A novel open-framework with non-crossing channels in the uranyl vanadates A(UO2)4(VO4)3 (A=Li, Na)

A new sodium uranyl vanadate Na(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction and its structure determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the tetragonal symmetry with space group I4₁/amd and following cell parameters: a=7.2267(4) Å and c=34.079(4) Å, V=1779.8(2) Å³, Z=4 with ρ_mes=5.36(3) g/cm³ and ρ_cal=5.40(2) g/cm³. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F² yielded R₁=0.028 and wR₂=0.056 for 52 parameters with 474 independent reflections with I?2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a CCD detector. The crystal structure is characterized by _∞²[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)] sheets parallel to (001) formed by corner-shared UO₆ distorted octahedra and V(2)O₄ tetrahedra, connected by V(1)O₄ tetrahedra to _∞¹[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids alternately parallel to the a- and b-axis. The resulting three-dimensional framework creates mono-dimensional channels running down the a- and b-axis formed by face-shared oxygen octahedra half occupied by Na. The powder of Li analog compound Li(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃ has been synthesized by solid-state reaction. The two compounds exhibit high mobility of the alkaline ions within the two-dimensional network of non-intersecting channels.     

New open-framework in the uranyl vanadates A3(UO2)7(VO4)5O (A=Li, Ag) with intergrowth structure between A(UO2)4(VO4)3 and A2(UO2)3(VO4)2O

New uranyl vanadates A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O (M=Li (1), Na (2), Ag (3)) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction and their structures determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data for 1 and 3. The tetragonal structure results of an alternation of two types of sheets denoted S for _∞²[UO₂(VO₄)₂]⁴⁻ and D for _∞²[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₃]⁵⁻ built from UO₆ square bipyramids and connected through VO₄ tetrahedra to _∞¹[U(3)O₅-U(4)O₅]⁸⁻ infinite chains of edge-shared U(3)O₇ and U(4)O₇ pentagonal bipyramids alternatively parallel to a- and b-axis to construct a three-dimensional uranyl vanadate arrangement. It is noticeable that similar _∞[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains are connected only by S-type sheets in A₂(UO₂)₃(VO₄)₂O and by D-type sheets in A(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃, thus A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O appears as an intergrowth structure between the two previously reported series. The mobility of the monovalent ion in the mutually perpendicular channels created in the three-dimensional arrangement is correlated to the occupation rate of the sites and by the geometry of the different sites occupied by either Na, Ag or Li. Crystallographic data: 293 K, Bruker X8-APEX2 X-ray diffractometer equipped with a 4 K CCD detector, MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å, tetragonal symmetry, space group P4¯m2, Z=1, full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F²; 1,a=7.2794(9) Å, c=14.514(4) Å, R1=0.021 and wR2=0.048 for 62 parameters with 782 independent reflections with I?2σ(I); 3, a=7.2373(3) Å, c=14.7973(15) Å, R1=0.041 and wR2=0.085 for 60 parameters with 1066 independent reflections with I?2σ(I).     

One-dimensional chains in uranyl tungstates: Syntheses and structures of A8[(UO2)4(WO4)4(WO5)2] (A=Rb, Cs) and Rb6[(UO2)2O(WO4)4]

