Topological relationships and building blocks in Zintl phases of the composition Ba(n+1)(Mg,Li)2nSi2(n+1)

The structures of two novel Zintl phases, Ba6Mg5.2Li2.8Si12 and BaMg0.1Li0.9Si2, are presented. Both compounds contain chains in cis-trans conformation. The silicon partial structure of Ba6Mg5.2Li2.8Si12 (C2/m; a = 1212.0(1), b = 459.78(4), c = 1129.10(9) pm; beta = 91.77(2) degrees; Z = 1) is built of unbranched, planar Si6 chains while BaMg0.1Li0.9Si2 (Pnma; a = 725.92(5), b = 461.36(3), c = 1169.08(8) pm; Z = 4) consists of infinite Si(n) chains. The compounds show all electronic and structural characteristics that are typical for the special subset of Zintl phases with highly charged planar anions. The structures of the new compounds, as well as that of Ba2Mg3Si4, can be derived from the common parent type BaMg2Si2. It is shown that a comprehensive picture of a chemical twinning based on BaMg2Si2 can be derived.     

Cation-anion interactions as structure directing factors: structure and bonding of Ca2CdSb2 and Yb2CdSb2

Two new transition-metal-containing Zintl phases, Ca2CdSb2 and Yb2CdSb2, have been synthesized by flux reactions, and their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Yb2CdSb2 crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Cmc21 (No. 36, Z = 4). Ca2CdSb2 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62, Z = 4). Despite the similarity in their chemical formulas and unit cell parameters, the structures of Yb2CdSb2 and Ca2CdSb2 are subtly different: Ca2CdSb2 has a layered structure built up of infinite layers of CdSb4 tetrahedra connected through corner-sharing. These layers are stacked in an alternating AA-1AA-1 sequence along the direction of the longest crystallographic axis (A denotes a layer; A-1 stands for its inversion symmetry equivalent), with Ca2+ cations filling the space between them. The structure of Yb2CdSb2 features the very same [CdSb2]4- layers of CdSb4 tetrahedra, which because of the lack of inversion symmetry are stacked in an AAAA-type fashion and are separated by Yb2+ cations. Electronic band structure calculations performed using the TB-LMTO-ASA method show a small band gap at the Fermi level for Ca2CdSb2, whereas the gap closes for Yb2CdSb2. These results suggest narrow gap semiconducting and poorly metallic behavior, respectively, and are confirmed by resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The structural relationship between these new layered structure types and some well-known structures with three-dimensional four-connected nets are discussed as well.     

A5Sn2As6 (A = Sr, Eu). Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and thermoelectric properties

Two new ternary Zintl phases, Sr(5)Sn(2)As(6) and Eu(5)Sn(2)As(6), have been synthesized, and their structures have been accurately determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in orthorhombic space group Pbam (No. 55, Z = 2) with cell parameters of a = 12.482(3)/12.281(5) ?, b = 14.137(3)/13.941(5) ?, and c = 4.2440(10)/4.2029(16) ? for Sr(5)Sn(2)As(6) (R1 = 0.0341; wR2 = 0.0628) and Eu(5)Sn(2)As(6) (R1 = 0.0324; wR2 = 0.0766), respectively. Their structure belongs to the Sr(5)Sn(2)P(6) type, which can be closely related to the Ca(5)Ga(2)As(6) type. Electronic band structure calculations based on the density functional theory reveal an interesting electronic effect in the structure formation of these two types of Zintl phases, which substantially affect their corresponding electronic band structure. Related studies on the thermal stability, magnetism, and thermoelectric properties of Eu(5)Sn(2)As(6) are presented as well.     

