors with silvery luster. They react slowly with acids liberating hydrogen. Ba₄Ag₂[Si₆] and Eu₄Ag₂[Si₆] crystallize like Ba₄Li₂[Si₆] (space group Fddd (No. 70); a = 8.613 Å, b = 14.927 Å, c = 19.639 Å, and a = 8.420 Å, b = 14.585 Å, c = 17.864 Å, respectively), whereas Ca₄Ag₂[Si₆] represents a new structure type (space group Fmmm (No. 69); a = 8.315 Å, b = 14.391 Å, c = 8.646 Å). The three compounds are Zintl phases with the formal charges M²⁺, Ag⁺ and [Si₆]^10–. The mean bond lengths d(Si–Si) = 2.335–2.381 Å in the 10π‐Hückel arene [Si₆]^10– as well as d(Ag–Si) = 2.464–2.595 Å vary with the size of the M²⁺ cations. The chemical bonding was analyzed in terms of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and compared with the bonding in related systems (Ce₄Co₂Si₆).     

Inverse Perovskites (Eu3O)E with E = Sn,In – Preparation,Crystal Structures and Physical Properties

The cubic inverse Perovskites (Eu₃O)In and (Eu₃O)Sn were prepared from the metals and Eu₂O₃ or SnO₂, respectively. For (Eu₃O)In the crystal structure analysis was performed on single crystal X‐ray diffraction data (space group , a = 512.79(3) pm, Z = 1, R_gt(F) = 0.022, wR(F²) = 0.044). The data indicated full occupancy on all sites and a fully ordered structure. According to magnetic susceptibility measurements and X‐ray absorption spectroscopic data at the Eu L_III edge both compounds contain europium in the 4f⁷ (Eu²⁺) electronic state. (Eu₃O)In orders ferromagnetically at 185(5) K, (Eu₃O)Sn shows antiferromagnetic order at 31.4(2) K. Both compounds behave as metallic conductors in electrical resistivity measurements. However, (Eu₃O)In may be classified a metal, while (Eu₃O)Sn is more likely a heavily doped degenerated semiconductor or semimetal according to the absolute values of the resistivity.     

Ba6Mg10.8Li1.2Si12, die erste Verbindung mit drei verschiedenen Zintl‐Anionen

Ba₆Mg_10.8Li_1.2Si₁₂, the First Compound Containing Three Different Zintl Anions A novel quaternary Zintl phase of silicon is presented. The crystal structure of Ba₆Mg_10.8Li_1.2Si₁₂ (Pnma, a = 22.257(5), b = 4.5804(9), c = 14.007(3) Å) is the first example of a silicide with isolated silicon atoms, Si₂ dumb‐bells and Si₃ chains thus with three different Zintl anions within one structure. Accompanying quantumchemical investigations in the Extended Hückel framework give detailed insights in the present bond situation and support general trends found in unusual Zintl phases.     

Ln2Al3Si2 (Ln=Ho,Er, Tm): New Silicides from Molten Aluminum—Determination of the Al/Si Distribution with Neutron Crystallography and Metamagnetic Transitions

Highly metallic compounds with a quasi‐one‐dimensional structure, the new ternary compounds Ln₂Al₃Si₂ (Ln=Ho, Er, Tm) are synthesized in molten aluminum from lanthanoid and silicon as reagents. Their structures show a formally [Al₃Si₂]⁶⁻ framework that contains infinite Al zigzag chains and Si−Si dimers and accommodates rows of Ln³⁺ ions in parallel tunnels. The compounds exhibit metamagnetic transitions at high magnetic fields.     

