Phase Equilibria in the Sc2S3-Ln2S3 (Ln = Dy,Er, or Tm) Systems

Phase diagrams for the Sc₂S₃-Ln₂S₃ (Ln = Dy, Er, or Tm) systems were designed in the range from 1000 K to melting temperatures. The Ln₃ScS₆ compounds that are formed in these systems crystallize in monoclinic space group P2₁/m, and melt congruently: for Dy₃ScS₆, a = 1.118 nm, b = 1.262 nm, c = 0.354 nm, β = 94.7°, 1800 K, H = 2600 MPa; for Er₃ScS₆, a = 1.113 nm, b = 1.258 nm, c = 0.353 nm, β = 94.5°, 1830 K, H = 2800 MPa; for Tm₃ScS₆, a = 1.112 nm, b = 1.229 nm, c = 0.352 nm, β = 94.3°, 1835 K, H = 2940 MPa. The LnScS₃ (Ln = Dy or Er) complex sulfides, with orthorhombic structures, space group Pnma, melt incongruently: for DyScS₃, a = 0.700 nm, b = 0.637 nm, c = 0.943 nm, 1810 K, H = 3800 MPa; and for ErScS₃, a = 0.697 nm, b = 0.633 nm, c = 0.942 nm, 1800 K, H = 3800 MPa. As the ionic radii rLn3+ and rSc3+ approach Ln Sc to each other in the row Dy-Er-Tm, the solubility in Sc₂S₃ increases, at 1670 K being equal to 13 mol % Dy₂S₃, 30 mol % Er₂S₃, and 40 mol % Tm₂S₃. LnScS₃ (Ln = Dy or Er) forms a two-sided homogeneity region, at 1670 K lying in ranges of 43–56 mol % Ln₂S₃. The eutectic temperatures and compositions are as follows: 1700 K and 66 mol % Dy₂S₃, 1730 K and 81 mol % Dy₂S₃, 1740 K and 65 mol % Er₂S₃, 1700 K and 83 mol % Er₂S₃, 1730 K and 70 mol % Tm₂S₃, and 1755 K and 84 mol % Tm₂S₃.     

Phase diagrams of the systems Sc<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> for Ln = La,Nd, or Gd

Phase diagrams have been designed for the systems Sc₂S₃-Ln₂S₃ where Ln = La, Nd, or Gd. In these systems, complex sulfides crystallize in orthorhombic space group Pnma. The sulfides melt congruently and have the following parameters; for LaScS₃, a = 0.718 nm, b = 0.654 nm, c = 0.960 nm, 2000 K, 3200 MPa; for NdScS₃, a = 0.712 nm, b = 0.646 nm, c = 0.952 nm, 1960 K, 3500 MPa; and for GdScS₃, a = 0.704 nm, b = 0.640 nm, c = 0.946 nm, 1900 K, 3400 MPa. The extents of the solid solutions based on the existing phases increase as the effective ion radii of Ln³⁺ approaches that of Sc³⁺. At 1670 K, the LnScS₃ homogeneity region is 48–52 mol % Nd₂S₃ and 46–54 mol % Gd₂S₃. Sc₂S₃ dissolves 3 mol % Nd₂S₃ and 6 mol % Gd₂S₃. γ-Nd₂S₃ dissolves 2 mol % Sc₂S₃, and γ-Gd₂S₃ dissolves 4 mol % Sc₂S₃. The subsystems Sc₂S₃-LnScS₃ and LnScS₃-Ln₂S₃ are of the eutectic type. The eutectic coordinates are, respectively, 27 mol % La₂S₃, 1880 K; 75 mol % La₂S₃, 1800 K; 30 mol % Nd₂S₃, 1850 K; 74 mol % Nd₂S₃, 1770 K; 33 mol % Gd₂S₃, 1800 K; and 74 mol % Gd₂S₃, 1730 K.     

Phase diagrams of the Ln2S3-EuS (Ln = La-Gd) systems

The phase diagrams of the Ln₂S₃-EuS (Ln = La-Gd) systems were studied. In these systems, continuous series of solid solutions form between γ-Ln₂S₃ and EuLn₂S₄ (Th₃P₄ structural type), and also eutectics between EuLa₂S₄ and a solid solution based on EuS form at the following coordinates: 71.5 mol % EuS, 2280 K; 66.5 mol % EuS, 2240 K; and 63.5 mol % EuS, 2100 K. The characteristics of the forming compounds are the following: EuLa₂S₄: a = 0.8759 nm, T _melt = 2420 K, and H = 2380 MPa; EuNd₂S₄: a = 0.8615 nm, T _melt = 2380 K, and H = 2530 MPa; and EuGd₂S₄: a = 0.8507 nm, T _melt = 2300 K, and H = 2670 MPa.     