Polar intermetallic compounds as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions: synthesis, structures, bonding, and catalytic properties of Ca(1-x)Sr(x)Ni4Sn2 (x=0.0, 0.5, 1.0) and catalytic properties of Ni3Sn and Ni3Sn2

The potential of polar intermetallic compounds to catalyze hydrogenation reactions was evaluated. The novel compounds CaNi4Sn2, SrNi4Sn2, and Ca(0.5)Sr(0.5)Ni(4)Sn(2) were tested as unsupported alloys in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of citral. Depending on the reaction conditions, conversions of up to 21.0 % (253 K and 9.0 MPa hydrogen pressure) were reached. The binary compounds Ni3Sn and Ni3Sn2 were also tested in citral hydrogenation under the same conditions. These materials gave conversions of up to 37.5 %. The product mixtures contained mainly geraniol, nerol, citronellal, and citronellol. The isotypic stannides CaNi4Sn2, Ca(0.5)Sr(0.5)Ni4Sn2, and SrNi4Sn2 were obtained by melting mixtures of the elements in an arc-furnace under an argon atmosphere. Single crystals were synthesized in tantalum ampoules using special temperature modes. The novel structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm with parameters: a=7.6991(7), c=7.8150(8) A, wR2=0.034, 162 F(2) values, 14 variable parameters for CaNi4Sn2; a=7.7936(2), c=7.7816(3) A, wR2=0.052, 193 F(2) values, 15 variable parameters for Ca(0.5)Sr(0.5)Ni4Sn2; and a=7.8916(4), c=7.7485(5) A, wR2=0.071, 208 F(2) values, 14 variable parameters for SrNi4Sn2. The Ca(1-x)Sr(x)Ni(4)Sn(2) (x=0.0, 0.5, 1.0) structures can be represented as a stuffed variant of the CuAl2 type by the formal insertion of one-dimensional infinite Ni-cluster chains [Ni4] into the Ca(Sr)Sn2 substructure. The Ni and Sn atoms form a three-dimensional infinite [Ni4Sn2] network in which the Ca or Sr atoms fill distorted octagonal channels. The densities of states obtained from TB-LMTO-ASA calculations show metallic character for both compounds.     

Ca6Cu2Sn7: novel 3D open framework with unusual Sn4 tetramers

The new ternary polar intermetallic phase, Ca6Cu2Sn7, has been synthesized by the solid-state reaction of the stoichiometric mixture of the pure elements in welded Ta tubes at high temperature. Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Ca6Cu2Sn7 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m (No. 12) with cell parameters of a=14.257(7), b=4.564(2), and c=12.376(7) A, beta=93.979(6) degrees, V=803.3(7) A3, and Z=2. The structure of Ca6Cu2Sn7 belongs to a new structure type and features a 3D anionic open-framework composed of [Cu2Sn3] layers interconnected by unusual Sn4 tetramers, forming large tunnels along the b axis which are composed of Cu4Sn12 16-membered rings. The calcium atoms are located in these large tunnels. Ca6Cu2Sn7 is metallic and exhibits temperature-independent paramagnetism.     

SrInGe and EuInGe: new Zintl phases with an unusual anionic network derived from the ThSi(2) structure

Two new isostructural Zintl phases, EuInGe and SrInGe, are obtained from high-temperature reactions of the pure elements in welded Ta tubes. Both ternary phases crystallize in a new structure type in space group Pnma (No. 62), with a = 4.921(1) A, b = 3.9865(9) A, and c = 16.004(3) A for EuInGe; and a = 5.021(1) A, b = 4.0455(9) A, and c = 16.188(4) A for SrInGe. The crystal structures established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction feature zigzag chains of 3-bonded Ge atoms and puckered layers of 4-bonded In atoms. The two structural units are linked into an anionic network with channels composed of 5-membered and 7-membered rings. The channels are filled by the respective divalent cations. The chemical bonding of the anionic [InGe](2)(-) network, derived from a one-electron oxidative distortion of the alpha-ThSi(2) structure, is explained using extended-Hückel band structure calculations. Magnetic measurements indicate that EuInGe exhibits Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior above 35 K and antiferromagnetic behavior below 35 K. The calculated effective moment, mu(eff) = 8.11 mu(B), of EuInGe and the diamagnetic behavior of SrInGe are consistent with the oxidation states of Eu(II) and Sr(II), respectively.     

Unusual electronic and bonding properties of the Zintl phase Ca5Ge3 and related compounds. A theoretical analysis

Theoretical reasons for metallic behavior among diverse Zintl phases have generally not been pursued at an advanced level. Here, the electronic structure of Ca5Ge3 (Cr5B3 type), which can be formulated (Ca+2)5(Ge2-6)Ge-4 in oxidation states, has been explored comparatively by means of semiempirical and first-principles density functional methods. The FP-APW calculations show that alkaline-earth-metal and germanium orbitals, particularly the d orbitals on the cations and the p-pi orbitals of the halogen-like dimeric Ge2-6, mix considerably to form a conduction band. This covalency perfectly explains the unusual metallic properties of the nominally electron-precise Zintl phase Ca5Ge3 and its numerous relatives. Similar calculational results are obtained for Sr5Ge3, Ba5Ge3, and Ca5Sn3. Cation d orbitals appear to be a common theme among Zintl phases that are also metallic.     

