Ternary rare-earth arsenides REZn3As3 (RE = La-Nd, Sm) and RECd3As3 (RE = La-Pr)

Ternary rare-earth zinc arsenides REZn(3)As(3) (RE = La-Nd, Sm) with polymorphic modifications different from the previously known defect CaAl(2)Si(2)-type forms, and the corresponding rare-earth cadmium arsenides RECd(3)As(3) (RE = La-Pr), have been prepared by reaction of the elements at 800 °C. LaZn(3)As(3) adopts a new orthorhombic structure type (Pearson symbol oP28, space group Pnma, Z = 4, a = 12.5935(8) ?, b = 4.1054(3) ?, c = 11.5968(7) ?) in which ZnAs(4) tetrahedra share edges to form ribbons that are fragments of other layered arsenide structures; these ribbons are then interconnected in a three-dimensional framework with large channels aligned parallel to the b direction that are occupied by La(3+) cations. All remaining compounds adopt the hexagonal ScAl(3)C(3)-type structure (Pearson symbol hP14, space group P6(3)/mmc, Z = 2; a = 4.1772(7)-4.1501(2) ?, c = 20.477(3)-20.357(1) ? for REZn(3)As(3) (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm); a = 4.4190(3)-4.3923(2) ?, c = 21.4407(13)-21.3004(8) ? for RECd(3)As(3) (RE = La-Pr)) in which [M(3)As(3)](3-) layers (M = Zn, Cd), formed by a triple stacking of nets of close-packed As atoms with M atoms occupying tetrahedral and trigonal planar sites, are separated by La(3+) cations. Electrical resistivity measurements and band structure calculations revealed that orthorhombic LaZn(3)As(3) is a narrow band gap semiconductor.     

Structural frustration and occupational disorder: the rare earth metal polysulfides Tb8S(14.8), Dy8S(14.9), Ho8S(14.9), and Y8S(14.8)

Dark red crystals of Y?S(14.8), Tb?S(14.8), Dy?S(14.9), and Ho?S(14.9) have been obtained following different reaction routes. The isostructural title compounds adopt the Gd?Se?? type, a 24-fold superstructure of the ZrSSi-type and can be described in space group A112 (non standard setting of C121, no. 5) with lattice parameter of a = 11.505(1) ?, b = 15.385(1) ?, c = 15.726(1) ?, and γ = 90.21(2)° for Y?S(15-x); a = 11.660(1) ?, b = 15.468(2) ?, c = 15.844(2) ?, and γ = 90.19(2)° for Tb?S(15-x); a = 11.584(1) ?, b = 15.340(2) ?, c = 15.789(2) ?, and γ = 90.34(2)° for Dy?S(15-x); and a = 11.538(1) ?, b = 15.288(2) ?, c = 15.740(2) ?, and γ = 90.23(1)° for Ho?S(15-x), respectively. The structure consists of an alternating stacking of puckered [RES] (RE, rare-earth metals) double slabs and planar sulfur layers along [001]. The planar sulfur layers have a complex arrangement of S?2? dinuclear dianions, isolated S2? ions, and vacancies. All compounds contain trivalent rare-earth metal ions, for Tb?S(15-x) and Dy?S(15-x) antiferromagnetic order was found at T(N) = 5.4(2) K and 3.8(1) K, respectively. Short wavelength cutoff optical band gaps of 1.6 to 1.7 eV were determined.     

A New Family of Nonstoichiometric Layered Rare-Earth Tin Antimonides, RESn(x)()Sb(2) (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm): Crystal Structure of LaSn(0.75)Sb(2)

A new class of nonstoichiometric layered ternary rare-earth tin antimonides, RESn(x)()Sb(2) (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm), has been synthesized through reaction of the elements at 950 degrees C. In the lanthanum series LaSn(x)()Sb(2), tin can be incorporated from a maximum content of x approximately 0.7 or 0.8 to as low as x approximately 0.10. The structure of lanthanum tin diantimonide with the maximum tin content, LaSn(0.75)Sb(2), has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group -Cmcm with a = 4.2425(5) ?, b = 23.121(2) ?, c = 4.5053(6) ?, and Z = 4. The isostructural rare-earth analogues were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The structure of LaSn(0.75)Sb(2) comprises layers of composition "LaSb(2)" in which La atoms are coordinated by Sb atoms in a square-antiprismatic geometry. Between these layers reside chains of Sn atoms distributed over three crystallographically independent sites, each partially occupied at about 20%. The structure of LaSn(0.75)Sb(2) can be regarded as resulting from the excision of RE-Sb and Sb-Sb bonds in the related structures of binary rare-earth diantimonides, RESb(2), and then intercalation of Sn atoms between layers.     

