Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Potassium Indium Tribromide,KInBr3

KInBr₃, the first ternary indium bromide containing divalent indium, is synthesized from InBr₃, KBr, and elemental In at 450 °C. Its trigonal crystal structure (a = b = 853.24(1) pm, c = 1077.76(2) pm; P3¯; Z = 4) has been solved and refined from X-ray powder data. Indium atoms of oxidation state two are found in an [In₂Br₆]^2– unit with ecliptic ethane structure while potassium ions are located in two different polyhedra. There is an octahedral coordination by bromine anions for half of the K⁺ whereas the other K⁺ cations are located in trigonal Br^– prisms, tricapped by three additional Br^– anions.     

Mixed‐Valent Europium in the Cubic Thiosilicate Li3Eu6[SiS4]4

In an attempt to synthesize LiEu₃S₃[SiS₄] utilizing elemental europium and sulfur as well as SiS₂ and an excess of LiCl as flux and lithium source, dark red, platelet‐shaped single crystals of Li₃Eu₆[SiS₄]₄ were obtained. This new compound crystallizes in the cubic space group I4 3d (a = 1369.22(5) pm) with four formula units per unit cell. Both the Li⁺ and the Si⁴⁺ cations are surrounded by four sulfide anions. The [SiS₄]^4– tetrahedra show merely a slight trigonal distortion, while the [LiS₄]^7– units are best described as flattened bisphenoids. The europium cations exhibit an eightfold, rather irregular coordination environment by eight S^2– anions and have to be regarded mixed‐valent with a +2:+3 charge‐ratio of 5:1 in order to gain electroneutrality. The lack of an inversion center is caused by the [SiS₄]^4– tetrahedra being stacked exclusively top up along [111] in this acentric crystal structure.     

Rb6LiPr11Cl16[SeO3]12: Ein chloridisch derivatisiertes Rubidium‐Lithium‐Praseodym(III)‐Oxoselenat(IV)

Rb₆LiPr₁₁Cl₁₆[SeO₃]₁₂: A Chloride‐Derivatized Rubidium Lithium Praseodymium(III) Oxoselenate(IV) Transparent green square platelets with often truncated edges and corners of Rb₆LiPr₁₁Cl₁₆[SeO₃]₁₂ were obtained by the reaction of elemental praseodymium, praseodymium(III,IV) oxide and selenium dioxide with an eutectic LiCl–RbCl flux at 500 °C in evacuated silica ampoules. A single crystal of the moisture and air insensitive compound was characterized by X‐ray diffraction single‐crystal structure analysis. Rb₆LiPr₁₁Cl₁₆[SeO₃]₁₂ crystallizes tetragonally in the space group I4/mcm (no. 140; a = 1590.58(6) pm, c = 2478.97(9) pm, c/a = 1.559; Z = 4). The crystal structure is characterized by two types of layers parallel to the (001) plane following the sequence 121′2′1. Cl^? anions form cubes around the Rb⁺ cations (Rb1 and Rb2; CN = 8; d(Rb⁺?Cl^?) = 331 – 366 pm) within the first layer. One quarter of the possible places for Rb⁺ cations within this CsCl‐type kind of arrangement is not occupied, however the Cl^? anions of these vacancies are connected to Pr³⁺ cations (Pr4) above and below instead, forming square antiprisms of [(Pr4)O₄Cl₄]^9? units (d(Pr4?O) = 247–249 pm; d(Pr4?Cl) = 284–297 pm) that work as links between layer 1 and 2. Central cations of the second layer consist of Li⁺ and Pr³⁺. While the Li⁺ cations are surrounded by eight O^2? anions (d(Li?O5) = 251 pm) in the shape of cubes again, the Pr³⁺ cations are likewisely coordinated by eight O^2? anions as square antiprisms (for Pr1, d(Pr1?O2) = 242 pm) and by ten O^2? anions (for Pr2 and Pr3), respectively. The latter form tetracapped trigonal antiprisms (Pr2, d(Pr2?O) = 251–253 pm and 4 × 262 pm) or bicapped distorted cubes (Pr3, d(Pr3?O) = 245–259 pm and 2 × 279 pm). The non‐binding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) at the two crystallographically different Ψ¹‐tetrahedral [SeO₃]^2? anions (d(Se⁴⁺?O^2?) = 169–173 pm) are directing towards the empty cavities between the layer‐connecting [(Pr4)O₄Cl₄]^9? units.     