Evidence of incipient bond-stretching isomerism in Sr2.04(1)Ca0.96(1)Sn5 from variable-temperature structural studies

The title compound was found to crystallize in the Pu3Pd5 structure type (SG Cmcm) with cell dimensions of a = 10.5179(9) A, b = 8.4789(8) A, and c = 10.7623(10) A. The structure consists of isolated Sn5(6-) square-pyramidal units surrounded by cations that seem to play a crucial role in stabilizing the Zintl polyanions. The square pyramids contract at low temperatures (100 K) leading to the shortening of the basal intracluster Sn-Sn bond (2.74 A), while the intercluster bonds become very large, indicating features of bond stretching isomerism as is known for Ba3Ge4. A study of different crystals shows a slight variation in the lattice parameters, suggesting the presence of a definite phase width which was substantiated by the successful synthesis of monophasic samples of Sr(3-x)CaxSn5 (0.5 相似文献   

New tetragonal structure type for A2Ca10S(9 (A = Li, Mg). Electronic variability around a Zintl phase

The phases LiMgCa(10)Sb(9) (1), Mg(2)Ca(10)Sb(9) (2), and Li(1.38(2))Ca(10.62)Sb(9) (3) have been synthesized by high-temperature solid-state means and characterized by single-crystal means and property measurements. These occur in space group P4(2)/mnm, Z = 4, with a = 11.8658(5), 11.8438(6), 11.9053(7) Angstroms and c = 17.181(2), 17.297(2), 17.152(2) Angstroms, respectively. The two types of A atoms occupy characteristic sites in a Ca-Sb network that contains a 5:2 proportion of (formal) Sb(3-) and Sb(2)(4-) anions and can be described in terms of two slab types stacked along [001]. Bonding appears to be strong in these salts with generally normal distances and high coordination numbers except for the 4-bonded atoms in a C(2)(v) position for the second type of A that is occupied by Li, Mg or Ca(0.62(2))Li(0.38), respectively. The three compounds are, respectively, an ideal electron-precise Zintl phase, one e(-)-rich and 0.40(4) e(-)-short per formula unit. The LiMgCa(10)Sb(9) compound is correspondingly diamagnetic and presumably a semiconductor.     

Hydrogen impurity effects. A(5)Tt(3)Z intermetallic compounds between A = Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb and Tt = Sn, Pb with Cr(5)B(3)-like structures that are stabilized by hydride or fluoride (Z)

The binary systems Ca-Sn, Ba-Sn, Eu-Sn, Yb-Sn, Sr-Pb, Ba-Pb, and Eu-Pb do not contain Cr(5)B(3)-like A(5)Tt(3) phases when care is taken to exclude hydrogen from the reactions (Tt = tetrel, Si-Pb). All form ternary A(5)Tt(3)H(x)() phases (x < or = 1) with "stuffed" Cr(5)B(3)-like structures instead, and all of those tested, Ca-Sn, Ba-Sn, Sr-Pb, and Ba-Pb, also yield the isostructural A(5)Tt(3)F. The structures and compositions of Ca(5)Sn(3)H(x), Ca(5)Sn(3)F(0.89), Eu(5)Sn(3)H(x), and Sr(5)Pb(3)F have been refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and of Ca(5)Sn(3)D from powder neutron data. The interstitial H, F atoms are bound in a tetrahedral (A(2+))(4) cavity in a Cr(5)B(3)-type metal atom structure. Nine previous reports of binary "Ba(5)Sn(3)", "Yb(5)Sn(3)", "Sr(5)Pb(3)", and "Ba(5)Pb(3)" compounds were wrong and presumably concerned the hydrides. The new ternary phases are generally Pauli-paramagnetic, evidently with pi electrons from the characteristic tetrelide dimers in this structure type at least partially delocalized into the conduction band. The Sn-Sn bonds appear correspondingly shortened on oxidation. Other new phases reported are CaSn (CrB type), Yb(5)Sn(4)H(x) (Sm(5)Ge(4)), YbSn ( approximately TlTe), Ba(5)Pb(3) ( approximately W(5)Si(3)), and Yb(31)Pb(20) (Ca(31)Sn(20)).     

