Serendipitous syntheses of the series Cs3Ln7Te12 (Ln = Sm,Gd, Tb): Compounds with large tunnels

Single crystals of Cs₃Ln₇Te₁₂ (Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb) have been grown accidentally through the reaction of Ln and Te with a CsCl or Cs₂Te₃ flux at elevated temperatures. The crystal structures have been determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. These compounds, which are isostructural with Rb₃Yb₇Se₁₂, crystallize in space group Pnnm of the orthorhombic system with two molecules in the following cells: Cs₃Sm₇Te₁₂, a=13.750(6), b=28.332(7), c=4.473(3) Å, T=293 K; Cs₃Gd₇Te₁₂, a=13.6064(13), b=28.209(3), c=4.4324(4) Å, T=153 K; Cs₃Tb₇Te₁₂, a=13.5708(16), b=28.116(3), c=4.4147(5) Å, T=153 K.     

The blue allotropic form of Co2+:Na2CoP2O7: optical and magnetic properties,correlation with crystallographic data

Na₂CoP₂O₇ is found in two allotropic forms. The first one is rose and belongs to the triclinic crystallographic system. The second one is blue and described in the orthorhombic system, space group Pna2₁, No. 33, with cell parameters a=15.378(6) Å, b=10.271(4) Å, c=7.713(2) Å and Z=8. A recent work showed that the orthorhombic phase could be considered as tetragonal: space group P4₂/mnm, No. 136 with a=7.706(1) Å and b=10.301(2) Å and Z=4. The optical and magnetic properties, particularly the EPR spectrum, of the divalent cobalt ion and their phenomenological simulation were of considerable help to complement the study and allowed us to specify the real structure.     

Crystal structures of Th(OH)PO4, U(OH)PO4 and Th2O(PO4)2. Condensation mechanism of MIV(OH)PO4 (M = Th,U) into M2O(PO4)2

Three new crystal structures, isotypic with β-Zr₂O(PO₄)₂, have been resolved by the Rietveld method. All crystallize with an orthorhombic cell (S.G.: Cmca) with a = 7.1393(2) Å, b = 9.2641(2) Å, c = 12.5262(4) Å, V = 828.46(4) Å³ and Z = 8 for Th(OH)PO₄; a = 7.0100(2) Å, b = 9.1200(2) Å, c = 12.3665(3) Å, V = 790.60(4) Å³ and Z = 8 for U(OH)PO₄; a = 7.1691(3) Å, b = 9.2388(4) Å, c = 12.8204(7) Å, V = 849.15(7) Å³ and Z = 4 for Th₂O(PO₄)₂. By heating, the M(OH)PO₄ (M = Th, U) compounds condense topotactically into M₂O(PO₄)₂, with a change of the environment of the tetravalent cation that lowers from 8 to 7 oxygen atoms. The lower stability of Th₂O(PO₄)₂ compared to that of U₂O(PO₄)₂ seems to result from this unusual environment for tetravalent thorium.     

New gallium pentaphosphates: AGa2P5O16 (A=Rb,Cs)

Gallium pentaphosphates have been synthesized for the first time. These compounds, RbGa₂P₅O₁₆ and CsGa₂P₅O₁₆, are isotypic to the cesium pentaphosphates CsM₂P₅O₁₆ (M=Fe, V). They crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric Pn space group with a=7.4058(3) Å, b=9.2151(2) Å, c=10.0912(11) Å, β=110.768(8)°, V=643.9(1) Å³ (Z=2) and a=7.462(2) Å, b=9.241(3) Å, c=10.103(2) Å, β=110.731(16)°, V=651.5(3) Å³ (Z=2) for the rubidium and cesium compounds, respectively. The single crystal structure determination shows that the 3D [Ga₂P₅O₁₆]_∞ framework is rather rigid and does not vary significantly whatever M=Fe, V, Ga and A=Rb, Cs. The strongly distorted character of the pentaphosphate unit may be at the origin of strains along the P₅O₁₆ group, which explains the difficulty to stabilize pentaphosphates.     