Utility of Arylamido Ligands in Yttrium and Lanthanide Chemistry(1)

The reactivity of KNHAr reagents (Ar = C(6)H(5), C(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6, C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6) with lanthanide and yttrium trichlorides has been investigated. With the larger metals Nd and Sm and the smaller 2,6-dimethyl-substituted ligand, the bimetallic dianionic complexes [K(THF)(6)](2)[Ln(&mgr;-NHC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(NHC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(3)](2) (Ln: Sm, 1a; Nd, 1b) are isolated as the potassium salts. Under the same reaction conditions YCl(3) forms a bimetallic anion which retains chloride: [K(DME)(2)(THF)(3)][Y(2)(&mgr;-NHC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(2)(&mgr;-Cl)(NHC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(4)(THF)(2)], 2. With the larger 2,6-diisopropyl ligands, neutral complexes are isolated in both solvated monometallic and unsolvated bimetallic forms. With Nd, a distorted octahedral trisolvate, Nd(NHC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(3)(THF)(3), 3, was obtained, whereas with Yb and Y the trigonal bipyramidal disolvates, Ln(NHC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(3)(THF)(2) (Ln: Yb, 4a; Y, 4b), were isolated. THF-free complexes of the NHC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6 ligand are available by reacting the amine NH(2)C(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6 with Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) complexes. By this route, the dimers [Ln(&mgr;-NHC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(NHC(6)H(3)(i)Pr(2)-2,6)(2)](2) (Ln: Yb, 5a; Y, 5b) were isolated. The reaction of the unsubstituted arylamido salt KNHC(6)H(5) with NdCl(3) produced an insoluble material which was characterized as [Nd(NHC(6)H(5))(3)(KCl)(3)], 6. 6 reacted with Al(2)Me(6) in hexanes and produced a heteroleptic mixed-metal complex {[Me(2)Al(&mgr;-Me(2))](2)Nd(&mgr;(3)-NC(6)H(5))(&mgr;-Me)AlMe}(2), 7, and the trimeric aluminum arylamido complex [Me(2)Al(&mgr;-NHC(6)H(5))](3), 8. The solvent of crystallization and relevant crystallographic data for the compounds identified by X-ray analysis follow: 1a,THF, 156 K, P2(1)/n, a = 12.985(2) ?, b = 27.122(5) ?, c = 17.935(3) ?, beta = 100.19(1) degrees, V = 6216(1) ?(3), Z = 2, 6148 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 7.1%; 1b,THF, 156 K, P2(1)/n, a = 12.998(2) ?, b = 27.058(3) ?, c = 17.962(2) ?, beta = 99.74(1) degrees, V = 6225(1) ?(3), Z = 2; 2,DME/hexanes, P2(1)/n, a = 23.335(2) ?, b = 12.649(1) ?, c = 27.175(3) ?, beta = 96.36(1) degrees, V = 7971(1) ?(3), Z = 4, 2788 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 9.5%; 3, THF, P2(1), a = 12.898(1) ?, b = 16.945(1) ?, c = 13.290(1) ?, beta = 118.64(2) degrees, V = 2549.3(3) ?(3), Z = 2, 3414 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 4.3%; 4a, hexanes, P2(1), a = 9.718(2) ?, b = 19.119(3) ?, c = 12.640(2) ?, beta = 112.08(1) degrees, V = 2176.3(6) ?(3), Z = 2, 2933 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 4.3%; 4b, hexanes, 158 K, a = 9.729(2) ?, b = 19.095(5) ?, c = 12.744(1) ?, beta = 112.11(1) degrees, V = 2193.4(6) ?(3); 5b, hot toluene, 158 K, P2(1), a =19.218(9) ?, b = 9.375(3) ?, c = 19.820(5) ?, beta = 110.25(2) degrees, V = 3350(2)?(3), Z = 2, 1718 reflections (I > 2sigma (I)), R1 = 9.7%; 7, hexanes, 156 K, P&onemacr;, a = 9.618(3) ?, b = 12.738(4) ?, c = 9.608(3) ?, alpha = 99.32(1) degrees, beta = 108.87(1) degrees, gamma = 94.23(1) degrees, V = 1089.1(6) ?(3), Z = 2, 2976 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 3.9%; 8, hexanes, 156 K, Pcab, a = 23.510(5) ?, b = 25.462(5) ?, c = 8.668(2) ?, V = 5188(1) ?(3), Z = 8, 1386 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)), R(F)() = 5.7%.     