Synthesis and characterization of A3Na10Sn23 (A = Cs, Rb, K) with a new clathrate-like structure and of the chiral clathrate Rb5Na3Sn25

Four new compounds Cs17.4(1)Na60.6(1)Sn138 (1), Rb19.1(1)Na58.9(1)Sn138 (2), K21.3(1)Na56.7(1)Sn138 (3), and Rb20Na12Sn100 (4) were synthesized by fusion of the corresponding elements. The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-3 are isostructural and crystallize in a new structure type (rhombohedral, R3m, Z = 1, a = 12.4567(9) A, c = 51.533(3) A for 1; a = 12.465(1) A, c = 51.085(3) A for 2; a = 12.456(2) A, c = 50.559(4) A for 3). The structure contains layers of fused pentagonal dodecahedra of tin that alternate with layers of isolated tin tetrahedra. It is an intergrowth between the structure of clathrate-II (A24Sn136) with the same layers of pentagonal dodecahedra and the Zintl phase ASn with Sn4(4-) tetrahedra. Compound 4 is a new chiral clathrate (cubic, P4(1)32, Z = 1; a = 16.4127(7) A) with stoichiometry that corresponds to an electronically balanced Zintl phase.     

Alkalimetallbismutide ABi und ABi2 (A = K,Rb, Cs) — Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, Eigenschaften

Alkali Metal Bismuthides ABi and ABi₂ — Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Properties The Zintl phases ABi (A = K/Rb/Cs; monoclinic, space group, P2₁/c, a = 1422.3(2)/1474.2(2)/1523.7(3), b = 724.8(1)/750.2(1)/773.7(1), c = 1342.0(2)/1392.1(2)/1439.9(2) pm and β = 113.030(3)/113.033(2)/112.722(3)°, Z = 16) crystallize with the β‐CsSb structure type containing chains of two‐connected Bi atoms. Hence, and according to calculated electronic structures, they are semiconductors with small band gaps of approx. 0.5 eV. In contrast, the compounds ABi₂ (A = K/Rb/Cs; cubic, space group Fd3¯m, a = 952.1(2)/962.4(8)/972.0(3) pm, Z = 8) belong to the Laves phases, showing a typical metallic electrical conductivity and no band gaps.     

In search of cyclohexane-like Sn6(12-): synthesis of Li2Ln5Sn7 (Ln = Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu) with an open-chain heptane-like Sn7(16-) instead

The title compounds were prepared by direct reactions of the corresponding elements at high temperature. They are isostructural and crystallize in the chiral orthorhombic space group P212121 (Li2Ce5Sn7: a = 6.273(1), b = 13.839(2), and c = 17.467(2) A; Li2Pr5Sn7: a = 6.241(1), b = 13.762(2), and c = 17.367(1) A; Li2Sm5Sn7: a = 6.262 (1), b = 13.809(1), and c = 17.432(1) A; Li2Eu5Sn7: a = 6.165(1), b = 13.562(2), and c = 17.128(1) A). The structure contains isolated Sn7 oligomers that resemble the carbon core of an open-chain heptane molecule C7H16. Although these heptamers are stacked along the a axis at a distance that is comparable to the distances within the heptamer, electronic structure calculations show that this intermolecular contact is nonbonding for a formal charge of 16- or higher per heptamer. A hypothetical lower charge of 14-, on the other hand, leads to positive and substantial bond-overlap population that would result in branched infinite chains of infinity[Sn714-]. Magnetic measurements of the Ce and Pr compounds indicate a 3+ oxidation state for the rare-earth cations and, therefore, 17 available electrons from the cations per formula unit. According to four-probe conductivity measurements, the compounds are metallic.     