Two coordination polymers of manganese(II) isophthalate and their preparation,structures, and magnetic properties

Two manganese coordination polymers, [Mn₂(ip)₂(dmf)]·dmf (1) and [Mn₄(ip)₄(dmf)₆]·2dmf (2) (ip=isophthalate; dmf=N,N-dimethylformamide), have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structural data reveal that compound 1 crystallizes in triclinic space group P?1, a=9.716(3) Å, b=12.193(3) Å, c=12.576(3) Å, α=62.19(2)°, β=66.423(17)°, γ=72.72(2)°, Z=2, while compound 2 crystallizes in monoclinic space group Cc, a=19.80(3) Å, b=20.20(2) Å, c=18.01(3) Å, β=108.40(4)°, Z=4. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 1 and 2 exhibit overall weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the adjacent Mn(II) ions.     

New compounds in the cesium sulfobromide rhenium octahedral cluster chemistry: syntheses and crystal structures of Cs4Re6S8Br6 and Cs2Re6S8Br4

The exploration of the CsReSBr system, in order to identify new phases based on octahedral cluster anions, has produced single crystals of Cs₄Re₆S₈Br₆ (1) (trigonal, space group P-6c2, a=9.7825 (3) Å, c=18.7843 (5) Å, V=1556.77 (1) ų, Z=2, density=5.09 g cm⁻³, μ=36.07 mm⁻¹) and Cs₂Re₆S₈Br₄ (2) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=6.3664 (1) Å, b=18.4483 (4) Å, c=9.3094 (2) Å, β=104.2618 (8)°, V=1059.69 (4) ų, Z=2, density=6.14 g cm⁻³, μ=45.83 mm⁻¹). These two compounds have been obtained by high-temperature solid state route. Their structures have been solved and refined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure of Cs₄Re₆S₈Br₆ presents isolated anionic cluster units inscribed in a (Cs⁺)₁₂ cuboctahedron and the one of Cs₂Re₆S₈Br₄ exhibits ReS^i-a,a-iRe inter-unit bridges. The framework of the latter presents then a strongly 1-D character.     

Organic derivatives of tin (II/IV): Investigation of their structure

The structures of tin(II)-oxalate, tin(IV)Na–EDTA and tin(IV)Na₈-inositol hexaphosphate were investigated using XRD analysis. Samples were identified using the Mössbauer study, thermal analysis and FTIR spectrometry. The Mössbauer study determined two different oxidation states of tin atoms, and consequently two different tin surroundings in the end products. The tin oxalate was found to be orthorhombic with space group Pnma, a=9.2066(3) Å, b=9.7590(1) Å, c=13.1848(5) Å, V=1184.62 Å³ and Z=8. SnNa–EDTA was found to be monoclinic with space group P2₁/c₁, a=10.7544(3) Å, b=10.1455(3) Å, c=16.5130(6) Å, β=98.59(2)°, V=1781.50(4) Å³ and Z=4. Sn(C₆H₆Na₈O₂₄P₆) was found to be amorphous.     

Crystal structure,electronic structure and electrical conductivity of the antimony selenide BaLaSb2Se6

BaLaSb₂S₆ and BaLaSb₂Se₆ were prepared by heating the elements in the stoichiometric ratio under exclusion of air at 850 °C. Both chalcogenides adopt the KThSb₆Se₆ structure type, crystallizing in the space group P2₁/c (Z = 4) with a = 4.324(3) Å, b = 14.7057(16) Å, c = 15.910(2) Å, β = 92.741(3)°, Z = 4 for the sulfide and a = 4.4173(3) Å, b = 15.333(1) Å, c = 16.816(1) Å, β = 92.545(2)°, Z = 4 for the selenide. The structure of BaLaSb₂Se₆ is composed of ribbons of distorted SbSe₆ octahedra and Se₂^2? pairs. Electronic structure calculations show that the selenide is a semiconductor, in accord with the electrical conductivity measurement.     

The influence of partial substitution of phosphorus by arsenic in monoclinic CsH2PO4. X-ray single crystal,vibrational and phase transitions in the mixed CsH2(PO4)0.72(AsO4)0.28

