Conservation of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·H2O layers during the topotactic dehydration of [(C2H4NH3)3N]2·(ZrF7)2·9H2O

Tren amine cations [(C₂H₄NH₃)₃N]³⁺ and zirconate or tantalate anions adopt a ternary symmetry in two hydrates, [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O and [H₃tren]₆·(ZrF₇)₂·(TaOF₆)₄·3H₂O, which crystallise in R32 space group with a_H = 8.871 (2) Å, c_H = 38.16 (1) Å and a_H = 8.758 (2) Å, c_H = 30.112 (9) Å, respectively. Similar [H₃tren]₂·(MX₇)₂·H₂O (M = Zr, Ta; X = F, O) sheets are found in both structures; they are separated by a water layer (O_w(2)-O_w(3)) in [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O. Dehydration of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·9H₂O starts at room temperature and ends at 90 °C to give [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O. [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O layers remain probably unchanged during this dehydration and the existence of one intermediate [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·3H₂O hydrate is assumed. O_w(1) molecules are tightly hydrogen bonded with -NH₃⁺ groups and decomposition of [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₇)₂·H₂O occurs from 210 °C to 500 °C to give successively [H₃tren]₂·(ZrF₆)·(Zr₂F₁₂) (285 °C), an intermediate unknown phase (320 °C) and ZrF₄.     

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of hybrid materials: [Ce(H2O)]2[O2C(CH2)2CO2]3 and [Sm(H2O)]2[O2C(CH2)2CO2]3·H2O

The rare-earth dicarboxylate hybrid materials [Ce(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃ ([Ce(Suc)]) and [Sm(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃·H₂O ([Sm(Suc)]) have been hydrothermally synthesized (200°C, 3 days) under autogenus pressure. [Ce(Suc)] is triclinic, a=7.961 (3) Å, b=8.176 (5) Å, c=14.32 (2) Å, α=97.07° (7), β=96.75° (8), γ=103.73° (6), and z=2. The crystal structure of this compound has been determined using 3120 unique single crystal data. The final refinements let the agreement factors R₁ and wR₂(F²) converge to 0.0138 and 0.0363, respectively. [Ce(Suc)] is built up from infinite chains of edge-sharing nine-fold coordinated cerium atoms running along [100]. These chains are interconnected by the carbon atoms of the succinate anions, leading to a three-dimensional hybrid framework. The cell constants of [Sm(Suc)], isotypic with monoclinic C2/c [Pr(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃·H₂O ([Pr(Suc)]), were refined starting from X-ray powder data: a=20.275 (3) Å, b=7.919 (6) Å, c=14.130 (3) Å, and β=121.45° (1). Despite its lower symmetry, [Ce(Suc)] presents an important structural filiation with [Sm(Suc)]     

Strukturchemie titanorganischer verbindungen: Molekül- und kristallstruktur von [{(π-C5H5)2Ti(H2O)}2O](ClO4)2 · 2 H2O

(π-C₅H₅)₂TiCl₂ and cobaltous perchlorate react in aqueous solution to give [{(π-C₅H₅)₂Ti(H₂O)}₂O](ClO₄)₂ · 2 H₂O (I). Compound I crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fdd2 with Z 8 and lattice parameters a 28.893(5), b 17.433(4), c 10.312(3) Å. Results of an X-ray analysis of I (R 0.061): the (crystallographic) symmetry of the complex cation is C₂-2; Ti exhibits pseudotetrahedral coordination with a water molecule as one of the ligands; Ti—μ-O distance 1.83 Å; Ti—μ-O—Ti angle 176°; the geometry of the (π-C₅H₅)₂Ti unit in I corresponds closely to that in (π-C₅H₅)₂TiCl₂.     