Die neuen Schichtsilicate Ba3Si6O9N4 und Eu3Si6O9N4

The New Layer‐Silicates Ba₃Si₆O₉N₄ and Eu₃Si₆O₉N₄ The new oxonitridosilicate Ba₃Si₆O₉N₄ has been synthesized in a radiofrequency furnace starting from BaCO₃, amorphous SiO₂ and Si₃N₄. The reaction temperature was at about 1370 °C. The structure of the colorless compound has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis (Ba₃Si₆O₉N₄, space group P3 (no. 143), a = 724.9(1) pm, c = 678.4(2) pm, V = 308.69(9)· 10⁶ pm³, Z = 1, R1 = 0.0309, 1312 independent reflections, 68 refined parameters). The compound is built up of corner sharing SiO₂N₂ tetrahedra forming corrugated layers between which the Ba²⁺ ions are located. Substitution of barium by europium leads to the isotypic compound Eu₃Si₆O₉N₄. Because no single‐crystals could be obtained, a Rietveld refinement of the powder diffractogram was conducted for the structure refinement (Eu₃Si₆O₉N₄, space group P3 (no. 143), a = 711.49(1) pm, c = 656.64(2) pm, V = 287.866(8) ·10⁶ pm³, R_p = 0.0379, R_F² = 0.0638). The ²⁹Si MAS‐NMR spectrum of Ba₃Si₆O₉N₄ shows two resonances at ?64.1 and ?66.0 ppm confirming two different crystallographic Si sites.     

Structural and Electronic Flexibility in Hydrides of Zintl Phases with Tetrel–Hydrogen and Tetrel–Tetrel Bonds

The hydrogenation of Zintl phases enables the formation of new structural entities with main‐group‐element–hydrogen bonds in the solid state. The hydrogenation of SrSi, BaSi, and BaGe yields the hydrides SrSiH_{5/3−x ,} BaSiH_5/3−x and BaGeH_5/3−x . The crystal structures show a sixfold superstructure compared to the parent Zintl phase and were solved by a combination of X‐ray, neutron, and electron diffraction and the aid of DFT calculations. Layers of connected HSr₄ (HBa₄) tetrahedra containing hydride ions alternate with layers of infinite single‐ and double‐chain polyanions, in which hydrogen atoms are covalently bound to silicon and germanium. The idealized formulae AeTt H_5/3 (Ae =alkaline earth, Tt =tetrel) can be rationalized with the Zintl–Klemm concept according to (Ae ²⁺)₃(Tt H⁻)(Tt ₂H²⁻)(H⁻)₃, where all Tt atoms are three‐binding. The non‐stoichiometry (SrSiH_5/3−x , x =0.17(2); BaGeH_5/3−x , x =0.10(3)) can be explained by additional π‐bonding of the Tt chains.     

Kann man die Arten von Zintl-Anionen steuern?? Variationen über das Thema Si2− im System Sr/Mg/Si

Can One Design Zintl Anions? Contributions from the System Sr/Mg/Si to the Topic Si^2? Two novel ternary silicides, SrMgSi₂ (Pnma, Z = 8, a = 14.374, b = 4.4512, c = 11.398 Å) and Sr₁₁Mg₂Si₁₀, (C2/m, Z = 2, a = 19.744, b = 4.754, c = 14.84 Å, β = 112.47°) have been established in the ternary system Sr/Mg/Si. The compounds are synthezised from the elements under inert conditions. Single crystal structure determinations yield the novel Zintl anions, [Si(Si₃)^8?] a branched chain, and the zig-zag chain piece [Si₈]^18?, both of which exhibit significant correlations and differences with respect to the linear chains in [Si^?] in the binary MSi phases (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) which have been reinvestigated in this context. The variations of the Zintl anions can be traced back mainly to the differences of Mg? Si and Sr? Si interactions. From these findings a functional relationship between Mg content and the formation of endgroup members in Zintl anions of silicon is anticipated.     

Substitutional disorder in Sr2−yEuyB2−2xSi2+3xAl2−xN8+x (x≃ 0.12, y≃ 0.10)

A novel nitride, Sr_2−yEu_yB_2−2xSi_2+3xAl_2−xN_8+x (x≃ 0.12, y≃ 0.10) (distrontium europium diboron disilicon dialuminium octanitride), with the space group P2c, was synthesized from Sr₃N₂, EuN, Si₃N₄, AlN and BN under nitrogen gas pressure. The structure consists of a host framework with Sr/Eu atoms accommodated in the cavities. The host framework is constructed by the linkage of MN₄ tetrahedra (M = Si, Al) and BN₃ triangles, and contains substitutional disorder described by the alternative occupation of B₂ or Si₂N on the (0, 0, z) axis. The B₂:Si₂N ratio contained in an entire crystal is about 9:1.     