Diverse closed cavities in condensed rare earth metal-chalcogenide matrixes: Cs[Lu7Q11] and (ClCs6)[RE21Q34] (RE = Dy, Ho; Q = S, Se, Te)

Two types of novel ordered chalcogenids Cs[Lu(7)Q(11)] (Q = S, Se) and (ClCs(6))[RE(21)Q(34)] (RE = Dy, Ho; Q = S, Se, Te) were discovered by high-temperature solid state reactions. The structures were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Cs[Lu(7)Q(11)] crystallize in the orthorhombic Cmca (no. 64) with a = 15.228(4)-15.849(7) ?, b = 13.357(3)-13.858(6) ?, c = 18.777(5)-19.509(8) ?, and Z = 8. (ClCs(6))[RE(21)Q(34)] crystallize in the monoclinic C2/m (no. 12) with a = 17.127(2)-18.868(2) ?, b = 19.489(2)-21.578(9) ?, c = 12.988(9)-14.356(2) ?, β = 128.604(2)-128.738(4)°, and Z = 2. Both types of compounds feature 3D RE-Q network structures that embed with dual tricapped cubes Cs(2)@Se(18) in the former or unprecedented matryoshka nesting doll structure cavities of (ClCs(6))@Se(32) in the latter. The band gap, band structure, as well as a structure change trend of the majority of A/RE/Q compounds are presented.     

Structural studies on single crystals of Chevrel phase selenides REMo6Se8 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, or Sm) at 298 K

We report on structural studies at room temperature of rare-earth based Chevrel phase selenides of the formula RExMo6Se8, where RE stands for a light rare-earth La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), or Sm (5). The single crystals were grown at 1650 degrees C < T < 1690 degrees C from off-stoichiometric starting compositions, with the exception of 3, which was grown at 1710 degrees C from a stoichiometric charge (congruently melting material). The crystal structures were solved in space group R3 (No. 148; Z = 1) and found to be isostructural with the well-known Chevrel phases having large cations (e.g., PbMo6S8, REMo6S8). The structures are based on Mo6Se8 metallic clusters that are slightly rotated inside a pseudocubic rare-earth sublattice. Structural refinements revealed that the origin site, occupied by the RE atoms, exhibits slight deficiencies, leading to a RExMo6Se8 composition, with x ranging between approximately 0.82 and approximately 0.92: 1 La0.88Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7577(9) A, alpha rh = 88.62(2) degrees; 2a Ce0.82Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7407(6) A, alpha rh = 88.83(2) degrees; 2b Ce0.92Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7473(9) A, alpha rh = 88.69(2) degrees; 3 Pr0.86Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7385(6) A, alpha rh = 88.81(2) degrees; 4 Nd0.85Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7286(5) A, alpha rh = 88.85(1) degrees; and 5 Sm0.87Mo6Se8, arh = 6.7182(2) A, alpha rh = 88.956(3) degrees. All of the structural data presented in this work (lattice constants, positional parameters and interatomic distances) concern an average RE content of x approximately 0.87. In this way, any influence due to electronic effects (VEC number) can be discarded, and exact correlations between these parameters and the ionic radius of the rare-earth atoms can then be established.     

Structures and physical properties of rare-earth zinc antimonides Pr6Zn(1+x)Sb(14+y) and RE6Zn(1+x)Sb14 (RE = Sm, Gd-Ho)

A new series of isostructural ternary rare-earth zinc antimonides RE(6)Zn(1+x)Sb(14+y) (RE = Pr, Sm, Gd-Ho) has been obtained by direct reaction of the elements at 1050-1100 degrees C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that these compounds adopt an orthorhombic structure type (space group Immm (no. 71), Z = 2, a = 4.28-4.11 A, b = 15.15-14.73 A, c = 19.13-18.56 A in the progression from RE = Pr to Ho) that may be regarded as stuffed variants of a (U(0.5)Ho(0.5))(3)Sb(7)-type host structure. Columns of face-sharing RE(6) trigonal prisms, centered by Sb atoms, occupy channels defined by an extensive polyanionic Sb network. This network is constructed from three-atom-wide and four-atom-wide Sb strips, the latter being linked together by single Sb atoms in RE(6)Zn(1+x)Sb(14) (RE = Sm, Gd-Ho; y = 0), but also by additional Sb-Sb pairs in a disordered fashion in Pr(6)Zn(1+x)Sb(14+y) (y = approximately 0.6). Interstitial Zn atoms then partially fill tetrahedral sites (occupancy of 0.5-0.7) and, to a lesser extent, square pyramidal sites (occupancy of 0.04-0.12), accounting for the observed nonstoichiometry with variable x. Except for the Gd member, these compounds undergo antiferromagnetic ordering below T(N) < 9 K, with the magnetic susceptibilities of the Tb, Dy, and Ho members following the Curie-Weiss law above T(N). For the Ho member, the thermal conductivities are low and the Seebeck coefficients are small and positive, implying p-type character consistent with the occurrence of partial Zn occupancies. At low temperatures (down to 5 K), electrical resistivity measurements for the Tb, Dy, and Ho members indicated metallic behavior, which persists at high temperatures (up to 560 K) for the Ho member. Band structure calculations on an idealized "Gd(6)Zn(2)Sb(14)" model revealed the existence of a pseudogap near the Fermi level.     