Partial substitution of P by As, leading to the solid solution CsH₂(PO₄)_1−x(AsO₄)_x, with x=0.28 (abbreviated as CDAP) has been shown. The structural characteristics of the crystals were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, which revealed that the new title compound is nearly isomorphous with the monoclinic phase of CsH₂PO₄ (CDP). The structure was solved from 796 independent reflections with R₁=0.0292 and Rw₂=0.0702, refined with 59 parameters. The following results have been obtained: space group P2₁, a=4.9250(4) Å, b=6.4370(3) Å, c=7.9280(6) Å, β=107.316(3)°, V=239.94(3) Å³, Z=2 and ρ_cal=3.349 g cm⁻³. The hydrogen bonds are clearly distinguished in the electron density maps which display distributions corresponding to order of protons. The shorter bond (2.452(4) Å), links the phosphate–arsenate groups into chains running along the b-axis and the longer bond (2.531(3) Å), crosslinks the chains to form (001) layers. The Raman and infrared spectra of CDAP recorded at room temperature in the frequency ranges 15–1200 cm⁻¹ and 400–4000 cm⁻¹, respectively, confirm the presence of PO³⁻₄ and AsO³⁻₄ groups in the crystal. Differential scanning calorimetry traces show three phase transitions at 333, 449 and 490 K in this material, which are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction at high temperature.     

SrAu0.5Pt0.5 and CaAu0.5Pt0.5, analogues to the respective Ba compound,but featuring purely intermetallic behaviour

Both, SrAu_0.5Pt_0.5 and CaAu_0.5Pt_0.5, have been synthesized by reaction of corresponding mixtures of the pure elements at 1223 K in an argon atmosphere, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis as well as by magnetic susceptibility and electric resistivity measurements. The new compounds crystallize in the CrB type of structure and thus are isostructural to BaAu_0.5Pt_0.5 (SrAu_0.5Pt_0.5: Cmcm; a = 4.262(1) Å; b = 11.435(3) Å; c = 4.632(1) Å; Z = 4; CaAu_0.5Pt_0.5: Cmcm; a = 3.9858(4) Å; b = 10.920(1) Å; c = 4.5249(5) Å; Z = 4). SrAu_0.5Pt_0.5 as well as CaAu_0.5Pt_0.5 are poor metallic conductors with ρ_300K = 0.95 mΩ.cm and ρ_300K = 3.93 mΩ.cm, respectively, and featuring diamagnetic behaviour.According to ESCA measurements SrAu_0.5Pt_0.5 and CaAu_0.5Pt_0.5 both can be formulated as having intermetallic character, showing a negligible electron transfer from alkaline earth metals to the noble metals.     

Hydrothermal preparation,structure and characterizations of noncentrosymmetric LiZnO(IO3)

A new lithium zinc iodate, LiZnO(IO₃), has been prepared by hydrothermal reactions at 200 °C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment revealed that the compound crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Ama2 with cell parameters: a = 6.3386(6) Å, b = 11.2613(11) Å, c = 4.6840(5) Å, Z = 4. In the structure, the basic building units are the distorted ZnO₆ octahedron, LiO₄ tetrahedron and the IO₃ group. These groups are linked together to form a three-dimensional structure by sharing the oxygen atoms. The DSC measurement demonstrates that the compound is stable up to 490 °C. Powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) test shows that the SHG effect is about 2 × KH₂PO₄.     

Identification of a new family of phosphate compounds,AIBII6(P2O7)2P3O10: structures of KMn6(P2O7)2P3O10 and AgMn6(P2O7)2P3O10

Two members of a new family of inorganic phosphates of general formula A^IB^II₆(P₂O₇)₂P₃O₁₀; KMn₆(P₂O₇)₂P₃O₁₀ (a=5.405(2), b=26.918(11), c=6.660(5), β=107.31(3)°, V=925.1(9) Å³, space group P2₁/m, Z=2, D_calc=3.481 Mg m⁻³, R=0.0377 for 2235 observed reflections) and AgMn₆(P₂O₇)₂P₃O₁₀ (a=5.424(7), b=26.97(4), c=6.627(9), β=106.81(7)°, V=928(2) Å³, space group P2₁/m, Z=2, D_calc=3.716 Mg m⁻³, R=0.0594 for 1577 observed reflections) have been synthesized and identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The isostructural complexes present an interesting comparison of silver and potassium bonding.     