Synthesis and Structure of a New Organic-Inorganic Framework with Tetranuclear Clusters, [Co4(OH)2(H2O)2](C4H11N2)2[C6H2(COO)4]2·3H2O

A new hybrid organic-inorganic three-dimensional compound, [Co₄(OH)₂(H₂O)₂](C₄H₁₁N₂)₂[C₆H₂(CO₂)₄]₂·3H₂O 1, has been synthesized via hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with a=6.3029(9) Å, b=16.413(2) Å, c=17.139(2) Å, β=98.630(2)°, V=1735.0(4) ų, Z=2. Compound 1 contains tetranuclear Co₄(μ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)₂ clusters that are inter-linked by pyromellitate bridging ligands into a three-dimensional structure containing one-dimensional tunnels along the a-axis with water and pendant monoprotonated piperazine molecules in the center. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility was measured from 2 to 300 K at 5000 Oe showing a predominantly anti-ferromagnetic interaction in 1, and the field dependence of magnetization was measured at 2, 5, 15, and 20 K indicating the competition of magnetic interactions in the tetranuclear centers.     

Preparation and crystal structure of [Bi3I(C4H8O3H2)2(C4H8O3H)5]2Bi8I30 containing the novel polynuclear [Bi8I30] anion

Preparation and crystal structure of the novel compound [Bi₃I(C₄H₈O₃H₂)₂(C₄H₈O₃H)₅]₂Bi₈I₃₀ are reported. The title compound is prepared by heating of BiI₃ and diethylene glycol at 413 K in a sealed quartz glass tube filled with argon. Deep red single crystals are grown and applied to perform X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray single-crystal diffraction measurements. The compound crystallizes triclinic with space group P-1: Z=2, a=13.217(1) Å, b=15.277(1) Å, c=22.498(1) Å, α=84.33(1), β=73.18(1), γ=67.48(1). [Bi₃I(C₄H₈O₃H₂)₂(C₄H₈O₃H)₅]₂Bi₈I₃₀ comprises the novel polynuclear [Bi₈I₃₀]⁶⁻ anion and [Bi₃I(C₄H₈O₃H₂)₂(C₄H₈O₃H)₅]³⁺ as the cation. Cation as well as the anion can be assumed to represent intermediates between solid BiI₃ and BiI₃ completely dissolved in diethylene glycol.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of layered vanadium phosphite: [HN(C2H4)3N][(VO)2(HPO3)2(OH)(H2O)]·H2O

A novel compound, [HN(C₂H₄)₃N][(VO)₂(HPO₃)₂(OH)(H₂O)]·H₂O, was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the space group C2/c and cell parameters a=11.0753(3) Å, b=17.8265(6) Å, c=16.5229(5) Å, and β=92.362(2)°. The structure of the compound consists of vanadium phosphite layers which are built up from the infinite one-dimensional chains of [(VO)(H₂O)(HPO₃)₂]²⁻ of octahedral VO₅(H₂O) and pseudo pyramidal [HPO₃], and bridging binuclear fragments of [VO(OH)]₂. Thermogravimetric analysis and magnetic susceptibility data for this compound are given.     

Nonisothermal Kinetics of Dehydration Process of [Sm（m-CIBA）3phen]2·2H2O and [Sm（p-CIBA）3phen]2·2H2O

Compounds [Sm（m-CIBA）3phen]2.2H20 and [Sm（p-CIBA）3phen]2·2H20（m-CIBA=m-chlorobenzoate, pClBA=p-chlorobenzoate, phen=l,10-phenanthroline） were prepared. The dehydration processes and kinetics of these compounds were studied from the analysis of the DSC curves using a method of processing the data of thermal analysis kinetics. The Arrhenius equation for the dehydration process can be expressed as lnk=-38.65-243.90×l0^3/RT for [Sm（m-CIBA）3phen]2·2H2O, and lnk=38.70-172.22×103/RT for [Sm（p-CIBA）3phen]2·2H2O. The values of △H^1, △G^1, and △S^1 of dehydration reaction for the title comnonnds are determined respectively.     