Das Lanthan‐Dodekahydro‐closo‐Dodekaborat‐Hydrat [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O und sein Oxonium‐Chlorid‐Derivat [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2O

The Lanthanum Dodecahydro‐closo‐Dodecaborate Hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O and its Oxonium‐Chloride Derivative [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O By neutralization of an aqueous solution of the free acid (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with basic La₂O₃ and after isothermic evaporation colourless, face‐rich single crystals of a water‐rich lanthanum(III) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrate [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O are isolated. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal system with the centrosymmetric space group (a = 1189.95(2), c = 7313.27(9) pm, c/a = 6.146; Z = 6; measuring temperature: 100 K). The crystal structure of [La(H₂O)₉]₂[B₁₂H₁₂]₃·15 H₂O can be characterized by two of each other independent, one into another posed motives of lattice components. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions (d(B–B) = 177–179 pm; d(B–H) = 105–116 pm) are arranged according to the samarium structure, while the La³⁺ cations are arranged according to the copper structure. The lanthanum cations are coordinated in first sphere by nine oxygen atoms from water molecules in form of a threecapped trigonal prism (d(La–O) = 251–262 pm). A coordinative influence of the [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions on La³⁺ has not been determined. Since “zeolitic” water of hydratation is also present, obviously the classical H–O^δ–···^+δH–O‐hydrogen bonds play a significant role in the stabilization of the crystal structure. During the conversion of an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with lanthanum trichloride an anion‐mixed salt with the composition [La(H₂O)₉](H₃O)Cl₂[B₁₂H₁₂]·H₂O is obtained. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal system with the non‐centrosymmetric space group (a = 808.84(3), c = 2064.51(8) pm, c/a = 2.552; Z = 2; measuring temperature: 293 K). The crystal structure can be characterized as a layer‐like structure, in which [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions and H₃O⁺ cations alternate with layers of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ cations (d(La–O) = 252–260 pm) and Cl⁻ anions along [001]. The [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ (d(B–B) = 176–179 pm; d(B–H) = 104–113 pm) and Cl⁻ anions exhibit no coordinative influence on La³⁺. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the H₃O⁺ cations and [B₁₂H₁₂]²⁻ anions, also between the water molecules of [La(H₂O)₉]³⁺ and Cl⁻ anions, which contribute to the stabilization of the crystal structure.     

Zr2N2Se: The First Zirconium(IV) Nitride Selenide by the Oxidation of Zirconium(III) Nitride with Selenium

The oxidation of zirconium(III) nitride (ZrN) with suitable amounts of selenium (Se) in the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) as flux yields small yellow brownish platelets of the first zirconium(IV) nitride selenide with the composition Zr₂N₂Se. The new compound crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6₃/mmc (no. 194) with a = 363.98(2) pm, c = 1316.41(9) pm (c/a = 3.617) and two formula units per unit cell. The crystallographically unique Zr⁴⁺ cations are surrounded by three selenide and four nitride anions in the shape of a capped trigonal antiprism. The Se^2– anions are coordinated by six Zr⁴⁺ cations as trigonal prism and the N^3– anions reside in tetrahedral surrounding of Zr⁴⁺ cations. These [NZr₄]¹³⁺ tetrahedra become interconnected via three edges each to form $\rm^{2}_{\infty}$ {[(NZr_4/4)₂]²⁺} double layers parallel to the (001) plane, which are held together by monolayers of Se^2– anions.     