Phase Equilibria Laws in the SrS-Ln2S3 (Ln = Yb-Lu,Y, or Sc) Systems

Complex sulfides with the SrS: Ln₂S₃ ratio equal to 3: 1, 1: 3, or 1: 4 for Ln = Y or Lu have been predicted on the basis of thermodynamic analysis of previously designed SrS-Ln₂S₃ (Ln = Tb, Dy, or Er) phase diagrams. Phase diagrams for the SrS-Ln₂S₃ (Ln = Tm, Lu, or Sc) systems have been designed for the first time. These systems form congruently melting compounds SrLn₂S₄ (CaFe₂O₄ type structure, orthorhombic crystal system). Unit cell parameters, heats of melting, and microhardnesses have been determined. For SrTm₂S₄, the respective values are as follows: a = 1.181 nm, b = 1.421 nm, c = 0.396 nm, 2040 K, ΔH _m = 188 kJ/mol, 3500 MPa; for SrLu₂S₄: a = 1.187 nm, b = 1.416 nm, c = 0.392 nm, 2070 K, ΔH _m = 190 kJ/mol, 3540 MPa; and for SrSc₂S₄: a = 1.180 nm, b = 1.410 nm, c = 0.390 nm, 2100 K, ΔH _m = 206 kJ/mol, 3650 MPa. The increase in the melting temperatures and the heats of melting calculated for the SrLn₂S₄ compounds correlate with their classification as thio salts.     

Phase equilibria in the BaS-Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>S-Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

Phase equilibria in the BaS-Cu₂S-Gd₂S₃ system have been studied along the 800 K isothermal section and the CuGdS₂-BaS, Cu₂S-BaGdCuS₃, BaGdCuS₃-Gd₂S₃, and BaGdCuS₃-BaGd₂S₄ polythermal sections. Complex sulfide BaGdCuS₃ is formed in the title system; it has an orthorhombic KZrCuSe₃-type structure (space group Cmcm) with the unit cell parameters equal to a = 0.40529(2) nm, b = 1.34831(6) nm, c = 1.02940(5) nm. This sulfide melts congruently at 1685 K. BaGdCuS₃ is in equilibrium with sulfides Cu₂S, BaS, Gd₂S₃, CuGdS₂, BaGd₂S₄, BaCu₄S₃, and BaCu₂S₂ and with compositions in the C₀ solid-solution region of the Cu₂S-Gd₂S₃ system. Eutectics are formed between compounds CuGdS₂ and BaGdCuS₃ at 7.0 mol % BaS and T = 1325 K, between BaGdCuS₃ and BaS at 64.0 mol % BaS and T = 1625 K, between Cu₂S and BaGdCuS₃ at 8.0 mol % BaGdCuS₃ and T = 1125 K, between Gd₂S₃ and BaGdCuS₃ at 64.0 mol % Gd₂S₃ and 1495 K, and between BaGdCuS₃ and BaGd₂S₄ at 35 mol % BaGd₂S₄ and T = 1660 K.     

Phase equilibria in the systems SrS-Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>S-Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> (Ln = La or Nd)

Phase equilibria in the systems SrS-Cu₂S-Ln₂S₃ (Ln = La or Nd) have been studied along the isothermal section at 1050 K and vertical sections CuLnS₂-SrS and Cu₂S-SrLnCuS₃, which are partially quasibinary joins. Compounds SrLnCuS₃ with Ln = La or Nd have been synthesized for the first time. They crystallize in orthorhombic space group Pnma, the BaLaCuS₃ structure type, with the following unit cell parameters: for SrLaCuS₃, a = 1.1157(2) nm, b = 0.41003(6) nm, c = 1.1545(2) nm; for SrNdCuS₃, a = 1.1083(1) nm, b = 0.40887(7) nm, c = 1.1477(2) nm. Noticeable homogeneity regions for SrLnCuS₃ are not found. The compounds melt congruently by the reaction SrLnCuS₃ ? SrS + L at 1365 K for SrLaCuS₃ and 1400 K for SrNdCuS₃. The tie-lines at 1050 K in the systems SrS-Cu₂S-Ln₂S₃ radiate from SrLnCuS₃ toward phases SrS, Cu₂S, CuLnS₂, and SrLn₂S₄, lying between the phases CuLnS₂ and compositions from the γ-Ln₂S₃-SrLn₂S₄ solid-solution field. Eutectics are formed between the compounds CuLaS₂ and SrLaCuS₃ at 21.0 mol % SrS, T = 1345 K; between the compounds CuNdS₂ and SrNdCuS₃ at 31.0 mol % SrS, T = 1310 K; and between the phases Cu₂S and SrLnCuS₃ at 14.0 mol % SrLaCuS₃, T = 1075 K and 8.0 mol % SrNdCuS₃, T = 1055 K.     