A Naphthalene-Like Si1010− Unit in the Novel ∞2[Si2030−] Planar Anion of Sr13Mg2Si20

Two interpenetrating ² _∞ [Si ₂₀ ³⁰⁻ ] polyanions with naphthalene-like Si₁₀¹⁰⁻ building blocks (see picture) characterize the“nonclassical” Zintl phase Sr₁₃Mg₂Si₂₀, which is formed from the elements at 1230–1240 K. The ecliptical stacking of the Si₁₀¹⁰⁻ units leads to one-dimensional conductivity along the stacking direction.     

Disilenyl Silylene Reactivity of a Cyclotrisilene

The highly reactive silicon congeners of cyclopropene, cyclotrisilenes (c‐Si₃R₄), typically undergo either π‐addition to the Si=Si double bond or σ‐insertion into the Si?Si single bond. In contrast, treatment of c‐Si₃Tip₄ (Tip=2,4,6‐ⁱPr₃C₆H₂) with styrene and benzil results in ring opening of the three‐membered ring to formally yield the [1+2]‐ and [1+4] cycloaddition product of the isomeric disilenyl silylene to the C=C bond and the 1,2‐diketone π system, respectively. At elevated temperature, styrene is released from the [1+2]‐addition product leading to the thermodynamically favored housane species after [2+2] cycloaddition of styrene and c‐Si₃Tip₄.     

Green Luminescence of Divalent Europium in the Hydride Chloride EuHCl

Luminescence properties of divalent europium in the mixed‐anion hydride chloride EuHCl were studied for the first time. Olive‐green single crystals of EuHCl (PbFCl‐type structure: tetragonal, P4/nmm, a = 406.58(3) pm, c = 693.12(5) pm, c/a = 1.705, Z = 2) resulted from the reaction of elemental europium (Eu), sodium hydride (NaH) and sodium chloride (NaCl), while powder samples were prepared from the binary components europium dihydride (EuH₂) and dichloride (EuCl₂). Low temperature X‐ray powder diffraction proved the absence of phase transitions for 12(2) K ≤ T ≤ 295(2) K. Bright green emission was observed under UV‐excitation and assigned to the 4f⁶5d¹–4f⁷ transition of divalent europium. Temperature‐dependent luminescence absorption and emission, as well as lifetime measurements were carried out on single crystal and powder samples. Surprisingly, only limited concentration quenching was found. Additionally, two emission bands (485 and 510 nm) are observed, whose intensity ratio depends strongly on temperature. In order to explain this behavior for a single Eu²⁺ site, we suggest either a dynamical Jahn–Teller effect in the excited 5d¹ state or emission from both a 4f⁶5d¹ state and a trapped exciton state.     

A new BaB2Si2O8:Eu/Eu, Tb phosphor - Synthesis and photoluminescence properties

In the present work, we have synthesized maleevite mineral phase BaB₂Si₂O₈ for the first time, which is isostructural with the pekovite mineral SrB₂Si₂O₈. In these europium doped host lattices, we observed the partial reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ at high temperature during the synthesis in air. Tb³⁺ co-doping in MB₂Si₂O₈:0.01(Eu³⁺/Eu²⁺) [M=Sr, Ba] improves the emission properties towards white light. The emission color varies from bluish white to greenish white under UV lamp excitation when the host cation changes from Sr to Ba.     

Facile Access to an NHC‐Coordinated Silicon Ring Compound with a Si=N Group and a Two‐Coordinate Silicon Atom

Reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilatetraamide Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄ 1 (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with 5 equiv of the N‐heterocyclic carbene NHC^Me4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) affords a bifunctional carbene‐coordinated four‐membered‐ring compound with a Si=N group and a two‐coordinate silicon atom Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂(NHC^Me4)₂(NDipp) 2 . When 2 reacts with 0.25 equiv sulfur (S₈), two sulfur atoms add to the divalent silicon atom in plane and perpendicular to the plane of the Si₄ ring, which confirms the silylone character of the two‐coordinate silicon atom in 2 .