The crystal structure of Hg2FeF5(OH)2 · H2O

The new compound Hg₂FeF₅(OH)₂ · H₂O was prepared by evaporation of an aqueous 40% HF solution containing HgO and FeF₃ in the stoichiometric ratio. The material is orthorhombic, space group Cmmm, with a = 7.505(1) Å, b = 11.823(3) Å, c = 3.941(2)Å, and Z = 2. The crystal structure was determined from single crystal intensity data obtained by means of an automated four-circle diffractometer and refined to the conventional values R = 0.0621 and R_w = 0.0566 for 451 observed reflections. The structure is characterized by infinite straight chains of FeF₆ octahedra sharing trans F atoms in the direction [001]. These chains are linked by rutile-type chains of HgF₄(OH)₂ octahedra also running along [001]. Water molecules are statistically distributed on half of the 4i positions; they are off-centered in the channels parallel to [001] allowing O---H ··· F bonding. The structure is compared to that of HgFeF₅ · 2H₂O and to that of the hexagonal tungsten bronze.     

β-BaV2(P2O7)2: A New Polymorph of Barium Vanadium (III) Pyrophosphate Characterized by Intersecting Tunnels

Investigation into the synthesis of reduced vanadium phosphate has led to the formation of a new form of the barium vanadium (III) pyrophosphate compound β-BaV₂(P₂O₇)₂. It is a polymorph of the previously known BaV₂(P₂O₇)₂, which is now labeled as the α-phase. The title compound crystallizes in the P-1 (No. 2) space group with a = 6.269(1) Å, b = 7.864(3) Å, c = 6.1592(9) Å, α = 101.34(2)°, β = 105.84(1)°, and γ = 96.51(2)°. The structure consists of corner-shared VO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra that are connected in V-O-P-O-V and V-O-P-O-P-O-V bonding arrangements. This interesting three-dimensional framework is characterized by seven types of intersecting tunnels, three of which are occupied by the barium cation, while the others are empty. It is important to know that one of the empty tunnels has a relatively large window with a minimum diagonal distance of 4.41 Å, which facilitates a possible framework for a lithium ion insertion reaction. The barium atom has a 10-coordination sphere, BaO₁₀, in which the oxygen atoms can be viewed as forming two intersecting pseudohexagonal planes. β-BaV₂(P₂O₇)₂ appears to form at a relatively higher temperature than its polymorph, α-BaV₂(P₂O₇)₂. A detailed structural analysis and structural comparison with the α-phase, as well as a brief comparison with SrV₂(P₂O₇)₂, are presented.     

Preparation and Structure of Cerium Titanates Ce2TiO5, Ce2TiO7, and Ce4Ti9O24

Compounds Ce₂TiO₅, Ce₂Ti₂O₇, and Ce₄Ti₉O₂₄ were prepared by heating appropriate mixtures of solids containing Ce⁴⁺ and Ti³⁺ or Ti which were placed in a platinum-silica-ampoule combination at T = 1250°C (3d) under vacuum. The new compounds were characterized by powder patterns. We obtained Ce₂TiO₅ which is isotypic to La₂TiO₅ and crystallizes in the Y₂TiO₅-type (space group Pnma) with a = 10.877(6) Å, b = 3.893(1) Å, c = 11.389(8) Å, Z = 4. Ce₂Ti₂O₇ is isotypic to La₂Ti₂O₇ and crystallizes in the monoclinic Ca₂Nb₂O₇ type (space group P 2₁) with a = 7.776(6) Å, b = 5.515(4) Å, c = 12.999(6) Å, β = 98.36(5), Z = 4. The compound Ce₄Ti₉O₂₄ crystallizes orthorhombic with a = 14.082(4) Å, b = 35.419(8) Å, c = 14.516(4) Å, Z = 16. The new cerium titanate Ce₄Ti₉O₂₄ is isotypic to Nd₄Ti₉O₂₄ (space group Fddd (No. 70)) which represents a novel type of structure.     