Three new uranyl tungstates, A₈[(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂] (A=Rb (1), Cs (2)), and Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄] (3), were prepared by high-temperature solid-state reactions and their structures were solved by direct methods on twinned crystals, refined to R₁=0.050, 0.042, and 0.052 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, monoclinic P2₁/n, (1): a=11.100(7), b=13.161(9), , β=90.033(13)°, , Z=8 and (2): , , , β=89.988(2)°, , Z=8. There are four symmetrically independent U⁶⁺ sites that form linear uranyl [O=U=O]²⁺ cations with rather distorted coordination in their equatorial planes. There are six W positions: W(1) and W(2) have square-pyramidal coordination (WO₅), whereas W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) are tetrahedrally coordinated. The structures are based upon a novel type of one-dimensional (1D) [(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂]⁴⁻ chains, consisting of WU₄O₂₅ pentamers linked by WO₄ tetrahedra and WO₅ square pyramids. The chains run parallel to the a-axis and are arranged in modulated pseudo-2D-layers parallel to (0 1 0). The A⁺ cations are in the interlayer space between adjacent pseudo-layers and provide a 3D integrity of the structures. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first uranyl tungstates with 2/3 of W atoms in tetrahedral coordination. Such a high concentration of low-coordinated W⁶⁺ cations is probably responsible for the 1D character of the uranyl tungstate units. The compound 3 is triclinic, P1¯ a=10.188(2), b=13.110(2), , α=97.853(3), β=96.573(3), γ=103.894(3)°, , Z=4. There are four U positions in the structure with a typical coordination of a pentagonal bipyramid that contain uranyl ions, UO₂²⁺, as apical axes. Among eight W sites, the W(1), W(2), W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated, whereas the W(7) and W(8) cations have distorted fivefold coordination. The structure contains chains of composition [(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄]⁶⁻ composed of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and W polyhedra. The chains involve dimers of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids that share common O atoms. The dimers are linked into chains by sharing corners with WO₄ tetrahedra. The chains are parallel to [−101] and are arranged in layers that are parallel to (1 1 1). The Rb⁺ cations provide linkage of the chains into a 3D structure. The compound 1 has many structural and chemical similarities to its molybdate analog, Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(MoO₄)₄]. However, the compounds are not isostructural. Due to the tendency of the W⁶⁺ cations to have higher-than-fourfold coordination, part of the W sites adopt distorted fivefold coordination, whereas all Mo atoms in the Mo compound are tetrahedrally coordinated. Distribution of the WO₅ configurations along the chain extension does not conform to its ‘typical’ periodicity. As a result, both the chain identity period and the unit-cell volume are doubled in comparison to the Mo analog, which leads to a new structure type.     

A new uranyl niobate sheet in the cesium uranyl niobate Cs9[(UO2)8O4(NbO5)(Nb2O8)2]

A new cesium uranyl niobate, Cs₉[(UO₂)₈O₄(NbO₅)(Nb₂O₈)₂] or Cs₉U₈Nb₅O₄₁ has been synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction, using a mixture of U₃O₈, Cs₂CO₃ and Nb₂O₅. Single crystals were obtained by incongruent melting of a starting mixture with metallic ratio=Cs/U/Nb=1/1/1. The crystal structure of the title compound was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data, and solved in the monoclinic system with the following crystallographic data: a=16.729(2) Å, b=14.933(2) Å, c=20.155(2) Å β=110.59(1)°, P2₁/c space group and Z=4. The crystal structure was refined to agreement factors R₁=0.049 and wR₂=0.089, calculated for 4660 unique observed reflections with I?2σ(I), collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a CCD detector.In this structure the UO₇ uranyl pentagonal bipyramids are connected by sharing edges and corners to form a uranyl layer corresponding to a new anion-sheet topology, and creating triangular, rectangular and square vacant sites. The two last sites are occupied by Nb₂O₈ entities and NbO₅ square pyramids, respectively, to form infinite uranyl niobate sheets stacking along the [010] direction. The Nb₂O₈ entities result from two edge-shared NbO₅ square pyramids. The Cs⁺ cations are localized between layers and ensured the cohesion of the structure.The cesium cation mobility between the uranyl niobate sheets was studied by electrical measurements. The conductivity obeys the Arrhenius law in all the studied temperature domains. The observed low conductivity values with high activation energy may be explained by the strong connection of the Cs⁺ cations to the infinite uranyl niobate layers and by the high density of these cations in the interlayer space without vacant site.Infrared spectroscopy investigated at room temperature in the frequency range 400-4000 cm⁻¹, showed some characteristic bands of uranyl ion and niobium polyhedra.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical characterization of two new potassium uranyl molybdates K2(UO2)2(MoO4)O2 and K8(UO2)8(MoO5)3O6

Two new potassium uranyl molybdates K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆ have been obtained by solid state chemistry . The crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction data, collected with MoKα radiation and a charge coupled device (CCD) detector. Their structures were solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques and refined by a least square method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections, with R₁=0.046 for 136 parameters and 1412 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and R₁=0.055 for 257 parameters and 2585 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. The first compound crystallizes in the monoclinic symmetry, space group P2₁/c with a=8.250(1) Å, b=15.337(2) Å, c=8.351(1) Å, β=104.75(1)°, ρ_mes=5.22(2) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.27(2) g/cm³ and Z=4. The second material adopts a tetragonal unit cell with a=b=23.488(3) Å, c=6.7857(11) Å, ρ_mes=5.44(3) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.49(2) g/cm³, Z=4 and space group P4/n.In both structures, the uranium atoms adopt a UO₇ pentagonal bipyramid environment, molybdenum atoms are in a MoO₄ tetrahedral environment for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and MoO₅ square pyramid coordination in K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. These compounds are characterized by layered structures. The association of uranyl ions (UO₇) and molybdate oxoanions MoO₄ or MoO₅, give infinite layers [(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]²⁻ and [(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆]⁸⁻ in K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆, respectively. Conductivity properties of alkali metal within the interlayer spaces have been measured and show an Arrhenius type evolution.     