Rare-earth tricyanomelaminates [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)H(2)O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy): structural investigation, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and photoluminescence

The rare-earth tricyanomelaminates, [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O (LnTCM; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy), have been synthesized through ion-exchange reactions. They have been characterized by powder as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N MAS NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray powder pattern common to all nine rare-earth tricyanomelaminates LnTCM (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) indicates that they are isostructural. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction pattern of LnTCM is indicative of non-merohedral twinning. The crystals are triclinic and separation of the twin domains as well as refinement of the structure were successfully carried out in the space group P1 for LaTCM (LaTCM; P1, Z=2, a=7.1014(14), b=13.194(3), c=13.803(3) A, alpha=90.11(3), beta=77.85(3), gamma=87.23(3) degrees , V=1262.8(4) A(3)). In the crystal structure, each Ln(3+) is surrounded by two nitrogen atoms from two crystallographically independent tricyanomelaminate moieties and seven oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules. The positions of all of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ions and water molecules could not be located from difference Fourier syntheses. The presence of [NH(4)](+) ions as well as two NH groups belonging to two crystallographically independent monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties has only been confirmed by subjecting LaTCM to solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N{(1)H} cross-polarization (CP) MAS NMR and advanced CP experiments such as cross-polarization combined with polarization inversion (CPPI). The (1)H 2D double-quantum single-quantum homonuclear correlation (DQ SQ) spectrum and the (15)N{(1)H} 2D CP heteronuclear-correlation (HETCOR) spectrum have revealed the hydrogen-bonded (N--HN) dimer of monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties as well as H-bonding through [NH(4)](+) ions and H(2)O molecules. The structures of the other eight rare-earth tricyanomelaminates (LnTCM; Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method. Photoluminescence studies of [NH(4)]Eu[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have revealed orange-red (lambda(max)=615 nm) emission due to the (5)D(0)-(7)F(2) transition, whereas [NH(4)]Tb[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O has been found to show green emission with a maximum at 545 nm arising from the (5)D(4)-(7)F(5) transition. DTA/TG studies of [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have indicated several phase transitions associated with dehydration of the compounds above 150 degrees C and decomposition above 200 degrees C.     

Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Novel [Ln(III)Cu(II)(4)] (Ln = Gd, Dy, Ho) Pentanuclear Complexes. Topology and Ferromagnetic Interaction in the Ln(III)-Cu(II) Pair

The first pentanuclear complexes of formula {Dy[Cu(apox)](2)[Cu(apox)(H(2)O)](2)}[ClO(4)](3).7H(2)O (1), {Ho[Cu(apox)][Cu(apox)(H(2)O)](3)}[PF(6)](3).4.5H(2)O (2), {Gd[Cu(apox)](2)[Cu(apox)(H(2)O)](2)}[ClO(4)](3).7H(2)O (3) and {Gd[Cu(apox)][Cu(apox) (H(2)O)](3)}[PF(6)](3).4.5H(2)O (4) (H(2)apox = N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)oxamide) have been synthesized. The crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural with 1 and 2, respectively. Crystallographic data are as follows: 1 and 3, monoclinic, space group C2/c and Z = 4, with a = 14.646(6) ?, b = 29.496(7) ?, c = 16.002(7) ?, and beta = 111.76(2) degrees for 1 and a = 14.523(6) ?, b = 29.441(6) ?, c = 15.925(8) ?, and beta = 111.90(4) degrees for 3; 2 and 4, triclinic, P&onemacr;, and Z = 2, with a = 14.346(2) ?, b = 14.454(2) ?, c = 18.107(4) ?, alpha = 90.95(2) degrees, beta = 110.75(2) degrees, and gamma = 106.77(2) degrees for 2 and a = 14.365(6) ?, b = 14.496(5) ?, c = 18.172(7) ?, alpha = 91.27(3) degrees, beta = 110.74(3) degrees, and gamma = 106.67(3) degrees for 4. A tripositive ion is present in these structures, the electroneutrality being achieved by three uncoordinated perchlorate (1) or hexafluorophosphate (2) anions. The lanthanide cations are eight-coordinate with a pseudo-square-antiprismatic environment formed by carbonyl oxygen atoms from two [Cu(apox)] and two Cu(apox)(H(2)O)] (1) and one [Cu(apox)] and three [Cu(apox)(H(2)O)] (2) bidentate ligands. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of complexes 1-4 was investigated in the range 1.8-300 K. The ligand-field effect, as well as the mixing of the free-ion states in Dy(III) and Ho(III), make extremely difficult the analysis of the overall antiferromagnetic interaction which is observed for complexes 1 and 2. The magnetic susceptibility data for complexes 3 and 4 have shown that the ground-state spin for the [Gd(III)Cu(II)(4)] unit is S = 11/2, the Gd(III)-Cu(II) interaction being ferromagnetic with an interaction parameter J(GdCu) = 0.85 cm(-)(1) (the interaction Hamiltonian is of the form H = -JS(A).S(B)). The field dependence of the magnetization at 2 K of 3 and 4 confirms the nature of the ground state and of the Gd(III)-Cu(II) interaction. The influence of the topology and of the type of bridging ligand on the nature and magnitude of the magnetic interaction in the Gd(III)-Cu(II) pair is analyzed and discussed in light of available magnetostructural data.     