Structure,infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies of newly synthetic AII(SbV0.50FeIII0.50)(PO4)2 (ABa,Sr, Pb) phosphates with yavapaiite structure

The synthesis and structural study of three new A^II(Sb^V_0.5Fe^III_0.5)(PO₄)₂ (ABa, Sr, Pb) phosphates belonging to the ASbFePO system were reported here for the first time. Structures of [Ba], [Sr] and [Pb] compounds, obtained by solid state reaction in air atmosphere, were determined at room temperature from X-ray powder diffraction using the Rietveld method. Ba^II(Sb^V_0.5Fe^III_0.5)(PO₄)₂ features the yavapaiite-type structure, with space group C2/m, Z = 2 and a = 8.1568(4) Å; b = 5.1996(3) Å c = 7.8290(4) Å; β = 94.53(1)°. A^II(Sb^V_0.5Fe^III_0.5)(PO₄)₂ (ASr, Pb) compounds have a distorted yavapaiite structure with space group C2/c, Z = 4 and a = 16.5215(2) Å; b = 5.1891(1) Å c = 8.0489(1) Å; β = 115.70(1)° for [Sr]; a = 16.6925(2) Å; b = 5.1832(1) Å c = 8.1215(1) Å; β = 115.03(1)° for [Pb]. Raman and Infrared spectroscopic study was used to obtain further structural information about the nature of bonding in selected compositions.     

Pressure–temperature phase diagram of SeO2. Characterization of new phases

We have investigated SeO₂ at high pressures and high temperatures. Two new phases (β-SeO₂ and γ-SeO₂) and the boundary separating them have been found, following experimental runs performed at pressures up to 15 GPa and temperatures up to 820°C. The two phases crystallize in the orthorhombic system in space group Pmc2₁ (no. 26) with a=5.0722(1) Å, b=4.4704(1) Å, c=7.5309(2) Å, V=170.760(9) Å³ and Z=4 for the β-phase, and with a=5.0710(2) Å, b=4.4832(2) Å, c=14.9672(6) Å, V=340.27(3) Å³ and Z=8 for the γ-phase. Both phases are stable at ambient pressure and temperature below −30°C. At ambient temperature the phases return to the starting phase (α-SeO₂) in a few days. We discuss our findings in relation to a previous report of in-situ measurements at high pressures and ambient temperature.     

Syntheses and structures of two new M6Li8(N3)a6 cluster-unit based compounds: Cs4Re6S8(N3)6·H2O and Na2Mo6Br8(N3)6·2H2O

The two new cluster compounds, Cs₄Re₆S₈(N₃)₆·H₂O (1) and Na₂Mo₆Br₈(N₃)₆·2H₂O (2), have been prepared via solution chemistry route, starting from the Cs₄Re₆S₈Br₆CsBr and Mo₆Br₁₂ precursors synthesized by solid state chemistry techniques, and structurally characterized (crystal data: Cs₄Re₆S₈(N₃)₆·H₂O (1): Orthorhombic, space group Pnam, a=10.0651(1) Å, b=15.8856(2) Å, c=20.1714(3) Å, V=3225.2(7) Å³, Z=4, d_calc=4.48 g cm⁻³, μ=27.43 mm⁻¹; Na₂Mo₆Br₈(N₃)₆·2H₂O (2): Orthorhombic, space group Ibam, a=11.5643(3) Å, b=14.3959(5) Å, c=17.0340(7) Å, V=2835.8(2) ų, Z=4, d_calc=3.63 g cm⁻³, μ=13.91 mm⁻¹). Their structures revealed that in both cases, the M₆Lⁱ₈ cluster core remains unchanged in the starting and final compounds whereas the bromine apical ligands (Br^a) are substituted by N₃ azide groups leading to M₆Lⁱ₈(N₃)^a₆ cluster unit. The new Cs₄Re₆S₈(N₃)₆·H₂O is the first example of a compound containing an octahedral rhenium cluster coordinated to azide groups.     

Synthesis,crystal growth and structure,magnetic and electrical properties of Ba4Ru2FeO10 and Ba4Ru2CoO10

Crystals of Ba₄Ru₂FeO₁₀ and Ba₄Ru₂CoO₁₀ (Cmca, Z = 4, Ba₄Ru₂FeO₁₀: a = 5.7899(1) Å, b = 13.2898(3) Å, c = 13.0098(4) Å, V = 1001.06 Å³; Ba₄Ru₂CoO₁₀: a = 5.7691(2) Å, b = 13.2061(3) Å, c = 12.9755(4) Å, V = 988.57 Å³) were obtained from binary oxides and BaCoO₃ at 1300 °C. Both compounds crystallize isostructural to Ba₄Ru₃O₁₀ with different preference of the 3d metal at the two crystallographic sites of Ru in the parent compound. Ba₄Ru₂FeO₁₀ exhibits a spin-glass like transition at 25 K, while Ba₄Ru₂CoO₁₀ does not show any magnetic order down to 2 K. According to electrical resistivity measurements performed on single crystals both compounds are semiconductors. In contrast to the variable-range hopping of the transport mechanism of Co bearing material, the electrical resistivity of Ba₄Ru₂FeO₁₀ follows an activation law resulting in a band gap of approximately 0.98 eV.     