Novel M(II)–Hg(II) coordination polymers generated from metal-containing building blocks M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)2 · (H2O)2 (M=Cu, Ni, Co) and HgCl2

A new class of M(II)–Hg(II) (M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)) mixed-metal coordination polymers, Cu(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂HgCl₂ (4), [Co(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂(HgCl₂)₂] · 0.61H₂O (5) and [Ni(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂(HgCl₂)₂] · 0.77H₂O (6), have been prepared by self assembly of metal-containing building blocks, M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂ · (H₂O)₂(M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)), with HgCl₂. Compounds 4–6 were characterized fully by IR, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 4 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a=17.916(5) Å, b=7.223(2) Å, c=13.335(4) Å, β=128.726(3)°, V=1346.2(6) ų, Z=4. It contains alternating Hg(II) and Cu(II) metal centers that are cross-linked by 2-pyrazinecarboxylate spacers and chlorine co-ligands to generate a unique three-dimensional Hg(II)–Cu(II) mixed metal framework. Compound 5 crystallized in the triclinic space group P , with a=6.3879(7) Å, b=6.6626(8) Å, c=13.2286(15) Å, α=96.339(2)°, β=91.590(2)°, γ=113.462(2)°, V=511.71(10) ų, Z=1. Compound 6 also crystallized in the triclinic space group P , with a=6.3543(8) Å, b=6.6194(8) Å, c=13.2801(16) Å, α=96.449(2)°, β=92.263(2)°, γ=113.541(2)°, V=506.67(11) ų, Z=1. Compounds 5 and 6 are isostructural and in the solid state the Hg(II)M(II)Hg(II) units are connected by Hg₂Cl₂ linkages to produce a novel M(II)–Hg(II) (M=Co(II), Ni(II)) zigzag mixed-metal chain, in which a new type of M–M′–M′–M array was observed. The metal containing building blocks, M(2-pyrazinecarboxylate)₂ · (H₂O)₂ (M=Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II)), exhibit different connectivities to HgCl₂ depending on the metal cation contained within them.     

Structure cristalline d'un phosphochromate acide de cuivre potassium: CuK2H2(PCrO7)2

CuK₂H₂(PCrO₇)₂ is monoclinic, P2₁/c, with a unit cell: a=9.559(5)Å; b=7.196(5)Å; c=8.983(5)Å;β=93.73(5)°; Z=2; and D=2.87g/cm³.The crystal structure of this compound has been resolved by using 1938 independent reflections with a final R value of 0.03. The main feature of this compound is the existence of the mixed pyro-group CrPO₇, up to now the first to be described.     

Synthesis and characterization of [Zn(2,2′-bipy)]2(H2PO3)4: A neutral zinc phosphite cluster containing ZnO3N2 and H2PO3 units

The hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and some properties of a zinc phosphite with a neutral cluster, [Zn(2,2′-bipy)]₂(H₂PO₃)₄, are reported. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic system of space group P-1 (No. 2), a=8.3067(5) Å, b=8.9545(4) Å, c=10.0893(6) Å, α=95.448(2)°, β=99.7530(10)°, γ=103.461(2)°, V=712.23(7) ų, Z=1. The cluster consists of 4-membered rings formed by alternating ZnO₃N₂ square pyramids and H₂PO₃ pseudo pyramids, with two “hanging” H₂PO₃ groups attached to each of the Zn centers. The clusters are linked together by extensive multipoint hydrogen bonding involving the phosphite units to form a sheet-like structure. This compound represents the first example of zinc phosphite with P---OH bonds. An intense photoluminescence was observed from this compound upon photoexcitation at 388 nm.     

Single-crystal characterization of Co7(OH)6(H2O)3(C4H4O4)47H2O; A new cobalt succinate identified through high-throughput synthesis

A new form of cobalt succinate has been discovered using high-throughput methods and its structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Co₇(C₄H₄O₄)₄(OH)₆(H₂O)₃7H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with cell parameters: a=7.888(2) Å, b=19.082(6) Å, c=23.630(7) Å, β=91.700(5)°, V=3555(2) Å³, R₁=0.0469. This complex structure, containing 55 crystallographically distinct non-hydrogen atoms, is compared to the previously reported nickel phase, characterized using ab initio structure solution from synchrotron powder diffraction data.     