REMGa3Ge and RE3Ni3Ga8Ge3 (M = Ni, Co; RE = rare-earth element): new intermetallics synthesized in liquid gallium. X-ray, electron, and neutron structure determination and magnetism

New quaternary intermetallic phases REMGa(3)Ge (1) (RE = Y, Sm, Tb, Gd, Er, Tm; M = Ni, Co) and RE(3)Ni(3)Ga(8)Ge(3) (2) (RE = Sm, Gd) were obtained from exploratory reactions involving rare-earth elements (RE), transition metal (M), Ge, and excess liquid Ga the reactive solvent. The crystal structures were solved with single-crystal X-ray and electron diffraction. The crystals of 1 and 2 are tetragonal. Single-crystal X-ray data: YNiGa(3)Ge, a = 4.1748(10) A, c = 23.710(8) A, V = 413.24(2) A(3), I4/mmm, Z = 4; Gd(3)Ni(3)Ga(8)Ge(3), a = 4.1809(18) A, c = 17.035(11) A, V = 297.8(3) A(3), P4/mmm, Z = 1. Both compounds feature square nets of Ga atoms. The distribution of Ga and Ge atoms in the REMGa(3)Ge was determined with neutron diffraction. The neutron experiments revealed that in 1 the Ge atoms are specifically located at the 4e crystallographic site, while Ga atoms are at 4d and 8g. The crystal structures of these compounds are related and could be derived from the consecutive stacking of disordered [MGa](2) puckered layers, monatomic RE-Ge planes and [MGa(4)Ge(2)] slabs. Complex superstructures with modulations occurring in the ab-plane and believed to be associated with the square nets of Ga atoms were found by electron diffraction. The magnetic measurements show antiferromagnetic ordering of the moments located on the RE atoms at low temperature, and Curie-Weiss behavior at higher temperatures with the values of mu(eff) close to those expected for RE(3+) free ions.     

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of [Zr(6)Cl(18)H(5)](2)(-), the First Paramagnetic Species of Its Class