Pb(UO2)(V2O7), a novel lead uranyl divanadate

A new lead uranyl divanadate, PbUO₂(V₂O₇), has been synthesized by high temperature solid-state reaction and its crystal structure was solved by direct methods using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P2₁/n and following cell parameters: a=6.9212(9) Å, b=9.6523(13) Å, c=11.7881(16) Å, β=91.74(1)°, V=787.01(2) Å³, Z=4, ρ_mes=5.82(3), ρ_cal=5.83(1) g/cm³. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F² yielded R₁=0.029 and wR₂=0.064 for 2136 independent reflections with I>2σ(I) collected with a Bruker AXS diffractometer (MoKα radiation). The crystal structure of PbUO₂(V₂O₇) consists of a tri-dimensional framework resulting from the association of V₂O₇ divanadate units formed by two VO₄ tetrahedra sharing corner and UO₇ uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and creating one-dimensional elliptic channels occupied by the Pb²⁺ ions. In PbUO₂(V₂O₇), infinite ribbons of four pentagons wide are formed which can be deduced from the sheets with Uranophane type anion-topology that occurs, for example, in the uranyl divanadate (UO₂)₂(V₂O₇), by replacement of half-U atoms of the edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids by Pb atoms. Infrared spectroscopy was investigated at room temperature in the frequency range 400-4000 cm⁻¹, showing some characteristic bands of uranyl ion and of VO₄ tetrahedra.     

Combinatorial topology of uranyl molybdate sheets: syntheses and crystal structures of (C6H14N2)3[(UO2)5(MoO4)8](H2O)4 and (C2H10N2)[(UO2)(MoO4)2]

Two new mixed organic-inorganic uranyl molybdates, (C₆H₁₄N₂)₃[(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈](H₂O)₄ (1) and (C₂H₁₀N₂)[(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂] (2), have been obtained by hydrothermal methods. The structure of 1 [triclinic, , Z=1, a=11.8557(9), b=11.8702(9), c=12.6746(9) Å, α=96.734(2)°, β=91.107(2)°, γ=110.193(2)°, V=1659.1(2) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.058, which was calculated for the 5642 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl square bipyramids, uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈]⁶⁻, that are parallel to (−101). H₂O groups and 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. The structure of 2 [triclinic, , Z=2, a=8.4004(4), b=11.2600(5), c=13.1239(6) Å, α=86.112(1)°, β=86.434(1)°, γ=76.544(1)°, V=1203.14(10) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.043, which was calculated for 5491 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂]²⁻, that are parallel to (110). Ethylenediamine molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. All known topologies of uranyl molybdate sheets of corner-sharing U and Mo polyhedra can be described by their nodal representations (representations as graphs in which U and Mo polyhedra are given as black and white vertices, respectively). Each topology can be derived from a simple black-and-white graph of six-connected black vertices and three-connected white vertices by deleting some of its segments and white vertices.     

Syntheses and characterization of zero-dimensional molybdoantimonites, A2(Mo4Sb2O18) (A=Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy)

Six new isostructural A₂(Mo₄Sb₂O₁₈) (A=Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy) compounds have been synthesized by solid-state reactions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. They crystallize in C2/c space group with 4 formula units and contain A³⁺ cations and discrete centrosymmetric anionic (Mo₄Sb₂O₁₈)⁶⁻ aggregates, made of tetrahedral MoO₄ and disphenoidal SbO₄ moieties. They exhibit characteristic Sb³⁺ photoluminescence.     

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).     