Three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymer [M2(C3H2O4)2(H2O)2(μ2-hmt)]n with 46 topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine)

Two novel three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymers [M₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n with 4⁴6⁶ topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, crystal structure, IR, thermal gravimetric analyses. Both [Zn₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n and [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n all crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space group Imm2, and with Z=2. Metal ions have all octahedral geometry coordinated by four oxygen atoms from three malonates, one oxygen atom from a water molecule and one nitrogen atom of hmt ligand. Each malonate binds a metal ion with its two oxygen atoms in a chelating mode and connects to adjacent two metal ions with another two oxygen atoms to form an infinite wavy layer. The layers are bridged by μ₂-hmt molecules to form a three-dimensional framework with channels. The magnetic susceptibility data show there is a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in the complex [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n.     

Synthesis and characterization of ionic organotin compounds [R2SnCl2(2-quin)](HNEt3) and crystal structures of [(2,4-Cl2-C6H3CH2)2SnCl2(2-quin)](HNEt3)

Eight ionic organotin compounds [R₂SnCl₂(2-quin)]⁻(HNEt₃)⁺ have been synthesized by reactions of 2-quinH with R₂SnCl₂ (R = PhCH₂1, 2-Cl-C₆H₄CH₂2, 4-Cl-C₆H₄CH₂3, 2-F-C₆H₄CH₂4, 4-F-C₆H₄CH₂5, 4-CN-C₆H₄CH₂6, Ph 7, 2,4-Cl₂-C₆H₃CH₂8) in the presence of organic base NEt₃, and their structures have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopies. The structure of [(2,4-Cl₂-C₆H₃CH₂)₂SnCl₂(2-quin)]⁻(NEt₃)⁺ (8) has been determined by X-ray diffraction study. Studies show that compound 8 has a monomeric structure with the central tin atom six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral configuration and the nitrogen atoms of the 2-quin ligands are coordinating to the tin atom in all the eight compounds.     

Ein fünffach koordinierter ionischer zirkonium(IV)-komplex mit der (π-C5H5)2ZrIV-Baueinheit: [(π-C5H5)2Zr(H2O)3]2+(CF3SO3−)2·THF

The ionic complex [(π-C₅H₅)₂Zr(H₂O)₃]²⁺(CF₃SO₃^?)₂·THF, which corresponds to the 18-electron rule, is formed in the reaction of (π-C₅H₅)₂Zr(CF₃SO₃)₂(THF) with H₂O in tetrahydrofuran. It crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6₃ with Z = 6 and unit cell dimensions at ? 100°C of a 21.945(5) and c 8.711(3) Å. The geometry of the (π-C₅H₅)₂Zr moiety (length of the vectors between Zr and the C₅ ring centroids: 2.210 and 2.193 Å; angle between these vectors: 129.0°; angle between the C₅ ring normals: 128.3°) agrees with that of neutral, four-coordinate (π-C₅H₅)₂ZrX₂ compounds. The three H₂O ligands lie in the plane that bisects the angle between the C₅ ring planes. The ZrO distances are 2.239(7), 2.195(7), and 2.261(7) Å. The CF₃SO₃^? anions and the THF molecule of crystallization are packed around the complex cation in such a way that their oxygen atoms point towards the H₂O ligands. The CF₃ sides of the anion, on the other hand, are clustered together so as to produce hydrophobic domains in the crystal structure.     

Synthesis and structure of [C6H14N2][(UO2)4(HPO4)2(PO4)2(H2O)]·H2O: An expanded open-framework amine-bearing uranyl phosphate

A new open-framework compound, [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O, (DUP-1) has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The resulting structure consists of diprotonated DABCOH₂²⁺ (C₆H₁₄N₂²⁺) cations and occluded water molecules occupying the channels of a complex uranyl phosphate three-dimensional framework. The anionic lattice contains uranophane-like sheets connected by hydrated pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ units. [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O possesses five crystallographically unique U centers. U(VI) is present here in both six- and seven-coordinate environments. The DABCOH₂²⁺ cations are held within the channels by hydrogen bonds to both two uranyl oxygen atoms and a μ₂-O atom. Crystallographic data (193 K, Mo Kα, λ=0.71073 Å): DUP-1, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=7.017(1) Å, b=21.966(4) Å, c=17.619(3) Å, β=90.198(3)°, Z=4, R(F)=4.76% for 382 parameters with 6615 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Crystal structures and thermal properties of Ba(1,2,4-t-Bu3C5H2)2 and Sr(1,2,4-t-Bu3C5H2)2: Precursors for atomic layer deposition