Reaction of [Zr(6)Cl(18)H(5)](3)(-) (1) with 1 equiv of TiCl(4) yields a new cluster anion, [Zr(6)Cl(18)H(5)](2)(-) (2), which can be converted back into [Zr(6)Cl(18)H(5)](3)(-) (1) upon addition of 1 equiv of Na/Hg. Cluster 2 is paramagnetic and unstable in the presence of donor molecules. It undergoes a disproportionation reaction to form 1, some Zr(IV) compounds, and H(2). It also reacts with TiCl(4) to form [Zr(2)Cl(9)](-) (4) and a tetranuclear mixed-metal species, [Zr(2)Ti(2)Cl(16)](2)(-) (3). The oxidation reaction of 1 with TiCl(4) is unique. Oxidation of 1 with H(+) in CH(2)Cl(2) solution results in the formation of [ZrCl(6)](2)(-) (5) and H(2), while in py solution the oxidation product is [ZrCl(5)(py)](-) (6). There is no reaction between 1 and TiI(4), ZrCl(4), [TiCl(6)](2)(-), [ZrCl(6)](2)(-), or CrCl(3). Compounds [Ph(4)P](2)[Zr(6)Cl(18)H(5)] (2a), [Ph(4)P](2)[Zr(2)Ti(2)Cl(16)] (3a), [Ph(4)P](2)[Zr(2)Cl(9)] (4a), [Ph(4)P](2)[ZrCl(6)].4MeCN (5a.4MeCN), and [Ph(4)P][ZrCl(5)(py)] (6a) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 2a crystallized in the trigonal space group R&thremacr; with cell dimensions (20 degrees C) of a = 28.546(3) ?, b = 28.546(3) ?, c = 27.679(2) ?, V = 19533(3) ?(3), and Z = 12. Compound 3a crystallized in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with cell dimensions (-60 degrees C) of a = 11.375(3) ?, b = 13.357(3) ?, c = 11.336(3) ?, alpha = 106.07(1) degrees, beta = 114.77(1) degrees, gamma = 88.50(1) degrees, V = 1494.8(7) ?(3), and Z = 1. Compound 4a crystallized in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with cell dimensions (-60 degrees C) of a = 12.380(5) ?, b = 12.883(5) ?, c = 11.000(4) ?, alpha = 110.39(7) degrees, beta = 98.29(7) degrees, gamma = 73.12(4) degrees, V = 1572(1) ?(3), and Z = 2. Compound 5a.4MeCN crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with cell dimensions (-60 degrees C) of a = 9.595(1) ?, b = 19.566(3) ?, c = 15.049(1) ?, beta = 98.50(1) degrees, V = 2794.2(6) ?(3), and Z = 2. Compound 6a crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with cell dimensions (20 degrees C) of a = 10.3390(7) ?, b = 16.491(2) ?, c = 17.654(2) ?, beta = 91.542(6) degrees, V = 3026.4(5) ?(3), and Z = 4.     

New layered germanide halides RE2GeX2 (RE = Y, Gd; X = Br, I)

The title compounds were synthesized from RE, REX3, and Ge under an Ar atmosphere at 1200-1370 K. Y2GeI2 and Gd2GeI2 crystallize in space group Rm with lattice constants a = 4.2135(3) and 4.2527(1) A and c = 31.480(2) and 31.657(1) A, respectively. Gd2GeBr2 crystallizes in two modifications, the 1T-type (space group Pm1; a = 4.1668(2) A, c = 9.8173(6) A) and the 3R-type (space group Rm; a = 4.1442(9) A, c = 29.487(7) A). The structural motifs of RE2GeX2 compounds are Ge-centered slightly distorted RE6 octahedra connected via their common edges and extending in the a and b directions. The resulting close-packed double layers are separated by halogen atoms. The electrical resistivity measurements revealed semiconductor behavior for Y2GeI2 and Gd2GeI2 and a metal-semiconductor transition for 1T-Gd2GeBr2. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements show long-range magnetic ordering for Gd2GeI2 and 1T-Gd2GeBr2 at approximately 15 and approximately 13 K, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new three-dimensional lanthanide carboxyphosphonate: Ln(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5)

The first open-framework lanthanide carboxyphosphonate has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The three-dimensional structure of MIL-84(Pr) (MIL = Material Institut Lavoisier) or Pr(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5) has been solved from X-ray diffraction single-crystal data (a = 23.481(1) A, b = 10.159(1) A, c = 23.006(1) A, beta = 105.63(1) degrees, V = 5284.6(6) A(3), space group Cc (No. 9)). Its framework is built up from chains of edged-sharing eight or nine-coordinated monocapped square antiprism polyhedra and carboxyphosphonate anions, creating a three-dimensional structure with small pores filled with water molecules. The thermal behavior of MIL-84(Pr) has been investigated using TGA and X-ray thermodiffractometry and indicates that MIL-84(Pr) is stable up to 523 K with a reversible hydration-dehydration process. The optical study of its yttrium analogue doped at 3.4% with europium (MIL-84(Y,Eu)) reveals a significant red-orange emission under UV radiation.     

New Materials Derived from Ybco: CrSr2RECu2O8 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Ho, Er, Lu)

Eleven new oxides, derived from yttrium barium copper oxide by replacing the square-planar copper [Cu-O4] of the basal plane of the triple perovskite-based structure with octahedral Cr(IV), have been prepared at high pressure and temperature. Their crystal structures have been determined, and their complex microstructure has been established by means of high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The materials have a general formula of CrSr2RECu2O8 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Ho, Er, and Lu); they are tetragonal, show the symmetry of space group P4/mmm, and do not appear to be superconducting.     

