Bridgman Crystal Growth and Structure Refinement of YbPdGe and YbPtGe – Two Different Superstructures of the KHg2 Type

Well shaped single crystals of the equiatomic germanides YbPdGe and YbPtGe were synthesized from the elements using the Bridgman technique. The samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: YbAuSn type, Imm2, a = 433.4(2), b = 2050.6(6), c = 752.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0723, 1551 F² values, 58 variables for YbPdGe and TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 686.32(9), b = 430.47(9), c = 751.02(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0543, 379 F² values, 20 variables for YbPtGe. Both germanides crystallize with different superstructure variants of the KHg₂ type, resulting from different stacking of the puckered Pd₃Ge₃ and Pt₃Ge₃ hexagons. While only Pt–Ge interactions occur in the [PtGe] polyanionic network of YbPtGe, weak interlayer Pd–Pd (297 pm) and Ge–Ge (275 pm) interactions occur in YbPdGe. The crystal chemical peculiarities are discussed in the light of the different superstructure formed.     

Ca2Pd2In and Ca2Pt2In with Monoclinic HT‐Pr2Co2Al Type Structure

The metal‐rich indides Ca₂Pd₂In and Ca₂Pt₂In were synthesised from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. Both samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: HT‐Pr₂Co₂Al type, C2/c, a = 1017.6(5), b = 574.1(3), c = 812.7(3) pm, β = 104.54(2)°, wR2 = 0.0344, 590 F² values for Ca₂Pd₂In and a = 1004.3(3), b = 568.9(1), c = 813.1(2) pm, β = 104.25(2)°, wR2 = 0.0435, 654 F² values for Ca₂Pt₂In with 25 variables per refinement. The structure contain Pd₂ (272 pm) and Pt₂ (264 pm) dumb‐bells with a trigonal prismatic coordination for each transition metal atom. These AlB₂ related slabs are condensed via common edges. Together the palladium and indium atoms build up three‐dimensional [Pd₂In] and [Pt₂In] polyanionic networks in which the calcium atoms fill larger channels. The bonding of calcium to the network proceeds via shorter Ca–Pd and Ca–Pt contacts. Ca₂Pd₂In and Ca₂Pt₂In are Pauli paramagnets.     

Infinite Gold Zig‐Zag Chains as Structural Motif in Ca3Au3In – A Ternary Ordered Variant of the Ni4B3 Type

New auride Ca₃Au₃In was synthesized from the elements in a sealed tantalum tube in a high‐frequency furnace. Ca₃Au₃In was investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: ordered Ni₄B₃ type, Pnma, a = 1664.1(6), b = 457.3(2), c = 895.0(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0488, 1361 F² values, and 44 variables. The three crystallographically independent boron positions of the Ni₄B₃ type are occupied by the gold atoms, while the four nickel sites are occupied by calcium and indium in an ordered manner. All gold atoms have trigonal prismatic coordination, i.e. Ca₆ prisms for Au1 and Au2 and Ca₄In₂ prisms for Au3. While the Au3 atoms are isolated, we observe Au1–Au1 and Au2–Au2 zig‐zag chains at Au–Au distances of 292 and 284 pm. These slabs resemble the CrB type structure of CaAu. Consequently Ca₃Au₃In can be considered as a ternary auride. Together the Au2, Au3 and indium atoms build up a three‐dimensional [Au₂In] polyanionic network (281–293 pm Au–In) in which the chains of Au1 centered trigonal prisms are embedded. The crystal chemical similarities with the structures of Ni₄B₃, CaAuIn, and CaAu are discussed.     

Cobalt Centered Trigonal RE6 Prisms and Mg4 Clusters as Basic Structural Units in RE4CoMg (RE = Y,La, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd–Tm)

The new rare earth metal rich intermetallic compounds RE₄CoMg (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm) were prepared via melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction of powders and single crystals: Gd₄RhIn type, , a = 1428.38(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0638, 680 F² values, 20 variables for La₄CoMg, a = 1399.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0584, 589 F² values, 20 variables for Pr₄CoMg, a = 1390.2(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0513, 634 F² values, 20 variables for Nd_3.90CoMg_1.10, a = 1381.0(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 618 F² values, 22 variables for Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08, a = 1373.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0586, 611 F² values, 20 variables for Gd_3.92CoMg_1.08, a = 1362.1(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0576, 590 F² values, 20 variables for Tb_3.77CoMg_1.23, a = 1344.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0683, 511 F² values, 20 variables for Dy_3.27CoMg_1.73, and a = 1343.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0560, 542 F² values, 20 variables for Er_3.72CoMg_1.28. The cobalt atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the CoRE₆ prisms leads to a three‐dimensional network which leaves larger voids that are filled by regular Mg₄ tetrahedra at a Mg–Mg distance of 316 pm in La₄CoMg. The magnesium atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3 Mg + 9 RE) in icosahedral coordination. In the structures with Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er, the RE1 positions which are not involved in the trigonal prismatic network reveal some RE1/Mg mixing and the Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08 structure shows small cobalt defects. Considering La₄CoMg as representative of all studied systems an analysis of the chemical bonding within density functional theory closely reproduces the crystal chemistry scheme and shows the role played by the valence states of the different constituents in the electronic band structure. Strong bonding interactions were observed between the lanthanum and cobalt atoms within the trigonal prismatic network.     