The Phase Relations in the System In2O3–TiO2–MgO at 1100 and 1350°C

The phase relations in the system In₂O₃–TiO₂–MgO at 1100 and 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. In this system, there are four pseudobinary compounds, In₂TiO₅, MgTi₂O₅ (pseudobrookite type), MgTiO₃ (ilmenite type), and Mg₂TiO₄ (spinel type) at 1100°C. At 1350°C, in addition to these compounds there exist a spinel-type solid solution Mg_2−xIn_2xTi_1−xO₄ (0≤x≤1) and a compound In₆Ti₆MgO₂₂ with lattice constants a=5.9236(7) Å, b=3.3862(4) Å, c=6.3609(7) Å, β=108.15(1)°, and q=0.369, which is isostructural with the monoclinic In₃Ti₂FeO₁₀ in the system In₂O₃–TiO₂–MgO. The relation between the lattice constants of the spinel phase and the composition nearly satisfies Vegard's law. In₆Ti₆MgO₂₂ extends a solid solution range to In₂₀Ti₁₇Mg₃O₆₇ with lattice constants of a=5.9230(5) Å, b=3.3823(3) Å, c=6.3698(6) Å, β=108.10(5)°, and q=0.360. The distributions of constituent cations in the solid solutions are discussed in terms of their ionic radius and site preference effect.     

Vanadium(II) alkyls. Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of trans-VMe2(dmpe)2 and cis-V(CH2SiMe3) 2(dmpe)2

Treatment of the vanadium(II) tetrahydroborate complex trans-V(η¹-BH₄)₂(dmpe)₂ with (trimethylsilyl) methyllithium gives the new vanadium(II) alkyl cis-V(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(dmpe)₂, where dmpe is the chelating diphosphine 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane. Interestingly, this complex could not be prepared from the chloride starting material VCl₂(dmpe)₂. The CH₂SiMe₃ complex has a magnetic moment of 3.8 μ_B, and has been characterized by ¹H NMR and EPR spectroscopy. The cis geometry of the CH₂SiMe₃ complex is somewhat unexpected, but in fact the structure can be rationalized on steric grounds. The X-ray crystal structure of cis-V(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(dmpe)₂ is described along with that of the related vanadium(II) alkyl complex trans-VMe₂(dmpe)₂. Comparisons of the bond distances and angles for VMe₂(dmpe) ₂, V---C = 2.310(5) Å, V---P = 2.455(5) Å, and P---V---P = 83.5(2)° with those of V(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(dmpe)₂, V---C = 2.253(3) Å, V---P = 2.551(1) Å, and P ---V---P = 79.37(3)° show differences due to the differing trans influences of alkyl and phosphine ligands, and due to steric crowding in latter molecule. The V---P bond distances also suggest that metal-phosphorus π-back bonding is important in these early transition metal systems. Crystal data for VMe₂(dmpe)₂ at 25°C: space group P2₁/n, with a = 9.041(1) Å, b = 12.815(2) Å, c = 9.905(2) Å, β = 93.20(1)°, V = 1145.8(5) ų, Z = 2, R_F = 0.106, and R_wF =0.127 for 74 variables and 728 data for which I 2.58 σ(I); crystal data for V(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(dmpe)₂ at −75°C: space group C2/c, with a = 9.652(4) Å, b = 17.958(5) Å, c = 18.524(4) Å, β = 102.07(3)°, V= 3140(3) ų, Z = 4, R_F = 0.033, and R_wF = 0.032 for 231 variables and 1946 data for which I 2.58 σ(I).     

[{(NiOH)2Mo10O36(PO4)Ti2}n]: a novel chainlike trimetal heteropolyanion based on pseudo-keggin fragments

A new mixed Mo/Ni/Ti heteropoly compound [C₅H₅NH]₅ [(NiOH)₂Mo₁₀O₃₆(PO₄)Ti₂] has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Black prismatic crystals crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, a=11.2075(2), b=37.8328(5) c=13.0888(1) Å, β=101.4580(10)°, M=2276.13, V=5439.19(13) ų, Z=4. Data were collected on a Siemens SMART CCD diffractometer at 293(2) K in the range of 1.68<θ<25.09° using the ω-scan technique (λ=0.71073 Å R(F)=0.0872 for 9621 reflections). The title compound contains a trimetal heteropolyanion polymer and “trans-titanium”-bridging pseudo-Keggin fragments linked to a chain.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and preliminary study of luminescent properties of InTbGe2O7