Phase diagram of the MgS-Ga2S3 system

The MgGa₂S₄ phase, which forms in the MgS-Ga₂S₃ system, crystallizes in monoclinic system with the parameters a = 1.275 nm, b = 2.255 nm, c = 0.641 nm, β = 108.8°. Its congruent melting temperature is 1365 K. The eutectics have compositions of 31 and 62 mol % Ga₂S₃ and melt at 1280 and 1140 K, respectively. The MgS solubility in γ-Ga₂S₃ at 1070 K reaches 7 mol % MgS.     

Phase equilibria in the BaS–Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

In the BaS–Ga₂S₃ system, the following compounds form: congruently melting compound BaGa₄S₇ (rhombic system, space group Pmn2₁, a = 1.477 nm, b = 0.624 nm, c = 0.593 nm, and T_melt = 1490 K) and incongruently melting compounds BaGa₂S₄ (cubic system, space group Pa3, a = 1.2661 nm, and Tmelt = 1370 K), Ba₂Ga₂S₅ (monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 1.529, b = 1.479, c = 0.858 nm, ß = 106.04°, and T_melt = 1150 K), Ba₃Ga₂S₆ (monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 0.909 nm, b = 1.448 nm, c = 0.903 nm, ß = 91.81°, and T_melt = 1190 K), Ba₄Ga₂S₇ (monoclinic system, space group P2₁/m, a = 1.177 nm, b = 0.716 nm, c = 0.903 nm, ß = 108.32°, and T_melt = 1230 K), and Ba₅Ga₂S₈ (rhombic system, space group Cmca, a = 2.249 nm, b = 1.215 nm, c = 1.189 nm, and T_melt = 1480 K). The compositions of eutectics are 38 and 72 mol % Ga₂S₃, and their melting points are 1120 and 1160 K, respectively. The BaS solubility in γ-Ga₂S₃ at 1070 K reaches 3 mol %.     

Sm<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Sm<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> phase diagram

The Sm₂S₃-Sm₂O₃ phase diagram was studied by physicochemical methods of analysis from 800 K up to melting. Two oxysulfides are formed in the system: Sm₁₀S₁₄O with tetragonal crystal structure (space group I41/acd; unit cell parameters: a = 1.4860 nm, c = 1.9740 nm; microhardness: H = 4700 MPa; solid decomposition temperature: 1500 K) and Sm₂O₂S with hexagonal structure (space group P-3m1; a = 0.3893 nm, c = 0.6717 nm; H = 4500 MPa; congruent melting temperature: 2370 K). Within the extent of the Sm₂O₂S-based solid solution (61–70 mol % Sm₂O₃) at 1070 K, a singular point appears at the compound composition on property-composition curves. The eutectic coordinates: 23 mol % Sm₂O₃ and 1850 K; 80 mol % Sm₂O₃ and 2290 K.     

Serendipitous syntheses of the series Cs3Ln7Te12 (Ln = Sm,Gd, Tb): Compounds with large tunnels

Single crystals of Cs₃Ln₇Te₁₂ (Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb) have been grown accidentally through the reaction of Ln and Te with a CsCl or Cs₂Te₃ flux at elevated temperatures. The crystal structures have been determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. These compounds, which are isostructural with Rb₃Yb₇Se₁₂, crystallize in space group Pnnm of the orthorhombic system with two molecules in the following cells: Cs₃Sm₇Te₁₂, a=13.750(6), b=28.332(7), c=4.473(3) Å, T=293 K; Cs₃Gd₇Te₁₂, a=13.6064(13), b=28.209(3), c=4.4324(4) Å, T=153 K; Cs₃Tb₇Te₁₂, a=13.5708(16), b=28.116(3), c=4.4147(5) Å, T=153 K.     