Intermetallics as zintl phases: Yb2Ga4Ge6 and RE3Ga4Ge6 (RE=Yb, Eu): structural response of a [Ga4Ge6]4- framework to reduction by two electrons

Two new intermetallic compounds, Yb(2)Ga(4)Ge(6) and Yb(3)Ga(4)Ge(6), were obtained from reactions in molten Ga. A third compound, Eu(3)Ga(4)Ge(6), was produced by direct combination of the elements. The crystal structures of these compounds were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Yb(2)Ga(4)Ge(6) crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell with a=4.1698(7), b=23.254(4), c=10.7299(18) A in the polar space group Cmc2(1). The structure of RE(3)Ga(4)Ge(6) is monoclinic, space group C2/m, with cell parameters a=23.941(6), b=4.1928(11), c=10.918(3) A, beta=91.426(4) degrees for RE=Yb, and a=24.136(2), b=4.3118(4), c=11.017(1) A, beta=91.683(2) degrees for RE=Eu. The refinement [I>2 sigma(I)] converged to the final residuals R(1)/wR(2)=0.0229/0.0589, 0.0411/0.1114, and 0.0342/0.0786 for Yb(2)Ga(4)Ge(6), Yb(3)Ga(4)Ge(6), and Eu(3)Ga(4)Ge(6), respectively. The structures of these two families of compounds can be described by a Zintl concept of bonding, in which the three-dimensional [Ga(4)Ge(6)](n-) framework serves as a host and electron sink for the electropositive RE atoms. The structural relation of RE(3)Ga(4)Ge(6) to of Yb(2)Ga(4)Ge(6) lies in a monoclinic distortion of the orthorhombic cell of Yb(2)Ga(4)Ge(6) and reduction of the [Ga(4)Ge(6)] network by two electrons per formula unit. The results of theoretical calculations of the electronic structure, electrical transport data, and thermochemical and magnetic measurements are also reported.     

Synthesis, structure, and bonding of open-shell Sr3In5: an unusual electron deficiency in an indium network, beyond the Zintl boundary.

The new title compound has been synthesized and characterized by physical property measurements and electronic structure calculations. The results ratify the highly uncommon deficiency of one electron that has been long speculated for its Ca3Ga5-type structure on the basis of the simple Zintl electron counting formalism. In the Sr3In5 structure (Cmcm), 4- and 2-bonded indium atoms in a 4:1 ratio form a three-dimensional classical network that encapsulates strontium atoms in its narrow channels. The electrical conductivity of the compound shows typical metallic behavior. The detailed electronic structure analysis suggests that the electron hole is mainly localized on a nonbonding p-orbital on the 2-bonded indium atoms, and that these orbitals, stacked in a sigma-type way along avector (4.97 A), interact only weakly with each other to form highly one-dimensional bands.     

Synthesis and structure of Ca(18)Li(5)In(25.07): a novel intergrowth of Li-centered in(12) icosahedral clusters and electron-precise Zintl layers

A new ternary polar intermetallic, Ca(18)Li(5)In(25.07), was obtained from high-temperature reactions of the elements in welded Nb tubes. Its crystal structure, established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, was found to crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm (No. 65). Unit cell parameters are a = 9.9151(6) A, b = 26.432(2) A, and c = 10.2116(6) A; Z = 2. The structure of Ca(18)Li(5)In(25.07) features two distinct types of indium anionic layers. An "electron-deficient" layer is made up of Li-centered In(12) icosahedra that are interconnected by bridging planar In(4) units and In atoms. A second In(3)(5-) layer is an electron-precise Zintl layer formed by fused four-, five-, and six-membered rings of three- and four-bonded indium atoms. The two distinct layers are alternately stacked and linked into a complex three-dimensional network. Vacancies are observed to occur only at the In(12) icosahedral and the bridging indium units within the "electron-deficient" layers. Magnetic property measurements indicate that Ca(18)Li(5)In(25.07) exhibits temperature-independent paramagnetism consistent with metallic behavior. Band structure calculations were performed to elucidate the role of defects and vacancies in the electronic structure of the electron-deficient "metallic" Zintl phase.     