An alkoxide cluster with 18 Li+ ions encapsulating two borate anions, [(tBuO)12Li18(BO3)2]

The title compound, bis­(borato)­dodeca(tert‐butoxo)­octa­deca­lithium, [Li₁₈(BO₃)₂(C₄H₉O)₁₂], is formulated conveniently as [{(^tBuOLi)₃(Li₃BO₃)}₂(^tBuOLi)₆]. A central 12‐membered ring and two outer six‐membered rings are formed by alternating Li⁺ cations and alkoxide O atoms. Sandwiched between the central ring and each of the outer rings is a planar array of three further Li⁺ cations surrounding a [BO₃]³⁻ anion. Thus, the mol­ecule consists of a cationic [Li₁₈(O^tBu)₁₂]⁶⁺ cage encapsulating two borate anions. This compound is the first example of a structurally characterized polynuclear lithium borate, and a rare case of a lithium alkoxide cage with nuclearity greater than eight. All the alkoxide ligands are triply bridging, and the lithium ions have trigonal‐planar, trigonal‐pyramidal and fourfold coordination, all with major distortions from regular coordination geometry.     

Zwei Fluoridborate des Gadoliniums: Gd2F3[BO3] und Gd3F3[BO3]2

Two Fluoride Borates of Gadolinium: Gd₂F₃[BO₃] and Gd₃F₃[BO₃]₂ By flux‐supported solid‐state reaction of Gd₂O₃ and GdF₃ with B₂O₃ (flux: CsCl, molar ratio: 1 : 1 : 1 : 6, sealed tantalum capsule, 700 °C, 7 d) the new gadolinium fluoride borate Gd₂F₃[BO₃] (monoclinic, P2₁/c; a = 1637.2(1), b = 624.78(4), c = 838.04(6) pm, β = 93.341(8)°; V_m = 64.418(6) cm³/mol, Z = 8) was obtained as colourless, prismatic, face‐rich single crystals. The four crystallographically different Gd³⁺ cations (CN = 9) are all capped square‐antiprismatically surrounded by fluoride and oxide anions, in which the latter represent always components of isolated trigonal planar [BO₃]^3— anions. The six crystallographically independent F^— anions all reside in more or less planar coordination of three Gd³⁺ cations. Thus the constitution of Gd₂F₃[BO₃] can be described as a sequence of alternating layers each of the composition Gd[BO₃] and GdF₃ parallel (100), respectively. The crystal structures of Gd₂F₃[BO₃] and the shortly published Gd₃F₃[BO₃]₂ (monoclinic, C2/c; a = 1253.4(1), b = 623.7(1), c = 836.0(1) pm, β = 97.404(6)°; V_m = 97.571(9) cm³/mol, Z = 4) are compared with each other. Due to the structural analogies between these two gadolinium fluoride borates, a disorder model of the boron atoms frequently found for Gd₂F₃[BO₃] is able to be transferred to Gd₃F₃[BO₃]₂ as well.     

The Triclinic Lanthanoid(III) Halide Oxidoarsenates(III) Sm3Cl2[As2O5][AsO3] and Tm3Br2[As2O5][AsO3]

Pale yellow single crystals of the composition Ln₃X₂[As₂O₅][AsO₃] (Ln = Tm for X = Br and Ln = Sm for X = Cl) were obtained via solid-state reactions in the systems Ln₂O₃/As₂O₃ from sealed silica ampoules using different halides as fluxing agents. Sm₃Cl₂[As₂O₅][AsO₃] and Tm₃Br₂[As₂O₅][AsO₃] crystallize isotypically in the triclinic space group P1 with Z = 2 and cell parameters of a = 543.51(4) pm, b = 837.24(6) pm, c = 1113.45(8) pm, α = 90.084(2)°, β = 94.532(2)°, γ = 90.487(2)° for the samarium and a = 534.96(4) pm, b = 869.26(6) pm, c = 1081.84(8) pm, α = 90.723(2)°, β = 94.792(2)° γ = 90.119(2)° for the thulium compound. The isotypic crystal structure of both representatives exhibits three crystallographically different Ln³⁺ cations, each with a coordination number of eight. (Ln1)³⁺ and (Ln2)³⁺ are only coordinated by three oxygen atoms, whereas (Ln3)³⁺ shows additional contacts to halide anions in forming square [LnO₄X₄]^9– antiprisms. All As³⁺ cations are surrounded by three oxygen atoms in the shape of isolated [AsO₃]^3– ψ¹-tetrahedra. They occur either isolated or condensed as pyroanionic [As₂O₅]^4– units with a bridging oxygen atom. In both anions, non-binding lone-pair electrons are present at the As³⁺ cations with a pronounced stereochemically active function.     