The A1−xUNbO6−x/2 compounds (x=0, A=Li, Na, K, Cs and x=0.5, A=Rb, Cs): from layered to tunneled structure

Attempts to prepare alkaline metal uranyl niobates of composition A_1−xUNbO_6−x/2 by high-temperature solid-state reactions of A₂CO₃, U₃O₈ and Nb₂O₅ led to pure compounds for x=0 and A=Li (1), Na (2), K (3), Cs (4) and for x=0.5 and A=Rb (5), Cs (6). Single crystals were grown for 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and for the mixed Na_0.92Cs_0.08UNbO₆ (7) compound. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=10.3091(11), b=6.4414(10), c=7.5602(5) Å, β=100.65(1), Z=4, R₁=0.054 (wR₂=0.107); 3, 5 and 7 orthorhombic, Pnma, Z=8, with a=10.307(2), 10.272(4) and 10.432(3) Å, b=7.588(1), 7.628(3) and 7.681(2) Å, c=13.403(2), 13.451(5) and 13.853(4) Å, R₁=0.023, 0.046 and 0.036 (wR₂=0.058, 0.0106 and 0.088) for 3, 5 and 7, respectively; 6, orthorhombic, Cmcm, Z=8, and a=13.952(3), b=10.607(2) Å, c=7.748(2) Å, R₁=0.044 (wR₂=0.117).The crystal structure of 1 is characterized by layers of uranophane sheet anion topology parallel to the (100) plane. These layers are formed by the association by edge-sharing of chains of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and chains of corner-shared NbO₅ square pyramids alternating along the [010] direction. The Li⁺ ions are located between two consecutive layers and hold them together; the Li⁺ ions and two layers constitute a neutral “sandwich” {(UNbO₆)⁻-(Li)₂²⁺-(UNbO₆)⁻}. In this unusual structure, the neutral sandwiches are stacked one above another with no formal chemical bonds between the neutral sandwiches.The homeotypic compounds 3, 5, 6, 7 have open-framework structures built from the association by edge-sharing in two directions of parallel chains of edge-shared UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and ribbons of two edge-shared NbO₆ octahedra further linked by corners. In 3, 5 and 7, the mono-dimensional large tunnels created in the [001] direction by this arrangement can be considered as the association by rectangular faces of two columns of triangular face-shared trigonal prisms of uranyl oxygens. In 3 and 7, all the trigonal prisms are occupied by the alkaline metal, in 5, they are half-occupied. In 6, the polyhedral arrangement is more symmetric and the tunnels created in the [010] direction are built of face-sharing cubes of uranyl oxygens totally occupied by the Cs atoms. This last compound well illustrates the structure-directing effect of the conterion.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the layered uranyl tellurites A2[(UO2)3(TeO3)2O2] (A=K, Rb, Cs)

The reactions of UO₃ and TeO₃ with KCl, RbCl, or CsCl at 800 °C for 5 d yield single crystals of A₂[(UO₂)₃(TeO₃)₂O₂] (A=K (1), Rb (2), and Cs (3)). These compounds are isostructural with one another, and their structures consist of two-dimensional sheets arranged in a stair-like topology separated by alkali metal cations. These sheets are comprised of zigzagging uranium(VI) oxide chains bridged by corner-sharing trigonal pyramidal TeO₃²⁻ anions. The chains are composed of dimeric, edge-sharing, pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ moieties joined by edge-sharing tetragonal bipyramidal UO₆ units. The lone-pair of electrons from the TeO₃ groups are oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another on each side of the sheets rendering each individual sheet non-polar. The alkali metal cations form contacts with nearby tellurite oxygen atoms as well as with oxygen atoms from the uranyl moieties. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): 1, triclinic, space group , , , , α=101.852(1)°, β=102.974(1)°, γ=100.081(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.70% for 98 parameters and 1697 reflections with I>2σ(I); 2, triclinic, space group , , , , α=105.590(2)°, β=101.760(2)°, γ=99.456(2)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.36% for 98 parameters and 1817 reflections with I>2σ(I); 3, triclinic, space group , , , , α=109.301(1)°, β=100.573(1)°, γ=99.504(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.61% for 98 parameters and 1965 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Crystal chemistry and ion-exchange properties of the layered uranyl iodate K[UO2(IO3)3]

Single crystals of the potassium uranyl iodate, K[UO₂(IO₃)₃] (1), have been grown under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure of 1 contains two-dimensional sheets extending in the [ab] plane that consist of approximately linear UO₂²⁺ cations bound by iodate anions to yield UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. There are three crystallographically unique iodate anions, two of which bridge between uranyl cations to create sheets, and one that is monodentate and protrudes in between the layers in cavities. K⁺ cations form long ionic contacts with oxygen atoms from the layers forming an eight-coordinate distorted dodecahedral geometry. These cations join the sheets together. Ion-exchange reactions have been carried out that indicate the selective uptake of Cs⁺ over Na⁺ or K⁺ by 1. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): 1, orthorhombic, Pbca, a=11.495(1) Å, b=7.2293(7) Å, c=25.394(2) Å, Z=8, R(F)=1.95% for 146 parameters with 2619 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