Sterically hindered Lewis base free bis(1,2,4-tri-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)strontium (1) and bis(1,2,4-tri-tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)barium (2) were synthesized using the common metathesis route and characterized with NMR, MS, TGA/SDTA and XRD. Compound 1 crystallized as a monomer with typical bent structure. Asymmetric unit contains two independent slightly different Sr(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂ molecules with Cp(centroid)-Sr-Cp(centroid) angles of 165.1° and 169.4°. Depending on the way of crystallization two polymorphs (2a and 2b) were observed for Ba(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂. On sublimation Ba(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂ crystallizes as chains in which one methyl group of each Ba(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂ unit interacts with neighboring Ba(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂ unit’s barium atom. Slow crystallization of waxy evaporation residue of toluene solution results in monoclinic crystals (2b) whose asymmetric unit contains four slightly different individual Ba(t-Bu₃C₅H₂)₂ molecules with Cp(centroid)-Ba-Cp(centroid) angles of 161.3-164.9°. Both compounds prepared are volatile, thermally stable and reactive and thus suitable precursors for atomic layer deposition of thin films.     

Cluster chemistry XXV *. Synthesis and structure of Ru4(μ4-η2, P-HCCC6H4PPh2)(CO)11·0.5CH2Cl2

The olefinic tertiary phospine complex Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-η², P-CH₂CHC₆H₄PPh₂) is converted to the title μ₄-alkyne-Ru₄ cluster at 135°C; the latter is also formed from H₂Ru₃(μ₃-η², P-HCCC₆H₄PPh₂)(CO)₈ and Ru₃(CO)₁₂. Crystals of the Ru₄ complex are monoclinic, space group P2₁, with a 8.700(3), b 17.611(3), c 11.926(2) Å, β 102.720(3)°, with Z = 2; 1702 data (I > 2.5 (σ)I) were refined to R = 0.026, R_w = 0.028. The molecule contains a distorted octahedral Ru₄C₂ core, one carbon of which is attached to an o-C₆H₄PPh₂ moiety coordinated via P to a wing-tip Ru of the Ru₄ butterfly.     

Synthesis and characterization of 2-phosphonoethanesulfonic acid and a barium-hydrogenphosphonatoethanesulfonate — BaH(O3P-C2H4-SO3)

Following the strategy of using polyfunctional phosphonic acids for the synthesis of new metal phosphonates, the organic linker molecule 2-phosphonoethanesulfonic acid, H₂O₃P-C₂H₄-SO₃H (1) (H₃L), was synthesized and characterized in detail. The acid was used in a high-throughput (HT) investigation of the system BaCl₂/H₃L/NaOH/H₂O. The HT experiments comprising 48 individual hydrothermal reactions were performed to systematically investigate the influence of pH of the starting mixture as well as the molar ratio Ba²⁺: H₃L. Only two reaction products were observed: small amounts of BaCO₃ under basic conditions and BaH(O₃P-C₂H₄-SO₃) (2). For compounds 1 and 2 the crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (H₂O₃P-C₂H₄-SO₃H: trigonal, P3₂, a=814.58(1), c=861.20(2) pm, Z=3, R1=0.0254, wR₂=0.0758 for I>2σ(I); BaH(O₃P-C₂H₄-SO₃): orthorhombic, Ibam, a=953.39(19), b=855.55(17), c=867.82(17) pm, Z=4, R1=0.0162, wR₂=0.0417 for I>2σ(I)). The structure of H₃L (1) is stabilized exclusively by strong hydrogen bonds. Compound 2 is built up by chains of edge sharing BaO₈ polyhedra. These chains are connected to a three-dimensional network by the -CH₂CH₂- linker of the ligand. Thermogravimetric investigation of compound 2, as well as IR spectra of 1 and 2 are presented.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and structures of two novel vanadium selenites, {[VO(OH)(H2O)](SeO3)}4·2H2O and (H3NCH2CH2NH3)[(VO)(SeO3)2]