La3OCl[AsO3]2: Ein Lanthan‐Oxidchlorid‐Oxoarsenat(III) mit “lone‐pair”‐Kanalstruktur

La₃OCl[AsO₃]₂: A Lanthanum Oxide Chloride Oxoarsenate(III) with a “Lone‐Pair” Channel Structure La₃OCl[AsO₃]₂ was prepared by the solid‐state reaction between La₂O₃ and As₂O₃ using LaCl₃ and CsCl as fluxing agents in evacuated silica ampoules at 850 °C. The colourless crystals with pillar‐shaped habit crystallize tetragonally (a = 1299.96(9), c = 558.37(5) pm, c/a = 0.430) in the space group P4₂/mnm (no. 136) with four formula units per unit cell. The crystal structure contains two crystallographically different La³⁺ cations. (La1)³⁺ is coordinated by six oxygen atoms and two chloride anions in the shape of a bicapped trigonal prism (CN = 8), whereas (La2)³⁺ carries eight oxygen atoms and one Cl^? anion arranged in the shape of tricapped trigonal prism (CN = 9). The isolated pyramidal [AsO₃]^3? anions (d(As–O) = 175–179 pm) consist of three oxygen atoms (O2 and two O3), which surround the As³⁺ cations together with the free, non‐binding electron pair (lone pair) Ψ¹‐tetrahedrally (?(O–As–O) = 95°, 3×). One of the three crystallographically independent oxygen atoms (O1), however, is exclusively coordinated by four (La2)³⁺ cations in the shape of a real tetrahedron (d(O–La) = 236 pm, 4×). These [(O1)(La2)₄]¹⁰⁺ tetrahedra form endless chains in the direction of the c axis through trans‐edge condensation. Empty channels, constituted by the lone‐pair electrons of the Cl^? anions and the As³⁺ cations in the Ψ¹‐tetrahedral oxoarsenate(III) anions [AsO₃]^3?, run parallel to [001] as well.     

Sr13□NbAs11 and Eu13□NbAs11 – Defect Variants of the Ca14AlSb11 Structure with asymmetric [As3]7− anions

The novel compounds Sr₁₃NbAs₁₁ and Eu₁₃NbAs₁₁ have been synthesized from SrAs, Eu₅As₄, Sr, Nb and As in niobium ampoules at 1173–1273 K. The tetragonal tI 200 phases are defect variants of the Ca₁₄AlSb₁₁ structure (space group I4₁/acd (no. 142); Sr₁₃□NbAs₁₁: a = 1649.8(2) and c = 2214.1(3); Eu₁₃□NbAs₁₁: a = 1632.9(8) and c = 2197.3(8) pm; Z = 8). The structures are built from the cations Sr²⁺, and Eu²⁺, respectively, and from the anions [NbAs₄]^7?, As^3?, and the linear polyanion [As₃]^7?. This polyanion (isosteric to I₃^?) is asymmetric with d(As? As) = 273.0 and 346.0 pm (Sr) and 274.7 and 335.6 pm (Eu), respectively. The bond lengths in the tetrahedral anions are d(Nb? As) = 250.8 and 251.1 pm. The complete structural arrangement is related to that of Cu₂O by forming two interpenetrating networks. The oxygen atoms are substituted by niobium centered As₄ tetrahedra, and the Cu atoms are substituted by As₆ octahedra (centered by Sr, Eu). The central As atoms of the polyanions connect the nets. Both As networks are enveloped by the remaining cations forming cubes, tetragonal antiprisms and capped trigonal prisms.     