Phase equilibria in the SrS-Ga2S3 system

In the SrS-Ga₂S₃ system, there exist two individual compounds: SrGa₂S₄ (a = 2.084 nm, b = 2.050 nm, c = 1.220 nm; congruent melting at 1530 K) and Sr₂Ga₂S₅ (a = 1.253 nm, b = 1.203 nm, c = 1.117 nm; peritectic melting at 1330 K); both are orthorhombic. We discovered a compound of composition Sr₄Ga₂S₇; this compound crystallizes in cubic system with the unit cell parameter a = 0.6008 nm, space group Pa3, and decomposes by a solid-phase reaction at 870 K. Eutectic compositions are 42 and 73 mol % Ga₂S₃; eutectic melting temperatures are 1210 and 1170 K, respectively. The SrS solubility in γ-Ga₂S₃ at 1070 K reaches 4 mol %.     

Interaction in the Yb2S3-In2S3 system

A T-x diagram is designed for the Yb₂S₃-In₂S₃ system using physicochemical methods. A complex chemical reaction occurs in the system to yield ternary compounds Yb₃InS₆ (S₁), YbInS₃ (S₂), Yb₃In₅S₁₂ (S₃), and YbIn₃S₆ (S₄). In₂S₃-based limited solid solutions are found. Phases S₁, S₃, and S₄ are formed by peritectic reactions at 1260, 1200, and 1100 K, respectively. Compound S₂ melts congruently at 1390 K. Compound S₃ crystallizes in monoclinic system (a = 10.90 Å, b = 21.01 Å, c = 3.846 Å, β = 96.2°). Compounds S₁ and S₄ crystallize in orthorhombic system (for S₁, a = 16.76 Å, b = 13.70 Å, c = 3.88 Å; for S₄, a = 3.86 Å, b = 11.64 Å, c = 20.98 Å, d _exp = 4.62 g/cm³). Compound S₂ crystallizes in cubic system (a = 10.68 Å).     

Phase Equilibria in Systems DyCuS<Subscript>2</Subscript>–EuS and Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>S−Dy<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript>−EuS

The phase diagram of system DyCuS₂–EuS has been first constructed, and the phase equilibria in the Cu₂S–Dy₂S₃–EuS triangle at 970 K have been studied. Compound EuDyCuS₃ (1DyCuS₂ : 1EuS), space group Pnma, a = 10.1901(3) Å, b = 3.9270(1) Å, c = 12.8468(3) Å, melts incongruently at 1727 ± 7 K according to the reaction: EuDyCuS_3solid ? 0.17 SS EuS (90 mol % EuS, 10 mol % DyCuS₂) + 0.83 liq (42 mol % EuS, 58 mol % DyCuS₂), ΔH = 2.9 ± 0.6 kJ/mol; microhardness of the phase is 3080 ± 35 MPa. Compound EuDyCuS₃ is transparent in the range 3000–1800 cm^–1. In system DyCuS₂–EuS, the solid solution (SS) based on EuS extends from 91 to 100 mol % at 1770 K and from 92 to 100 mol % at 1170 K. In γ-DyCuS₂, 2 mol % EuS dissolves at 1487 K. The eutectic is formed between compounds DyCuS₂ and EuDyCuS3 at 12 mol % EuS, T = 1487 ± 8 K. In system Cu₂S?Dy₂S₃?EuS, 10 secondary systems have been isolated. At 970 K, tie-lines are located between compound EuDyCuS₃ and solid solutions based on compounds β-Cu₂S, EuS, DyCuS₂, β-(DyCu₃S₃), and EuDy₂S₄; between DyCuS₂ and the solid solution of α-Dy₂S₃, DyCuS₂, and EuDy₂S₄.     

MnS-Ln2S3 (Ln = La, Nd, or Gd) phase diagrams; thermodynamics of phase transitions

The MnS-La₂S₃ phase diagram has been constructed where the incongruently melting compound Mn₂La₆S₁₁ is formed. Complex sulfide Mn₂La₆S₁₁ is characterized by monoclinic structure; its incongruent melting temperature is 1535 K. Eutectic coordinates are 31 mol % La₂S₃, 1490 K. The extent of the ??-La₂S₃ based solid solutions at 1570 K is 8 mol % MnS; at 770 K, ??-La₂S₃ dissolves 3 mol % MnS. The MnS-Gd₂S₃ system is a eutectic with limited solid solutions. Eutectic coordinates are 35.5 mol % Gd₂S₃, 1640 K. Solubility in ??-Gd₂S₃ is 28 mol % MnS at 1570 K, in ??-Gd₂S₃ is 13 mol % MnS at 1170 K, and in MnS is 1 mol % Gd₂S₃. Thermochemical equations have been composed for eutectic and eutectoid phase transformations. A MnS-Nd₂S₃ phase diagram has been predicted.     