New one-dimensional uranyl and neptunyl iodates: crystal structures of K3[(UO2)2(IO3)6](IO3)·H2O and K[NpO2(IO3)3]·1.5H2O

The uranyl and neptunyl(VI) iodates, K₃[(UO₂)₂(IO₃)₆](IO₃)·H₂O (1) and K[NpO₂(IO₃)₃]·1.5H₂O (2), have been prepared and crystallized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structures of 1 and 2 both contain one-dimensional _∞¹[AnO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻(An=U,Np) ribbons that consist of approximately linear actinyl(VI) cations bound by iodate anions to yield AnO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. The AnO₇ units are linked by bridging iodate anions to yield chains that are in turn coupled by additional iodate anions to yield ribbons. The edges of the ribbons are terminated by monodentate iodate anions. For 1 and 2, K⁺ cations and water molecules separate the ribbons from one another. In addition, isolated iodate anions are also found between _∞¹[UO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻ ribbons in 1. In order to aid in the assignment of oxidation states in neptunyl containing compounds, a bond-valence sum parameter of 2.018 Å for Np(VI) bound exclusively to oxygen has been developed with b=0.37 Å. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 1, triclinic, , a=7.0609(4) Å, b=14.5686(8)  Å, c=14.7047(8)  Å, α=119.547(1)°, β=95.256(1)°, γ=93.206(1)°, Z=2, R(F)=2.49% for 353 parameters with 6414 reflections with I>2σ(I); (203 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 2, monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=7.796(4)  Å, b=7.151(3)  Å, c=21.79(1)  Å, β=97.399(7)°, Z=4, R(F)=6.33% for 183 parameters with 2451 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization of a new pseudo-two-dimensional uranyl oxyfluoride, [N(C2H5)4]2[(UO2)4(OH2)3F10]

A new uranyl oxyfluoride, [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂[(UO₂)₄(OH₂)₃F₁₀] has been synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction technique using (C₂H₅)₄NBr, UO₂(OCOCH₃)₂·2H₂O, and HF as reagents. The structure of [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂[(UO₂)₄(OH₂)₃F₁₀] has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂[(UO₂)₄(OH₂)₃F₁₀] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (No. 14), with , , , β=98.88(3)°, , and Z=4. [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂[(UO₂)₄(OH₂)₃F₁₀] reveals a novel pseudo-two-dimensional crystal structure that is composed of UO₂F₅, UO₃F₄, and UO₄F₃ pentagonal bipyramids. Each uranyl pentagonal bipyramid shares edges and corners through F atoms to form a six-membered ring. The rings are further interconnected to generate infinite strips running along the b-axis. [N(C₂H₅)₄]₂[(UO₂)₄(OH₂)₃F₁₀] has been further characterized by elemental analysis, bond valence calculations, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Molten salt flux synthesis and structure of the new layered uranyl tellurite, K4[(UO2)5(TeO3)2O5]

The reaction of UO₃ and TeO₃ with a KCl flux at 800 °C for 3 days yields single crystals of K₄[(UO₂)₅(TeO₃)₂O₅]. The structure of the title compound consists of layered, two-dimensional sheets arranged in a stair-like topology separated by potassium cations. Contained within these sheets are one-dimensional uranium oxide ribbons consisting of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and UO₆ tetragonal bipyramids. The ribbons are in turn linked by corner-sharing with trigonal pyramidal TeO₃ units to form sheets. The lone-pair of electrons from the TeO₃ groups are oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another on each side of the sheets rendering each individual sheet nonpolar. The potassium cations form contacts with nearby tellurite units and axial uranyl oxygen atoms. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): triclinic, space group , , , , α=99.642(1)°, β=93.591(1)°, γ=100.506(1)°, , Z=1,R(F)=4.19% for 149 parameters and 2583 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Syntheses and structures of three new scandium selenites: Sc2(SeO3)3·H2O, Sc2 (SeO3)3·3H2O and CsSc3(SeO3)4 (HSeO3)2·2H2O