Structure and physical properties of ternary rare-earth cobalt bismuth intermetallics (RE)12Co5Bi (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm)

The rare-earth intermetallic compounds (RE)12Co5Bi (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) were prepared by arc-melting and annealing at 600 degrees C. These compounds extend the previously known (RE)6M2+xX1-x (M = Co, Ni; X = Ga, In, Sn, Pb) series with the Ho6Co2Ga-type structure to X = Bi. The crystal structure of Ho12Co5Bi was refined by the Rietveld method from powder X-ray diffraction data obtained using synchrotron radiation (Pearson symbol oI36, orthorhombic, space group Immm, Z = 2, a = 9.37598(14) A, b = 9.37871(14) A, c = 9.85465(13) A). Unlike other Ho6Co2Ga-type compounds, the 2a site in Ho12Co5Bi is exclusively occupied by Co atoms. Four-probe electrical resistivity measurements on sintered polycrystalline samples of (RE)12Co5Bi indicated metallic behavior. Magnetic measurements revealed behavior ranging from frequency-dependent maxima in the ac susceptibility for Y12Co5Bi to possible ferrimagnetic ordering for Gd12Co5Bi to antiferromagnetic ordering with metamagnetic transitions for the remaining compounds. As confirmed by band structure calculations using Y12Co5Bi as a model compound, Y-Y and Y-Co interactions are the most important bonding components, but matrix effects are likely responsible for anomalously short Co-Co contacts in the structure.     

Synthesis, crystal chemistry, and magnetic properties of RE7Li8Ge10 and RE11Li12Ge16 (RE = La-Nd, Sm): new members of the [REGe2](n)[RELi2Ge](m) homologous series

Eight new rare-earth metal-lithium-germanides belonging to the [REGe(2)](n)[RELi(2)Ge](m) homologous series have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures of the title compounds can be rationalized as linear intergrowths of imaginary RELi(2)Ge (MgAl(2)Cu structure type) and REGe(2) (AlB(2) structure type) slabs. The compounds with general formula RE(7)Li(8)Ge(10) (RE = La-Nd, Sm), i.e., [REGe(2)](3)[RELi(2)Ge](4), crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm (No. 65) with a new structure type. Similarly, the compounds with general formula RE(11)Li(12)Ge(16) (RE = Ce-Nd), i.e., [REGe(2)](5)[RELi(2)Ge](6), crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Immm (No. 71) also with its own structure type. Temperature-dependent DC magnetization measurements indicate Curie-Weiss paramagnetism in the high-temperature regime and hint at complex magnetic ordering at low temperatures. The measured effective moments are consistent with RE(3+) ground states in all cases. The experimental results have been complemented by tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) electronic structure calculations.     

Ternary rare-earth manganese bismuthides: structures and physical properties of RE(3)MnBi(5) (RE = La-Nd) and Sm(2)Mn(3)Bi(6)

Investigations in the ternary RE-Mn-Bi systems where RE is an early rare earth element have revealed the existence of the polybismuthides RE3MnBi5 (RE = La-Nd), previously known only for the Ce member, and the new compound Sm2Mn3Bi6. Their structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The RE3MnBi5 compounds adopt the hexagonal inverse Hf5Cu3Sn-type structure (Pearson symbol hP18, space group P63/mcm, a = 9.7139(11)-9.5438(16) A, c = 6.4883(7)-6.4089(11) A for RE = La-Nd), containing chains of face-sharing Mn-centered octahedra. Sm2Mn3Bi6 adopts a new monoclinic structure type (Pearson symbol mP22, space group P21/m, a = 10.3917(8) A, b = 4.4557(3) A, c = 13.2793(10) A, beta = 108.0100(10) degrees ) in which the Mn centers are coordinated by Bi atoms in diverse geometries (distorted octahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and distorted tetrahedral (seesaw)) and participate in extensive metal-metal bonding in the form of chains of Mn3 clusters. Homoatomic bonding interactions involving nominally anionic Bi atoms are manifested as one-dimensional Bi chains in RE3MnBi5 and as four-atom-wide Bi ribbons in Sm2Mn3Bi6. Electrical resistivity measurements on single crystals revealed metallic behavior with prominent transitions near 40 K for RE3MnBi5 and 50 K for Sm2Mn3Bi6. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that Pr3MnBi5 undergoes magnetic ordering near 25 K.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of four new organically templated metal sulfates [C5H14N2][M(II)(H2O)6](SO4)2, (M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)