Pr(BO2)3 und PrCl(BO2)2: Zwei meta‐Borate des Praseodyms im Vergleich

Pr(BO₂)₃ and PrCl(BO₂)₂: Two Praseodymium meta‐Borates in Comparison Single‐crystalline PrCl(BO₂)₂ can be obtained by the reaction of praseodymium, Pr₆O₁₁ and PrCl₃ with a small excess of B₂O₃ in evacuated silica tubes after seven days at 850 °C. If NaCl is additionally used as flux, single crystals of Pr(BO₂)₃ dominate the main product. Both praseodymium(III) meta‐borates are air and water stable. The crystals of PrCl(BO₂)₂ emerge as long, thin, pale green needles which tend to severe twinning due to their fibrous habit. The crystal structure (triclinic, P1¯; a = 420.56(4), b = 655.42(7), c = 808.34(8) pm, α = 82.361(8), β = 89.173(9), γ = 71.980(7)°, Z = 2) exhibits zigzag chains {[(B1)o^t_1/1O^e_2/2(B2)O^t_1/1O^e_2/2]²⁻} (≡ {[BO₂]⁻}) of corner‐linked [BO₃]³⁻ triangles with syndiotactic orientation of the terminal oxygen atoms which are running parallel to the [100] direction. The Pr³⁺ cations are surrounded by three Cl⁻ and seven O²⁻ anions with the shape of a tetracapped trigonal prism. The green, transparent crystals of Pr(BO₂)₃ (monoclinic, C2/c; a= 984.98(9), b = 809.57(8), c = 641.02(6) pm, β = 126.783(9)°, Z = 4) appear either lath‐shaped or rather spherical. In the crystal structure the B³⁺ cations reside both in trigonal planar as well as in tetrahedral coordination of oxygen atoms. Both types of borate polyhedra ([BO₃]³⁻ and [BO₄]⁵⁻) are linked via corners to form chains of the composition {[(B2)‐O^t_1/1O^e_2/2(B1)O^e_4/2(B2)O^t_1/1O^e_2/2]³⁻} (≡ {[BO₂]⁻}) which run parallel [101]. The coordination sphere of the Pr³⁺ cations consists of ten oxide anions which build up a bicapped square antiprism.     

The Cluster Compounds Ag[W6Br14] and Ag2[W6Br14]

The reaction of W₆Br₁₂ with AgBr in evacuated silica tubes (temperature gradient 925 K/915 K) yielded brownish black octahedra of Ag[W₆Br₁₄] ( I ) and yellowish green platelets of Ag₂[W₆Br₁₄] ( II ) both in the low temperature zone. ( I ) crystallizes cubically (Pn3 (no. 201); a = 13.355 Å, Z = 4) and ( II ) monoclinically (P2₁/c (no. 14); a = 9.384 Å, b = 15.383 Å, c = 9.522 Å, β = 117.34°, Z = 2). Both crystal structures contain isolated cluster anions, namely [(W₆Brⁱ₈)Br^a₆]^1– and [(W₆Brⁱ₈)Br^a₆])]^2–, respectively, with the mean distances and angles: ( I ) d(W–W) = 2.648 Å, d(W–Brⁱ) = 2.617 Å, d(W–Br^a) = 2.575 Å, d(Brⁱ…Brⁱ) = 3.700 Å, d(Brⁱ…Br^a) = 3.692 Å, ∠W–Brⁱ–W = 60.78°. ( II ) d(W–W) = 2.633 Å, d(W–Brⁱ) = 2.624 Å, d(W–Br^a) = 2.613 Å, d(Brⁱ…Brⁱ) = 3.710 Å, d(Brⁱ…Br^a) = 3.707 Å, ∠W–Brⁱ–W = 60.23°. The Ag⁺ cations are trigonal antiprismatically coordinated in ( I ) with d(Ag–Br) = 2.855 Å, but distorted trigonally planar in ( II ) with d(Ag–Br) = 2.588–2.672 Å. The structural details of hitherto known compounds with [W₆Br₁₄] anions will be discussed.     