A new indium terbium germanate InTbGe₂O₇, which is a member of the thortveitite family, was prepared as a polycrystalline powder material by high-temperature solid-state reaction. This new compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c (No. 15), with unit cell parameters a=6.8818(2) Å, b=8.8774(3) Å, c=9.7892(4) Å, β=101.401(1)°, V=586.25(4) ų and Z=4. Its structure was characterized by Rietveld refinement of powder laboratory X-ray diffraction data. It consists of octahedral sheets that are held together by sheets of isolated Ge₂O₇ diorthogroups composed of two tetrahedra sharing a common vertex. It contains only one octahedral site occupied by In³⁺ and Tb⁺³ cations. The characteristic mirror plane in the thortveitite (Sc₂Si₂O₇) space group (C2/m, No. 12) is not present in this new compound. Besides, in InTbGe₂O₇, the Ge–O–Ge angle bridging two diorthogroups is 156.8(2)° as compared to the one in thortveitite, which is 180°. On the other hand, luminescent properties were observed when it is excited with 376.5 nm wavelength. The luminescence spectrum shows typical transitions from the ⁵D₄ multiplet belonging to the trivalent terbium ion.     

Diamine incorporated compounds derived from polymeric nickel(II) fumarates and oxalates: Crystal structure, spectral and thermal properties of [Ni(en)3](O2CCHCHCO2)·3H2O and [Ni(en)3](O2CCO2)

Lewis-base mediated fragmentation of polymeric nickel(II) fumarate and oxalate are attempted using chelating σ-donor diamines like ethylenediamine (en) and 1,3-diaminopropane (dap) in various conditions which yielded [Ni(en)₃](fum)·3H₂O (1), [Ni(en)₃](ox) (2), [Ni(dap)₂(fum)] (3) and [Ni(dap)(ox)]·2H₂O (4). While 1 and 2 are molecular products each containing octahedral [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ moieties and the anionic dicarboxylate species, 3 and 4 are dap-incorporated polymeric products. The fumarate derivative 1 containing [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ moieties crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 17.899(4) Å, b = 11.747(2) Å, c = 10.748(2) Å, β = 125.59(3)°, V = 1837.7(6) ų, Z = 4, while the oxalate analogue 2 is seen to be in the trigonal space group P−31c with a = 8.8770(13) Å, b = 8.8770(13) Å, c = 10.482(2) Å, γ = 120°, V = 715.3(2) ų, Z = 2. The octahedral [Ni(en)₃] units in both 1 and 2 are seen to be strongly H-bonded to the dicarboxylate moieties through the coordinated en units leading to a three-dimensional network. However, in 1 the water molecules also take part in the H-bonding and contribute to the overall 3D structure. In both 1 and 2 the crystal packing is done with the [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ units with absolute configuration Λ(δδδ) and its mirror conformer with Δ configuration in exactly equal numbers. Spectral (IR and UV–Visible) and magnetic measurements were carried out and some of the ligand-field parameters like D_q, B and β were evaluated for all the four compounds. These values suggest the presence of octahedrally coordinated nickel(II) in all the four complexes. Spectral data suggest that 3 has the two chelating dap moieties and the fumarate coordinated in η¹ form through both its carboxylate moieties while 4 has one chelating dap and the oxalate moiety coordinated in η⁴-bis-chelating form. Though both 1 and 2 are made of the same type of [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ units their thermograms give entirely different thermal features; 1 showing three clearly successive and step-wise dissociation of each en unit while 2 having a combined loss of two en units in the first thermal step. The relevant thermodynamic and kinetic parameters like E_a and ΔS also could be evaluated for various thermal steps for the compounds 1–4 using Coats–Redfern equation.     

Ba2(VO2)(PO4)(HPO4)·H2O, a New Barium Vanadium(V) Phosphate Hydrate Containing Trigonal Bipyramidal VO5Groups

The hydrothermal synthesis, single crystal structure, and some physical properties of Ba₂(VO₂)(PO₄)(HPO₄)·H₂O, a new barium vanadium(V) phosphate hydrate, are reported. This phase is built up from one-dimensional chains of unusual VO₅trigonal bipyramids and (H)PO₄tetrahedra, fused together via V–O–P linkages. These anionic chains propagate along the polar [010] direction. 11-Coordinate barium cations and water molecules occupy the interchain regions and link the chains together. Structural data for this phase and other known barium vanadium phosphates are briefly compared. Crystal data: Ba₂(VO₂)(PO₄)(HPO₄)·H₂O,M_r=566.57, monoclinic, space groupP2₁(No. 4),a=5.0772(5) Å,b=8.724(2) Å,c=10.806(1) Å,β=90.795(8)°,V=478.6(1) ų,Z=2,R=2.65%,R_w=2.89% [147 parameters, 1893 observed reflections withI>3σ(I)].     