Three new hydrated scandium selenites have been hydrothermally synthesized as single crystals and structurally and physically characterized. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O crystallizes as a new structure type containing novel ScO₇ pentagonal bipyramidal and ScO₆₊₁ capped octahedral coordination polyhedra. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O contains typical ScO₆ octahedra and is isostructural with its M₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O (M=Al, Cr, Fe, Ga) congeners. CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O contains near-regular ScO₆ octahedra and has essentially the same structure as its indium-containing analogue. All three phases contain the expected pyramidal [SeO₃]^2- selenite groups. Crystal data: Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O, M_r=524.85, trigonal, R3c (No. 161), , , , Z=6, R(F)=0.018, wR(F²)=0.036; Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O, M_r=488.82, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.051, wR(F²)=0.086; CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O, M_r=1067.60, orthorhombic, Pnma (No. 62), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.035, wR(F²)=0.070.     

[Hg5O2(OH)4][(UO2)2(AsO4)2]: A complex mercury(II) uranyl arsenate

Under mild hydrothermal conditions UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, and Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O react to form [Hg₅O₂(OH)₄][(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂] (HgUAs-1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that HgUAs-1 possesses a pseudo-layered structure consisting of two types of layers: and . The layers are complex, and contain three crystallographically unique Hg centers. The coordination environments and bond-valence sum calculations indicate that the Hg centers are divalent. The layers belong to the Johannite topological family. The and layers are linked to each other through μ₂-O bridges that include Hg?O=U=O interactions.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of Cs6[(UO2)4(W5O21)(OH)2(H2O)2]: a new polar uranyl tungstate

The hydrothermal reaction of UO₃, WO₃, and CsIO₄ leads to the formation of Cs₆[(UO₂)₄(W₅O₂₁)(OH)₂(H₂O)₂] and UO₂(IO₃)₂(H₂O). Cs₆[(UO₂)₄(W₅O₂₁)(OH)₂(H₂O)₂] is the first example of a hydrothermally synthesized uranyl tungstate. It's structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data: tetragonal, space group I4 cm, , , Z=4, MoKα, , R(F)=2.84% for 135 parameters with 2300 reflections with I>2σ(I). The structure is comprised of two-dimensional anionic layers that are separated by Cs⁺ cations. The coordination polyhedra found in the novel layers consist of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids, WO₆ distorted octahedra, and WO₅ square pyramids. The UO₇ polyhedra are formed from the binding of five equatorial oxygen atoms around a central uranyl, UO₂²⁺, unit. Both bridging and terminal oxo ligands are employed in forming the WO₅ square pyramidal units, while oxo, hydroxo, and aqua ligands are found in the WO₆ distorted octahedra. In the layers, four (UO₂)O₅ polyhedra corner share with equatorial oxygen atoms to form a U₄O₂₄ tetramer entity with a square site in the center; a tungsten atom populates the center of each of these sites to form a U₄WO₂₅ pentamer unit. The pentamer units that result are connected in two dimensions by edge-shared dimers of WO₆ octahedra to form the two-dimensional [(UO₂)₄(W₅O₂₁)(OH)₂(H₂O)₂]^6- layers. The lack of inversion symmetry in Cs₆[(UO₂)₄(W₅O₂₁)(OH)₂(H₂O)₂] can be directly contributed to the WO₅ square pyramids found in the pentamer units. In the structure, all of these polar polyhedra align their terminal oxygens in the same orientation, along the c axis, thus resulting in a polar compound.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical spectroscopy of Ln2(SO4)3·8H2O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and Pr2(SO4)3·4H2O

The lanthanide sulphate octahydrates Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and the respective tetrahydrate Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O were obtained by evaporation of aqueous reaction mixtures of trivalent rare earth oxides and sulphuric acid at 300 K. Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) crystallise in space group C2/c (Z=4, a_Ho=13.4421(4) Å, b_Ho=6.6745(2) Å, c_Ho=18.1642(5) Å, β_Ho=102.006(1) Å³ and a_Tm=13.4118(14) Å, b_Tm=6.6402(6) Å, c_Tm=18.1040(16) Å, β_Tm=101.980(8) Å³), Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O adopts space group P2₁/n (a=13.051(3) Å, b=7.2047(14) Å, c=13.316(3) Å, β=92.55(3) Å³). The vibrational and optical spectra of Ho₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O and Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O are also reported.     

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.