CsSc3F6[SeO3]2: A New Rare‐Earth Metal(III) Fluoride Oxoselenate(IV) With Sections Of The ReO3‐Type Structure

A new representative of rare‐earth metal(III) fluoride oxoselenates(IV) derivatized with alkali metals could be synthesized via solid‐state reactions. Colorless single crystals of CsSc₃F₆[SeO₃]₂ were obtained through the reaction of Sc₂O₃, ScF₃, and SeO₂ (molar ratio 1:1:3) with CsBr as reactant and fluxing agent. For this purpose, corundum crucibles embedded as liners into evacuated silica ampoules were applied as containers for these reactions at 700 °C for seven days. The new quintenary compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3m1 with a = 565.34(4) and c = 1069.87(8) pm (c/a = 1.892) for Z = 1. The crystal structure of CsSc₃F₆[SeO₃]₂ contains two crystallographically different Sc³⁺ cations. Each (Sc1)³⁺ is surrounded by six fluoride anions as octahedron, while the octahedra about (Sc2)³⁺ are formed by three fluoride anions and three oxygen atoms from three terminal [SeO₃]^2– anions. The [(Sc1)F₆]^3– octahedra link via common F^– vertices to six fac‐[(Sc2)F₃O₃]^6– octahedra forming ²_∞{[Sc₃F₆O₆]^9–} layers parallel to (001). These layers are separated by oxygen‐coordinated Cs⁺ cations (C.N. = 12), arranging for the charge compensation, while Se⁴⁺ cations within the layers surrounded by three oxygen atoms as ψ¹‐tetrahedral [SeO₃]^2– units complete the structure. EDX measurements confirmed the composition of the title compound and single‐crystal Raman studies showed the typical vibrational modes of isolated [SeO₃]^2– anions with ideal C_3v symmetry.     

Zwei Dodekahydro‐closo‐Dodekaborate mit Lone‐Pair‐Kationen der 6. Periode im Vergleich: Tl2[B12H12] und Pb(H2O)3[B12H12]·3H2O

During the reaction of an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with Tl₂CO₃ anhydrous thallium(I) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate Tl₂[B₁₂H₁₂] is obtained as colorless, spherical single crystals. It crystallizes in the cubic system with the centrosymmetric space group Fm$\bar{3}$ (a = 1074.23(8) pm, Z = 4) in an anti‐CaF₂ type structure. Four quasi‐icosahedral [B₁₂H₁₂]^2– anions (d(B–B) = 180–181 pm, d(B–H) = 111 pm) exhibit coordinative influence on each Tl⁺ cation and provide a twelvefold coordination in the shape of a cuboctahedron (d(Tl–H) = 296 pm). There is no observable stereochemical activity of the non‐bonding electron pairs (6s² lone pairs) at the Tl⁺ cations. By neutralization of an aqueous solution of the acid (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with PbCO₃ and after isothermic evaporation colorless, plate‐like single crystals of lead(II) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hexahydrate Pb(H₂O)₃[B₁₂H₁₂] · 3H₂O can be isolated. This compound crystallizes orthorhombically with the non‐centrosymmetric space group Pna2₁ (a = 1839.08(9), b = 1166.52(6), c = 717.27(4) pm, Z = 4). The crystal structure of Pb(H₂O)₃[B₁₂H₁₂] · 3H₂O is characterized as a layer‐like arrangement. The Pb²⁺ cations are coordinated in first sphere by only three oxygen atoms from water molecules (d(Pb–O) = 247–248 pm). But a coordinative influence of the [B₁₂H₁₂]^2– anions (d(B–B) = 173–181 pm, d(B–H) = 93–122 pm) on lead has to be stated, too, as three hydrogen atoms from three different hydroborate anions are attached to the Pb²⁺ cations (d(Pb–H) = 258–270 pm) completing their first‐sphere coordination number to six. These three oxygen and three hydrogen ligands are arranged as quite irregular polyhedron leaving enough space for a stereochemical lone‐pair activity (6sp) at each Pb²⁺ cation. Since additional intercalating water of hydration is present as well, both classical H–O^δ– ··· ^+δH–O‐ and unconventional B–H^δ– ··· ^+δH–O hydrogen bonds play a significant role in the stabilization of the entire crystal structure.     