Phase diagrams of sections in the EuS-Cu2S-Nd2S3 system

Phase equilibria in the EuS-Cu₂S-Nd₂S₃ system were studied in an isothermal (970 K) section and NdCuS₂-EuS and Cu₂S-EuNdCuS₃ polythermal sections. The complex sulfide EuNdCuS₃ has an orthorhombic crystal lattice (space group Pnma; a = 1.10438(2) nm, b = 0.40660(1) nm, c = 1.14149(4) nm), is isostructural to BaLaCuS₃, and melts incongruently at 1470 K: EuNdCuS₃ (0.50 EuS; 0.50 NdCuS₂) ai 0.18 EuS ss (0.88 EuS; 0.12 NdCuS₂) + 0.82 L (0.415 EuS; 0.585 NdCuS₂); ΔH = 17.8 kJ/mol. Within the range 0.5 mol % EuS, EuNdCuS₃-based solid solutions were not found. At 970 K, the tie lines pass from the compound EuNdCuS₃ to Cu₂S, EuS, NdCuS₂, and EuNd₂S₄ phases and lie between the NdCuS₂ phase and solid solutions (ss) of γ-Nd₂S₃ with EuNd₂S₄. Eutectics are formed between the compounds NdCuS₂ and EuNdCuS₃ at 32.0 mol % EuS T = 1318 K and between the compounds Cu₂S and EuNdCuS₃ at 20.5 mol % EuNdCuS₃ and T = 1142 K. Five main subordinate triangles were identified in the system.     

A template-free solvothermal synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor Gd2O2S:xTb3+, yEu3+ hollow spheres

The multicolor Gd₂O₂S:xTb³⁺, yEu³⁺ hollow spheres were successfully synthesized via a template-free solvothermal route without the use of surfactant from commercially available Ln (NO₃)₃·6H₂O (Ln = Gd, Tb and Eu), absolute ethanol, ethanediamine and sublimed sulfur as the starting materials. The phase, structure, particle morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-obtained products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence spectra. The influence of synthetic time on phase, structure and morphology was systematically investigated and discussed. The possible formation mechanism depending on synthetic time t for the Gd₂O₂S phase has been presented. These results demonstrate that the Gd₂O₂S hollow spheres could be obtained under optimal condition, namely solvothermal temperature T = 220 °C and synthetic time t = 16 h. The as-obtained Gd₂O₂S sample possesses hollow sphere structure, which has a typical size of about 2.5 μm in diameter and about 0.5 μm in shell thickness. PL spectroscopy reveals that the strongest emission peak for the Gd₂O₂S:xTb³⁺ and the Gd₂O₂S:yEu³⁺ samples is located at 545 nm and 628 nm, corresponding to ⁵D₄→⁷F₅ transitions of Tb³⁺ ions and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions, respectively. The quenching concentration of Tb³⁺ ions and Eu³⁺ ions is 7%. In the case of Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped samples, when the concentration of Tb³⁺ or Eu³⁺ ions is 7%, the optimum concentration of Eu³⁺ or Tb³⁺ ions is determined to be 1%. Under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, the Gd₂O₂S:7%Tb³⁺, the Gd₂O₂S:7%Tb³⁺,1%Eu³⁺ and the Gd₂O₂S:7%Eu³⁺ samples give green, yellow and red light emissions, respectively. And the corresponding CIE coordinates vary from (0.3513, 0.5615), (0.4120, 0.4588) to (0.5868, 0.3023), which is also well consistent with their luminous photographs.     