Hydrothermal Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Two New Potassium Vanadium Phosphates: K3(VO) (V2O3) (PO4)2(HPO4) and K3 (VO) (HV2O3) (PO4)2(HPO4)

Two new potassium vanadium phosphates have been prepared and their structures have been determined from analysis of single crystal X-ray data. The two compounds, K₃(VO)(V₂O₃) (PO₄)₂(HPO₄) and K₃(VO)(HV₂O₃)(PO₄)₂(HPO₄), are isostructural, except for the incorporation of an extra hydrogen atom into the nearly identical frameworks. The structures consist of a three-dimensional network of [VO]_n chains connected through phosphate groups to a [V₂O₃] moiety. Magnetic susceptibility experiments indicate that in the case of the di-hydrogen compound, there are no significant magnetic interactions between the three independent vanadium (IV) centers. Crystal data: for K₃(VO)(V₂O₃)(PO₄)₂ (HPO₄), M_r = 620.02, orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 7.023(4) Å, b = 13.309(7) Å, c = 14.294(7) Å, V = 1336(2) ų, Z = 4, R = 5.02%, and R_w = 5.24% for 1238 observed reflections [I > 3σ(I)]; for K₃(VO)(HV₂O₃)(PO₄)₂(HPO₄), M_r = 621.04, orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 6.975(3) Å, b = 13.559(7) Å, c = 14.130(7) Å, V = 1336(1) ų, Z = 4, R = 6.02%, and R_w = 6.34% for 1465 observed reflections [I > 3σ(I)].     

A Molybdenum V Diphosphate Involving LiO4 Tetrahedra: LiMoOP2O7

A lithium Mo(V) diphosphate LiMoOP₂O₇ has been synthesized for the first time. It crystallizes in the space group P 2_1/n with a = 16.046(4) Å, b = 11.951(2) Å, c = 9.937(2) Å, β = 104.62(2)°. Its original structure is built up from P₂O₇ groups and MoO₆ octahedra forming intersecting tunnels, where the Li⁺ cations are located with a tetrahedral coordination. This phase belongs to the IB class of Mo(V) phosphates defined by Costentin et al. The [MoP₂O₈] framework indeed consists of MoP₂O₁₁ units built up from one P₂O₇ group sharing two apices with the same MoO₆ octahedron; the MoP₂O₁₁ units share their apices forming [MoP₂O₁₀]∞ chains running along a and b and the [ 04] direction. This phase exhibits a classical paramagnetic behavior, with 0 = -9.8 K and μ = 1.58 μ_B.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, phase transition characterization and thermal decomposition of a new dabcodiium hexaaquairon(II) bis(sulfate): (C6H14N2)[Fe(H2O)6](SO4)2

The crystal structures of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco)-templated iron sulfate, (C₆H₁₄N₂)[Fe(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂, were determined at room temperature and at −173 °C from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. At 20 °C, it crystallises in the monoclinic symmetry, centrosymmetric space group P2₁/n, Z=2, a=7.964(5), b=9.100(5), c=12.065(5) Å, β=95.426(5)° and V=870.5(8) ų. The structure consists of [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and disordered (C₆H₁₄N₂)²⁺ cations and (SO₄)²⁻ anions connected together by an extensive three-dimensional H-bond network. The title compound undergoes a reversible phase transition of the first-order at −2.3 °C, characterized by DSC, dielectric measurement and optical observations, that suggests a relaxor–ferroelectric behavior. Below the transition temperature, the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, non-centrosymmetric space group Cc, with eight times the volume of the ambient phase: a=15.883(3), b=36.409(7), c=13.747(3) Å, β=120.2304(8)°, Z=16 and V=6868.7(2) ų. The organic moiety is then fully ordered within a supramolecular structure. Thermodiffractometry and thermogravimetric analyses indicate that its decomposition proceeds through three stages giving rise to the iron oxide.     