A series of novel organically templated metal sulfates, [C(5)H(14)N(2)][M(II)(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2) with (M(II) = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3) and Ni (4)), have been successfully synthesized by slow evaporation and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic measurements. All compounds were prepared using a racemic source of the 2-methylpiperazine and they crystallized in the monoclinic systems, P2(1)/n for (1, 3) and P2(1)/c for (2,4). Crystal data are as follows: [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Mn(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 6.6385(10) ?, b = 11.0448(2) ?, c = 12.6418(2) ?, β = 101.903(10)°, V = 906.98(3) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Fe(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 10.9273(2) ?, b = 7.8620(10) ?, c = 11.7845(3) ?, β = 116.733(10)°, V = 904.20(3) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Co(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 6.5710(2) ?, b = 10.9078(3) ?, c = 12.5518(3) ?, β = 101.547(2)°, V = 881.44(4) ?(3), Z = 2; [C(5)H(14)N(2)][Ni(H(2)O)(6)](SO(4))(2), a = 10.8328(2) ?, b = 7.8443(10) ?, c = 11.6790(2) ?, β = 116.826(10)°, V = 885.63(2) ?(3), Z = 2. The three-dimensional structure networks for these compounds consist of isolated [M(II)(H(2)O)(6)](2+) and [C(5)H(14)N(2)](2+) cations and (SO(4))(2-) anions linked by hydrogen-bonds only. The use of racemic 2-methylpiperazine results in crystallographic disorder of the amines and creation of inversion centers. The magnetic measurements indicate that the Mn complex (1) is paramagnetic, while compounds 2, 3 and 4, (M(II) = Fe, Co, Ni respectively) exhibit single ion anisotropy.     

Pyridineselenolate Complexes of Copper and Indium: Precursors to CuSe(x)() and In(2)Se(3)

The pyridineselenolate (2-Se-NC(5)H(4), (SePy)) and the 3-(trimethylsilyl)pyridineselenolate (3-Me(3)Si-2-Se-NC(5)H(4) (SePy)) ligands form air-stable homoleptic coordination compounds of Cu(I) { [Cu(SePy)](4) (1) and [Cu(SePy)](4) (2)} and In(III) {In(SePy)(3) (3) and In(SePy)(3) (4)}. Mass spectroscopic characterization of the Cu(I) compounds indicated a tetrametallic core, and this was confirmed with a single-crystal X-ray structural characterization of crystalline 1 and 2, which both contain a tetrametallic cluster of Cu(I) ions bound to two doubly bridging Se atoms and a pyridine nitrogen. The Cu coordination sphere is completed with two strong Cu-Cu bonds and one weaker Cu-Cu interaction. The indium compounds 3 and 4 are each distorted fac-octahedral molecules with chelating SePy ligands. These compounds are useful low-temperature precursors to the binary selenides. Both 3 and 4 sublime intact; 3 thermally decomposes to give In(2)Se(3). The Cu clusters do not sublime intact but still decompose to give metal selenide phases: 2 decomposes to give pure alpha-CuSe at low temperatures and increasing amounts of Cu(2)(-)(x)()Se at elevated temperatures, while 3 decomposes to give a mixture of CuSe phases at all temperatures. Crystal data (Mo Kalpha: 1, 153(5) K; 2-4, 293(2) K) are as follows: 1, monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 20.643(5) ?, b = 16.967(2) ?, c = 16.025(2) ?, beta = 114.16(2) degrees, Z = 8; 2, tetragonal space group I4(1)/a, a = 14.756(3) ?, c = 19.925(3) ?, Z = 4; 3, trigonal space group P&thremacr;c1, a = 13.352(2) ?, c = 13.526(2) ?, Z = 4; 4, monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 9.793(1) ?, b = 20.828(6) ?, c = 16.505(1) ?, beta = 96.69(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Closely related rare-earth metal germanides RE2Li2Ge3 and RE3Li4Ge4 (RE = La-Nd, Sm): synthesis, crystal chemistry, and magnetic properties

Reported are the syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic susceptibilities of two series of closely related rare-earth metal-lithium germanides RE(2)Li(2)Ge(3) and RE(3)Li(4)Ge(4) (RE = La-Nd, Sm). All title compounds have been synthesized by reactions of the corresponding elements at high temperatures, and their structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. RE(2)Li(2)Ge(3) phases crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (No. 63) with the Ce(2)Li(2)Ge(3) structure type, while the RE(3)Li(4)Ge(4) phases crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Immm (No. 71) with the Zr(3)Cu(4)Si(4) structure type, respectively. Both of their structures can be recognized as the intergrowths of MgAl(2)Cu- and AlB(2)-like slabs, and these traits of the crystal chemistry are discussed. Temperature-dependent direct-current magnetization measurements indicate Curie-Weiss paramagnetism in the high-temperature regime for RE(2)Li(2)Ge(3) and RE(3)Li(4)Ge(4) (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd), while Sm(2)Li(2)Ge(3) and Sm(3)Li(4)Ge(4) exhibit Van Vleck-type paramagnetism. The data are consistent with the local-moment magnetism expected for RE(3+) ground states. At temperatures below ca. 20 K, magnetic ordering transitions have been observed. The experimental results have been complemented by tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital electronic-band-structure calculations.