Einkristalle des Cer(III)‐Borosilicats Ce3[BSiO6][SiO4]

Single Crystals of the Cerium(III) Borosilicate Ce₃[BSiO₆][SiO₄] Colorless, lath‐shaped single crystals of Ce₃[BSiO₆]‐ [SiO₄] (orthorhombic, Pbca; a = 990.07(6), b = 720.36(4), c = 2329.2(2) pm, Z = 8) were obtained in attempts to synthesize fluoride borates with trivalent cerium in evacuated silica tubes by reaction of educt mixtures of elemental cerium, cerium dioxide, cerium trifluoride, and boron sesquioxide (Ce, CeO₂, CeF₃, B₂O₃; molar ratio 3 : 1 : 3 : 3) in fluxing CsCl (700 °C, 7 d) with the glass wall. The crystal structure contains eight‐ (Ce1) and ninefold coordinated Ce³⁺ cations (Ce2 and Ce3) surrounded by oxygen atoms. Charge balance is achieved by both discrete borosilicate ([BSiO₆]^5– ≡ [O₂BOSiO₃]^5–) and ortho‐silicate anions ([SiO₄]^4–). The former consists of a [BO₃] triangle linked to a [SiO₄] tetrahedron by a single vertex. The anions form layers in [001] direction alternatingly built up from [BSiO₆]^5– and [SiO₄]^4– groups while Ce³⁺ cations are located in between.     

Eu(ClO4)3: First Single Crystals of an Anhydrous Rare‐Earth Perchlorate

Single crystals of Eu(ClO₄)₃ have been obtained by slow dehydration of a hydrous product prepared by the reaction of Eu₂O₃ with HClO₄. The crystal structure (hexagonal, P6₃/m, Z = 2, a = 924.96(9), c = 574.86(8) pm) consists of tricapped trigonal [EuO₉] prisms and [ClO₄] tetrahedra. One of the oxygen atoms in the ClO₄ group does not coordinate to Eu³⁺ and points towards the empty channel which runs in the direction [001].     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the Cluster Compounds A2[(W6Br)Br] with A = K,Rb, Cs

K₂W₆Br₁₄ ( I ), Rb₂W₆Br₁₄ ( II ), and Cs₂W₆Br₁₄ ( III ) were formed by reactions of W₆Br₁₂ with the corresponding alkali metal bromides in evacuated silica tubes with a temperature gradient of 925 K/915 K. ( I ) crystallizes in the cubic space group Pn3 (no. 201), a = 13.808 Å, Z = 4, cP88. ( II ) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 20.301 Å, b = 15.396 Å, c = 9.720 Å, β = 115.69°, Z = 4, mC88. ( III ) crystallizes in the trigonal space group P31c (no. 163), a = 10.180 Å, c = 15.125 Å, Z = 2, hP44. The crystal structures are composed of the isolated [(W₆Br)Br]^2– cluster anions and the alkali metal cations (d(W–W) = 2.635(2) Å, d(W–Brⁱ) = 2.624(4) Å, d(W–Br^a) = 2.595(4) Å). The shape of the anions is influenced by the crystal field symmetry, but the mean bond lengths are not changed by the cation size. The packing of the cluster anions corresponds to ccp pattern in ( I ) and hcp pattern in ( II ) and ( III ), respectively. The alkali metal cations in the octahedral holes are coordinated only by the Br^a ligands while those in the tetrahedral and trigonal-bipyramidal cavities are surrounded by Br^a and Brⁱ ligands. The details will be discussed and compared with other structures.     