Synthesis,growth, structure and characterization of nickel(II)-doped hexaaquacobalt(II) dipotassium tetrahydrogen tetra-o-phthalate tetrahydrate crystals

Single crystals of K₂[Co_(1−x)Ni_x(H₂O)₆] (C₈H₅O₄)₄·4H₂O (x = 0.25) (PCNHP), a semiorganic black colored transparent crystal of size ∼20 × 13 × 4 mm³, are grown from an aqueous solution of potassium hydrogen phthalate enriched with cobalt chloride and nickel chloride by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. Structural analysis by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c and the cell parameters are a = 10.41(3) Å, b = 6.84(2) Å, c = 29.46(9) Å, Z = 4. Incorporation of both Co(II) and Ni(II) into the potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) crystal lattice is well confirmed by EDS and chemical tests. Powder XRD profiles indicate the crystallinity and FT-IR studies reveal the vibrational patterns. The UV–vis optical absorption spectrum of PCNHP shows the lower optical cut-off at ∼300 nm and the crystal was transparent in the entire visible region. The crystalline perfection of the grown crystal analysed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analysis reveals that the diffraction curve (DC) contains multi-peaks with low angular spread indicating the possibility of low angle structural grain boundaries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies indicate the structure defect centers. The dielectric, thermal and mechanical behaviors of the specimen were also investigated.     

Spectroscopic studies and crystal structure of tetrabutylammonium trichlorodimethylstannate(IV): Bu4NSnMe2Cl3

The structure of Bu₄NSnMe₂Cl₃ is found to be monomer, containing a 5-coordinated bipyramidal trigonal tin(IV) center. Crystals belong to the monoclinic space group C2/c, with unit-cell dimensions a = 26.633(4) Å; b = 9.880(2) Å; c = 21.510(2) Å; β = 114.82(2)°; Z = 8; D = 1.287 Mg/m³; R is refined to 0.0537 and R_w = 0.0642 for 3330 reflections (F > 2σ(F)).     

Synthesis,crystal structure and thermal behaviour of [La(hfa)3(Phen)2] (hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate,Phen = o-phenanthroline)

The mixed ligand complex [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂] (I) was obtained by the interaction of La(hfa)₃ and Phen; its composition does not depend on the stoichiometry of the reagents. According to the X-ray single crystal analysis data, complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with a = 13.583(3) Å, b = 16.959(3) Å, c = 18.860(4) Å, β = 94.71(3)° and Z = 4. The structure of I consists of isolated mononuclear molecules, the coordination number of La being 10. Thermal behaviour and composition of the vapor phase have been studied for I by thermal analysis and mass-spectrometry using a Knudsen cell. The mixed ligand complex I was found to sublime congruently in the temperature range 370–460 K: [La(hfa)₃(Phen)₂]_(s) = [La(hfa)₃(Phen)]_(g) + Phen_(g), Δ_rH⁰(T) = 316.2 ± 1.8 kJ/mol.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and optical properties of a new beryllium borate,CsBe4(BO3)3

A novel beryllium borate CsBe₄(BO₃)₃ has been grown in crystals by high-temperature flux method using spontaneous nucleation technique for the first time. The crystal structure of this compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with lattice parameters a = 8.3914(5) Å, b = 13.3674(7) Å, c = 6.4391(3) Å, Z = 4, V = 722.28(7) Å³. The crystal takes the same structure type as Rb analog based on the units of BO₃ triangles and BeO₄ tetrahedrons, displaying a three-dimensional tunnel structure with Cs atoms filling in the cages. The IR spectrum confirms the presence of BO₃ groups and the UV–vis–IR diffuse reflectance spectrum exhibits this compound has a short UV cut-off edge below 200 nm. Band structures and density of states were calculated.