Two novel vanadium selenites {[VO(OH)(H₂O)](SeO₃)}₄·2H₂O 1 and (H₃NCH₂CH₂NH₃)[(VO)(SeO₃)₂] 2 were synthesized by hydrothermal method and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It is characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), thermogravimetric (TG) and elemental analyses. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a=21.2250(11) Å, b=12.6309(6) Å, c=17.0249(10) Å, β=96.830(3)°, V=4531.8(4) Å³ and Z=8, R₁ [I>2σ(I)]=0.0344, wR₂ [I>2σ(I)]=0.119; Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c, a=9.6389(4) Å, b=6.9922(3) Å, c=15.0324(5) Å, β=102.297(2)°, V=989.90(7) Å³ and Z=4, R₁ [I>2σ(I)]=0.0452, wR₂ [I>2σ(I)]=0.117. {[VO(OH)(H₂O)](SeO₃)}₄·2H₂O has a 1D structure constructed from the {[VO(OH)(H₂O)](SeO₃)}_∞ chains. (H₃NCH₂CH₂NH₃)[(VO)(SeO₃)₂] has a layered structure composed of alternating VO₅ and SeO₃ units with protonated ethylenediamine as interlayer guest.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal behavior of two hydrated forms of lanthanide phthalates Ln2(O2+C6H4-CO2)3(H2O) (Ln=Ce, Nd) and Nd2(O2C-C6H4-CO2)3(H2O)3

New hydrated lanthanide phthalates have been hydrothermally prepared with cerium and neodymium in different reaction media involving water or mixed water-ethanol solvent. The monohydrated Ln₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O) (Ln=Ce or Nd) and dihydrated Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂ forms have been characterized by single-crystal analysis. Their structures consist of infinite inorganic chains of lanthanide-centered polyhedra linked to each other through the phthalate ligands in order to generate mixed organic-inorganic layered structure. The two hydrated structures differ by the number of terminal water species attached to the lanthanide cations, which induce symmetry change from a triclinic (Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂) to an orthorhombic (Nd₂(1,2-bdc)₃(H₂O)₂) cell for neodymium whereas the cerium-based phase only exists in the monohydrated form, with two distinct symmetries (orthorhombic or triclinic). Structural comparisons with the other members of the lanthanide phthalate series with identical chemical formula are also discussed. Thermal X-ray diffraction experiment indicates that the transformation from dihydrate form into the monohydrated form does not occur during a heating process.     

35Cl Nqr spectroscopy of the [PO2Cl2]− and POCl3 groups in Me(PO2Cl2)2·2D (Me = Mg,Ca, Mn; D = POCl3,CH3COOC2H5,CH3COCH3)

³⁵Cl NQR spectra of dichlorophosphates Me(PO₂Cl₂)₂ · 2D (Me = Mg, Ca, Mn; D = CH₃COOC₂H₅, CH₃COCH₃, POCl₃) are studied in the temperature range 77 ? T (K) ? 305. It is shown that the three compounds with CH₃COOC₂H₅ as donor are isomorphic at 77 K, the crystal structure of Mn(PO₂Cl₂)₂· 2CH₃COOC₂H₅. The structure of Mg(PO₂Cl₂)_2^?· 2CH₃COCH₃ and of Mg(PO₂Cl₂)₂ · 2POCl₃ probably consists of infinite chains as found for Mn(PO₂Cl₂)₂· 2CH₃COOC₂H₅. Mg(PO₂Cl₂)₂· 2CH₃COOC₂H₅ shows phase transformations and a complicated dynamical behaviour leading to strong deviations from a Bayertype NQR function v = f(T). The donor capacity of POCl₃ in Mg(PO₂Cl₂)₂· 2POCl₃ is comparable with the donor strength in AsCl₃ · POCl₃ · A d_π-p_π overlap of the P-O bond influences the P-Cl bond.     