Li4Sr2[Cr2N6]: Ein Hexanitridodichromat(V)

Li₄Sr₂[Cr₂N₆]: A Hexanitridodichromate(V) The quaternary hexanitridodichromate(V) Li₄Sr₂[Cr₂N₆] was obtained by reaction of the metals with flowing nitrogen at 900 °C as black‐shining crystals with a platy habit. The crystal structure was determined by X‐ray single crystal methods (orthorhombic, Pbca; a = 914.0 pm, b = 735.4 pm, c = 1053.6 pm; Z = 4). The compound contains isolated complex anions [Cr₂N₆]^8— consisting of two tetrahedra CrN₄ sharing a common edge. The distance Cr—Cr in the complex anion is 249.7 pm. The analysis of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) indicates bonding interactions Cr—Cr. Strontium is in a sixfold (distorted octahedral), Lithium in a distorted tetrahedral ([3+1]) coordination by nitrogen. According to measurements of the magnetic susceptibility the compound is diamagnetic.     

Li2EuSiO4, ein Europium(II)-dilithosilicat: Eu[(Li2Si)O4]

Li₂EuSiO₄, an Europium(II) Litho-Silicate: Eu[(Li₂Si)O₄] Single crystals of Li₂EuSiO₄ were first obtained by reaction of Eu₂SiO₄ with a melt of LiCl at 800 °C in a sealed tantalum tube. It crystallizes with the trigonal space group P3₁21, Z = 3, with a = 502.70(5), c = 1247.0(2) pm. The tetrahedra [LiO₄] and [SiO₄] are connected via common corners and thereby build up a three-dimensional network that leaves space for Eu²⁺ which is in an eightfold coordination. Li₂SrSiO₄ is isotypic with a = 502.59(4) and c = 1247.1(1) pm.     

Über Thallium(I)-chlorooxomolybdate: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von Tl[MoOCl4(NCCH3)], Tl[Mo2O2Cl7] und Tl2[Mo4O4Cl14] und die Struktur von Tl2[MoCl6]

On Thallium(I)-oxochloromolybdates: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Tl[MoOCl₄(NCCH₃)], Tl[Mo₂O₂Cl₇], and Tl₂[Mo₄O₄Cl₁₄] and the Structure of Tl₂[MoCl₆] Black crystals of Tl₂[MoCl₆] are formed in the reaction of TlCl with MoOCl₃ in a sealed evacuated glass ampoule at 350 °C. The crystal structure analysis shows that Tl₂[MoCl₆] (cubic, Fm 3¯m, a = 986.35(7) pm) adopts the K₂[PtCl₆] structure with a Mo–Cl bond length of 236.6 pm. Tl[MoOCl₄(NCCH₃)] was obtained by the reaction of TlCl with MoOCl₃ in acetonitrile in form of yellow, moisture sensitive crystals. The structure (orthorhombic, Cmcm, a = 746.0(1), b = 1463.8(3), c = 857.3(2) pm) is built of Tl⁺ cations and octahedral [MoOCl₄(NCCH₃)]^– anions in which the acetonitrile ligand is bound in trans position to the oxygen. The reaction of TlCl and MoOCl₃ in dichloromethane yields Tl[Mo₂O₂Cl₇] and Tl₂[Mo₄O₄Cl₁₄] as green moisture sensitive crystals. The structure of Tl[Mo₂O₂Cl₇] (orthorhombic, Pmmn, a = 694.3(1), b = 951.9(2), c = 904.7(1) pm) consists of Tl⁺ cations and dinuclear [Mo₂O₂Cl₇]^– anions, with two equidistant chlorine bridges of 248.2 and one longer chlorine bridge of 265.7 pm. The oxygen atoms are located in the trans positions of the longer chloro bridge. The structure of Tl₂[Mo₄O₄Cl₁₄] (triclinic, P1¯, a = 692.8(1), b = 919.6(1), c = 998.9(1) pm, α = 104.94(1)°, β = 90.31(1)°, γ = 108.14(1)°) is build of Tl⁺ cations and [Mo₄O₄Cl₁₄]^2– anions which form tetramers of distorted octahedral, edgesharing (MoOCl₅) units with chlorine atoms in the bridging positions. The oxygen atoms are located in the trans positions of the longest chlorine bridges.