Sm2O3Ga2O3 and Gd2O3Ga2O3 phase diagrams

Four definite compounds exist in the Sm₂O₃Ga₂O₃ binary phase diagram, namely: Sm₃GaO₆, Sm₄Ga₂O₉, SmGaO₃, and Sm₃Ga₅O₁₂. The $\text{3}\text{1}$ compound is orthorhombic (space group Pnna - Z.4) with the cell parameters: a = 11.40₀Å, b = 5.51₅Å, c = 9.07Å and belongs to the oxysel family. Sm₃GaO₆ and SmGaO₃ melt incongruently at 1715 and 1565°C; Sm₄Ga₂O₉ and Sm₃Ga₅O₁₂ have a congruent melting point at 1710 and 1655°C. With regard to the Gd₂O₃Ga₂O₃ system three definite compounds have been identified: Gd₃GaO₆, Gd₄Ga₂O₉, and Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂. Only the garnet melts congruently at 1740°C with the following composition: Gd_3.12Ga_4.88O₁₂. Gd₃GaO₆, and Gd₄Ga₂O₉ melt incongruently at 1760 and 1700°C. GdGaO₃ is only obtained by melt overheating which may yield an equilibrium or a metastable phase diagram.     

Syntheses and structures of nine-coordinate K3[DyIII(nta)2(H2O)]·5H2O and eight-coordinate (NH4)3[DyIII(nta)2] complexes

K₃[Dy^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·5H₂O and (NH₄)₃[Dy^III(nta)₂] have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. In K₃[Dy^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·5H₂O the Dy^III ion is nine coordinated yielding a tricapped trigonal prismatic conformation, and its crystal belongs to monoclinic system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a = 15.373(5) Å, b = 12.896(4) Å, c = 26.202(9) Å; β = 96.122(5)°, V = 5165(3) ų, Z = 8, D _c = 1.965 g·cm^?3, μ = 3.458 mm^?1, F(000) = 3016, R ₁ = 0.0452 and wR ₂ = 0.1025 for 4550 observed reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I). In (NH₄)₃[Dy^III(nta)₂] the Dy^III ion is eight coordinated yielding a usual dicapped trigonal anti-prismatic conformation, and its crystal belongs to monoclinic system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a = 13.736(3) Å, b = 7.9389(16) Å, c = 18.781(4) Å; β = 104.099(3)°, V = 1986.3(7) ų, Z = 2, D _c = 1.983 g·cm^?3, μ = 3.834 mm^?1, F(000) = 1172, R ₁ = 0.0208 and wR ₂ = 0.0500 for 2022 observed reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I). The results indicate that the difference in counter ion also influences coordination numbers and structures of rare earth metal complexes with aminopolycarboxylic acid ligands.     

Single‐Molecule‐Magnet Behavior in the Family of [Ln(OETAP)2] Double‐Decker Complexes (Ln=Lanthanide,OETAP=Octa(ethyl)tetraazaporphyrin)

Double‐decker complexes of lanthanide cations can be readily prepared with tetraazaporphyrins (porphyrazines). We have synthesized and characterized a series of neutral double‐decker complexes [Ln(OETAP)₂] (Ln=Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Gd³⁺, Y³⁺; OETAP=octa(ethyl)tetraazaporphyrin). Some of these complexes show analogous magnetic features to their phthalocyanine (P_c) counterparts. The Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺ derivatives exhibit single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with high blocking temperatures over 50 and 10 K, respectively. These results confirm that, in double‐decker complexes that involve Tb or Dy, the (N₄)₂ square antiprism coordination mode has an important role in inducing very large activation energies for magnetization reversal. In contrast with their P_c counterparts, the use of tetraazaporphyrin ligands endows the presented [Ln(OETAP)₂] complexes with extraordinary chemical versatility. The double‐decker complexes that exhibit SMM behavior are highly soluble in common organic solvents, and easily processable even through sublimation.     

La(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3: a new 1:2 ordered perovskite

A new 1:2 ordered perovskite La(Li_1/3Ti_2/3)O₃ has been synthesized via solid-state techniques. At temperature >1185°C, Li and Ti are randomly distributed on the B-sites and the X-ray powder patterns can be indexed in a tilted (b⁻b⁻c⁺) Pbnm orthorhombic cell (a=a_c√2=5.545 Å, b=a_c√2=5.561 Å, c=2a_c=7.835 Å). However, for T?1175°C, a 1:2 layered ordering of Li and Ti along 〈111〉_c yields a structure with a P2₁/c monoclinic cell with a=a_c√6=9.604 Å, b=a_c√2=5.552 Å, c=a_c3√2=16.661 Å, β=125.12°. While this type of order is well known in the A²⁺(B²⁺_1/3B⁵⁺_2/3)O₃ family of niobates and tantalates, La(Li_1/3Ti_2/3)O₃ is the first example of a titanate perovskite with a 1:2 ordering of cations on the B-sites.