Phasenbeziehungen im System LiGa?Sn und die Kristallstrukturen der intermediären Phasen LiGaSn und Li2Ga2Sn

Phase Relations in the System LiGa? Sn and the Crystal Structures of the Intermediate Compounds LiGaSn and Li₂Ga₂Sn The quasibinary system LiGa? Sn contains the intermediate ternary phases Li₇Ga₇Sn₃, Li₂Ga₂Sn, Li₅Ga₅Sn₃, Li₃Ga₃Sn₂ and LiGaSn. Single crystals of LiGaSn (a = 632.9(4) pm, Fd3m, Z = 4), Li₃Ga₃Sn₂ (a = 445.4(3), c = 1 090.0(2) pm, hP*), Li₅Ga₅Sn₃ (a = 447.0(4), c = 4 220.0(9) pm, hP*) and Li₂Ga₂Sn (a = 441.1(2), c = 2 164.5(7) pm, P6₃/mmc, Z = 4) have been grown from the melt. The crystal structures of LiGaSn and Li₂Ga₂Sn have been determined by single crystal X-ray methods (R = 0.029 bzw. 0.107 respectively). The crystal structure of LiGaSn contains a sphalerite-type Ga/Sn-arrangement, the Ga/Sn-arrangement of Li₂Ga₂Sn corresponds to a stacking variant of the wurtzite- and sphalerite-type. The compounds can be classified in terms of the Zintl concept.     

Probing the limits of the Zintl concept: structure and bonding in rare-earth and alkaline-earth zinc-antimonides Yb9Zn4+xSb9 and Ca9Zn4.5Sb9

A new transition metal Zintl phase, Yb(9)Zn(4+x)Sb(9), was prepared by high-temperature flux syntheses as large single crystals, or by direct fusion of the corresponding elements in polycrystalline form. Its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its Ca-counterpart, hitherto known as Ca(9)Zn(4)Sb(9), and the presence of nonstoichiometry in it were also studied. Yb(9)Zn(4+x)Sb(9) was found to exist in a narrow homogeneity range, as suggested from the crystallographic data at 90(3) K (orthorhombic, space group Pbam (No. 55), Z = 2): (1) a = 21.677(2) A, b = 12.3223(10) A, c = 4.5259(4) A, R1 = 3.09%, wR2 = 7.18% for Yb(9)Zn(4.23(2))Sb(9); (2) a = 21.706(2) A, b = 12.3381(13) A, c = 4.5297(5) A, R1 = 2.98%, wR2 = 5.63% for Yb(9)Zn(4.380(12))Sb(9); and (3) a = 21.700(2) A, b = 12.3400(9) A, c = 4.5339(4) A, R1 = 2.75%, wR2 = 5.65% for Yb(9)Zn(4.384(14))Sb(9). The isostructural Ca(9)Zn(4.478(8))Sb(9) has unit cell parameters a = 21.830(2) A, b = 12.4476(9) A, and c = 4.5414(3) A (R1 = 3.33%, wR2 = 5.83%). The structure type in which these compounds crystallize is related to the Ca(9)Mn(4)Bi(9) type, and can be considered an interstitially stabilized variant. Formal electron count suggests that the Yb or Ca cations are in the +2 oxidation state. This is supported by the virtually temperature-independent magnetization for Yb(9)Zn(4.5)Sb(9). Electrical resistivity data show that Yb(9)Zn(4.5)Sb(9) and Ca(9)Zn(4.5)Sb(9) are poor metals with room-temperature resistivity of 10.2 and 19.6 mOmega.cm, respectively.     

New metal-rich sulfides Ni(6)SnS(2) and Ni(9)Sn(2)S(2) with a 2D metal framework: synthesis, crystal structure, and bonding

Two new, metal-rich nickel-tin sulfides Ni(6)SnS(2) and Ni(9)Sn(2)S(2) were found by establishing phase relations in the ternary Ni-Sn-S system at 540 degrees C. Their single crystals were prepared by means of chemical vapor transport reactions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction was used for the determination of their crystal structures. Both compounds crystallize in a tetragonal system (I4/mmm, No. 139, Z = 2, a = 3.646(1) A, c = 18.151(8) A for Ni(6)SnS(2), and a = 3.678(1) A, c = 25.527(8) A for Ni(9)Sn(2)S(2)). Their crystal structures represent a new structure type and can be considered as assembled from bimetallic nickel-tin and nickel-sulfide slabs alternating along the crystallographic c axis. DFT band structure calculations showed the bonding within the bimetallic slabs to have a delocalized, multicenter nature, typical for metallic systems, and predominantly classical, pairwise bonding between nickel and sulfur.