The preparation and crystal structures of BiReO4 and BiRe2O6

The crystal structures of two new oxides, BiReO₄ and BiRe₂O₆, have been determined by single-crystal X-ray methods using an Enraf-Nonius CAD-4F diffractometer. BiReO₄ crystallizes as red metallic needles in the space group Cmcm, cell dimensions a = 3.839(1) Å, b = 14.914(2) Å, c = 5.534(1) Å, Z = 4. The structure consists of sheets of corner-shared octahedra (composition ReO₄) linked by Bi atoms (R = 2.55%). BiRe₂O₆ crystallizes as black metallic plates in the space group C2/m, cell dimensions a = 5.516(1) Å, b = 4.906(1) Å, c = 8.384(1) Å, β = 106.71(1)°, Z =2. The structure consists of layers containing Re₂O₁₀ units linked together by corner sharing of the octahedra, alternating with layers of Bi atoms (R = 2.61%). The structure is disordered due to the random stacking of the Re layers. The Re---Re distance of 2.5 Å in the Re₂O₁₀ unit is comparable to that found in similar compounds. Both compounds exhibit stereochemically active lone pairs.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [(CH3NH3)1.03K2.97]Sb12S20·1.34H2O

A novel thioantimonate(III) [(CH₃NH₃)_1.03K_2.97]Sb₁₂S₂₀·1.34H₂O was synthesized hydrothermally. It crystallizes in space groupP , witha=11.9939(7) Å,b=12.8790(8) Å,c=14.9695(9) Å,α=100.033(1)°,β=99.691(1)°,γ=108.582(1)°,V=2095.3(2) ų, andZ=2. The structure is determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data collected at room temperature and refined toR(F)=0.037. In the crystal structure, each Sb(III) atoms has short bonds (2.37–2.58 Å) to three S atoms. The pyramidal [SbS₃] groups share common S atoms forming two types of centrosymmetric [Sb₁₂S₂₀] rings with the same topology. These rings are interconnected by weaker Sb–S bonds (2.92–3.29 Å) into 2-dimensional layers. Adjacent layers are parallel with K⁺and CH₃NH⁺₃ions and H₂O molecules located between them. Variation of bond valence sums calculated for the Sb(III) cations is found to be correlated with the coordination geometry. This is interpreted as due to the stereochemical activity of their lone electron pairs.     

Preparation and crystallographic characterization of the polyphosphate TlPO3

Chemical preparation and crystallographic data are specified for thallium polyphosphate. TlPO₃ crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n, with the following unit-cell parameters: a = 12.270(7) Å; b = 4.263(2) Å; c = 6.328(4) Å; β = 96°.72(3); Z = 4. This compound is isotypic with two previously described polyphosphates, namely RbPO₃ and CsPO₃.     

Structure and properties of Y5Mo2O12 and Gd5Mo2O12: Mixed valence oxides with structurally equivalent molybdenum atoms

Crystals of Ln₅Mo₂O₁₂ (Ln = Y, Gd) were grown by electrochemical reduction of alkali-molybdate/rare-earth oxide melts at 1075–1100°C. A single crystal of Y₅Mo₂O₁₂, used for structure determination, was found to be monoclinic with a = 12.2376(7) Å, b = 5.7177(8) Å, c = 7.4835(5) Å, β = 108.034(5)°, and Z = 2. Although the structure was refined in space group C2/m, the true space group appears to be P2₁/m. In Y₅Mo₂O₁₂, rutile-like sheets of edge-shared MoO₆ chains linked by YO₆ octahedra are interconnected with YO₇ monocapped trigonal prisms. The Mo atoms in the chains have alternating distances of 2.496 and 3.221 Å and in that respect are similar to MoO₂. However, in contrast to metallic MoO₂ both the Y and Gd compounds are n-type semiconductors with room temperature resistivities of the order of 10³ ohm-cm. Magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm the presence of one unpaired electron per Mo₂ unit. The semiconducting behavior can be explained in terms of an unfavorable bridging oxygen coordination which prevents electron delocalization through metal-oxygen pi bonding as in MoO₂.