Idle spin behavior of the shifted hexagonal tungsten bronze type compounds FeIIFeIII2F8(H2O)2 and MnFe2F8(H2O)2

Fe^IIFe^III₂F₈(H₂O)₂ and MnFe₂F₈(H₂O)₂, grown by hydrothermal synthesis ($\text{P ? 200}\text{MPa}\text{, T = 450}\text{or}\text{380°}\text{C}$), crystallize in the monoclinic system with cell dimensions (Å): a = 7.609(5), b = 7.514(6), c = 7.453(4), β = 118.21(3)°; and a = 7.589(6), b = 7.503(8), c = 7.449(5), β = 118.06(3)°, and space group $\text{C2}\text{m}\text{, Z = 2}$. The structure is related to that of $\text{WO}{}_3\text{·}\text{1}\text{3}\text{H}{}_2\text{O}$. It is described in terms of perovskite type layers of Fe³⁺ octahedra separated by Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ octahedra, or in terms of shifted hexagonal bronze type layers. Both compounds present a weak ferromagnetism below T_N (157 and 156 K, respectively). Mössbauer spectroscopy points to an “idle spin” behavior for Fe^IIFe^III₂F₈(H₂O)₂: only Fe³⁺ spins order at T_N, while the Fe²⁺ spins remain paramagnetic between 157 and 35 K. Below 35 K, the hyperfine magnetic field at the Fe²⁺ nuclei is very weak: H_hf = 47 kOe at T = 4.2 K. For MnFe₂F₈(H₂O)₂, Mn²⁺ spin disorder is expected at 4.2 K. This “idle spin” behavior is due to magnetic frustration.     

Reactions of closo-1,5-C2B3H5 with Cl2 and with BMe3

Reaction of closo-1,5-C₂B₃H₅ with Cl₂ under reduced temperatures in an inert solvent gives 2-Cl-1,5-C₂B₃H₄. Using a hot/cold reactor a mixture of BMe₃ and 1,5-C₂B₃H₅ is converted to a combination of B-mono-, di-, and tri-methyl derivatives of this smallest closo carborane. In addition, B-mono-, di-, tri-, and tetramethyl derivatives of 2,2$\text{-}\text{?}$C₂B₃H₄C₂B₃H₄, as well as the parent dimer, are produced.     

Thermal decomposition mechanisms of MgCl2·6H2O and MgCl2·H2O

The thermal decomposition mechanisms and the intermediate morphology of MgCl₂·6H₂O and MgCl₂·H₂O were studied using integrated thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and chemical analysis. The results showed that there were six steps in the thermal decomposition of MgCl₂·6H₂O: producing MgCl₂·4H₂O at 69 °C, MgCl₂·2H₂O at 129 °C, MgCl₂·nH₂O (1 ≤ n ≤ 2) and MgOHCl at 167 °C, the conversion of MgCl₂·nH₂O (1 ≤ n ≤ 2) to Mg(OH)Cl·0.3H₂O by simultaneous dehydration and hydrolysis at 203 °C, the dehydration of Mg(OH)Cl·0.3H₂O to MgOHCl at 235 °C, and finally the direct conversion of MgOHCl to the cylindrical particles of MgO at 415 °C. To restrain the sample hydrolysis and to obtain MgCl₂·H₂O, MgCl₂·6H₂O was first calcined in HCl atmosphere until 203 °C when MgCl₂·H₂O was obtained; HCl gas was then turned off and the calcination process continued, producing Mg₃Cl₂(OH)₄·2H₂O calcined at 203 °C, Mg₃(OH)₄Cl₂ at 220 °C and MgO at 360 °C. The temperature of producing MgO from calcination of MgCl₂·H₂O was lower (360 °C) than that from MgCl₂·6H₂O (415 °C) because of its more reactive intermediate products: the irregular shape and tiny needle-like Mg₃Cl₂(OH)₄·2H₂O particles and the uneven surface porous Mg₃(OH)₄Cl₂ particles. The MgO particles obtained at 360 °C had a flake structure.