Stabilizing the LaCoAl4 Structure through Indium‐Magnesium Substitution in CeRhIn4−xMgx (x = 0.79 and 0.84) – An Indide with Magnesium Centered Indium Cubes

The intermetallic compounds CeRhIn_4?xMg_x (x = 0.79 and 0.84) were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in a high‐frequency furnace. The samples were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: LaCoAl₄ type, Pmma, a = 829.5(2), b = 433.56(9), c = 740.2(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0458, 651 F² values, 25 variables for CeRhIn_3.21Mg_0.79 and a = 831.44(10), b = 433.49(10), c = 741.04(10) pm, wR2 = 0.0543, 915 F² values, 25 variables for CeRhIn_3.16Mg_0.84. The indium atoms build up two‐dimensional networks perpendicular to the b axis in an AA stacking sequence leaving slightly distorted trigonal, square and pentagonal prismatic voids for the rhodium, magnesium, and cerium atoms. Both square prismatic voids show small magnesium/indium mixing. The shortest interatomic distances occur for the Rh–Mg contacts (257 pm). Together, the rhodium, indium, and magnesium atoms build up three‐dimensional [RhIn_4?xMg_x] networks in which the cerium atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels.     

Rare‐Earth‐Rich Magnesium Compounds RE23Rh7Mg4 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd) with Tetrahedral Mg4 Clusters

The rare earth‐rich compounds RE₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) were prepared by induction‐melting the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. The new compounds were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction. They crystallize with the hexagonal Pr₂₃Ir₇Mg₄ type structure, space group P6₃mc. The structures of La₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (a = 1019.1(1), c = 2303.7(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0827, 1979 F² values, 69 variables), Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ (a = 995.4(2), c = 2242.3(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0592, 2555 F² values, 74 variables) and Gd₂₃Rh_6.86(5)Mg₄ (a = 980.5(2), c = 2205.9(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0390, 2083 F² values, 71 variables) were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffractometer data. The three crystallographically different rhodium atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination with short RE–Rh distances (283–300 pm in Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄). The prisms are condensed via common edges, leading to a rigid three‐dimensional network in which isolated Mg₄ tetrahedra (312–317 pm Mg–Mg in Nd₂₃Rh₇Mg₄) are embedded. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility data of Ce₂₃Rh₇Mg₄ indicate Curie‐Weiss behavior with an experimental magnetic moment of 2.52(1) μ_B/Ce atom, indicative for stable trivalent cerium. Antiferromagnetic ordering is evident at 2.9 K.     

CaRhIn with TiNiSi Type Structure and CaTIn2 (T = Rh,Ir) with a New Filled Version of the Zintl Phase CaIn2

CaRhIn, CaRhIn₂, and CaIrIn₂ were synthesized by reacting the elements in glassy carbon crucibles under an argon atmosphere in a high‐frequency furnace. CaRhIn adopts the TiNiSi structure: Pnma, a = 730.0(4) pm, b = 433.1(2) pm, c = 828.8(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0707, 630 F² values, 20 variables. The CaRhIn structure consists of strongly puckered Rh₃In₃ hexagons with Rh–In distances ranging from 273 to 276 pm. Due to the strong puckering each rhodium atom has a distorted tetrahedral indium environment. The calcium atoms fill the channels within the three‐dimensional [RhIn] polyanion. CaRhIn₂ and CaIrIn₂ crystallize with a new structure type: Pnma, a = 1586.2(3) pm, b = 781.4(2) pm, c = 570.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0385, 1699 F² values, 44 variables for CaRhIn₂, and Pnma, a = 1588.7(3) pm, b = 780.8(1) pm, c = 574.0(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0475, 1661 F² values, 44 variables for CaIrIn₂. The structures of CaRhIn₂ and CaIrIn₂ can be described as an orthorhombically distorted rhodium respectively iridium filled CaIn₂. The motif of transition metal filling is similar to that found in MgCuAl₂ type compounds CaTIn₂ (T = Pd, Pt, Au) and SrTIn₂ (T = Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt), but constitute a different tiling. Semi‐empirical band structure calculations for CaRhIn and CaRhIn₂ reveal strong bonding In–In and Rh–In but weaker Ca–Rh and Ca–In interactions. Magnetic susceptibility and resistivity measurements of compact polycrystalline samples of CaRhIn₂ indicate weak Pauli paramagnetism and metallic conductivity with a room temperature value for the specific resistivity of 230 ± 50 μΩcm.     

Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ce3Ge0.66In4.34 and Ce11Ge4.74In5.26

New indides Ce₃Ge_0.66In_4.34 and Ce₁₁Ge_4.74In_5.26 were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent annealing at 870 K. Single crystals were grown through special annealing procedures in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. Both compounds were investigated on the basis of X‐ray powder and single crystal data: I4/mcm, La₃GeIn₄ type, a = 848.8(1), c = 1192.0(2) pm, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.0453, 499 F² values, 17 variables for Ce₃Ge_0.66In_4.34 and I4/mmm, Sm₁₁Ge₄In₆ type (ordered version of the Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ type), a = 1199.3(2), c = 1662.0(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0507, 1217 F² values, 41 variables for Ce₁₁Ge_4.74In_5.26. The Ce₃Ge_0.66In_4.34 structure shows a mixed Ge/In occupancy on the 4c Wyckoff position. This site is octahedrally coordinated by cerium atoms. These octahedra share all edges, leading to a three‐dimensional network. The latter is penetrated by a two‐dimensional indium substructure which consists of flattened tetrahedra at In–In distances of 291 and 300 pm. The Ce₁₁Ge_4.74In_5.26 structure contains three crystallographically independent germanium sites. The latter are coordinated by eight or nine cerium neighbors. These CN8 and CN9 polyhedra are condensed to a complex network which is penetrated by a three‐dimensional indium network with In–In distances of 301–314 pm. The 16m site shows a mixed In/Ge occupancy. Chemical bonding in both compounds is dominated by the p elements. Both ternaries studied exhibit localized magnetism due to the presence of Ce³⁺ ions. The compound Ce₃GeIn₄ remains paramagnetic down to 1.72 K, whereas Ce₁₁Ge₄In₆ orders ferromagnetically at T_C = 7.5 K.     

Magnesium‐Tin Substitution in NiMg2

The binary intermetallic compound NiMg₂ (own structure type) forms a pronounced solid solution NiMg_2?xSn_x. The structure of NiMg_1.85(1)Sn_0.15(1) was refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data: P6₄22, a = 520.16(7), c = 1326.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0693, 464 F² values, and 20 variables. With increasing magnesium/tin substitution, the structure type changes. Crystals with x = 0.22 and 0.40 adopt the orthorhombic CuMg₂ type: Fddd, a = 911.0(2), b = 514.6(1), c = 1777.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0427, 394 F² values for NiMg_1.78(1)Sn_0.22(1), and a = 909.4(1), b = 512.9(1), c = 1775.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0445, 307 F² values for NiMg_1.60(1)Sn_0.40(1) with 19 variables per refinement. The nickel atoms build up almost linear chains with Ni–Ni distances between 260 and 263 pm in both modifications where each nickel atom has coordination number 10 with two nickel and eight Mg/Sn neighbors. Both magnesium sites in the NiMg₂ and CuMg₂ type structures show Mg/Sn mixing. The Ni polyhedra are condensed leading to dense layers which show a different stacking sequence in both structure types. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these intermetallics are briefly discussed.     

Syntheses and Structures of RE4Pt10In21 (RE = La–Nd)

The isotypic indides RE₄Pt₁₀In₂₁ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were prepared 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 four samples were studied by powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction: Ho₄Ni₁₀Ga₂₁ type, C2/m, a = 2305.8(2), b = 451.27(4), c = 1944.9(2) pm, β = 133.18(7)°, wR2 = 0.045, 2817 F² values, 107 variables for La₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, a = 2301.0(2), b = 448.76(4), c = 1941.6(2) pm, β = 133.050(8)°, wR2 = 0.056, 3099 F² values, 107 variables for Ce₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, a = 2297.4(2), b = 447.4(4), c = 1939.7(2) pm, β = 132.95(1)°, wR2 = 0.059, 3107 F² values, 107 variables for Pr₄Pt₁₀In₂₁, and a = 2294.7(4), b = 446.1(1), c = 1938.7(3) pm, β = 132.883(9)°, wR2 = 0.067, 2775 F² values, 107 variables for Nd₄Pt₁₀In₂₁. The 8j In2 positions of all structures have been refined with a split model. The In1 sites of the lanthanum and the cerium compound show small defects, leading to the refined composition La₄Pt₁₀In_20.966(6) and Ce₄Pt₁₀In_20.909(6) for the investigated crystals. The same position shows Pt/In mixing in the praseodymium and neodymium compound leading to the refined compositions Pr₄Pt_10.084(9)In_20.916(9) and Nd₄Pt_10.050(9)In_20.950(9). All platinum atoms have a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination by rare‐earth metal and indium atoms. The shortest interatomic distances occur for Pt–In followed by In–In. Together, the platinum and indium atoms build up three‐dimensional [Pt₁₀In₂₁] networks in which the rare earth atoms fill distorted pentagonal tubes. The crystal chemistry of RE₄Pt₁₀In₂₁ is discussed and compared with the RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides and isotypic gallides.     

Intermetallic Gold Compounds REAuMg (RE = Y,La–Nd,Sm, Eu,Gd–Yb)

New intermetallic rare earth compounds REAuMg (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd–Yb) were synthesized by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction both on powders and single crystals. Some structures were refined on the basis of single crystal data. The compounds with Y, La–Nd, Sm, and Gd–Tm adopt the ZrNiAl type structure with space group P62m: a = 770.8(2), c = 419.5(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0269, 261 F² values for PrAuMg, a = 750.9(2), c = 407.7(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0561, 649 F² values for HoAuMg with 15 variables for each refinement. Geometrical motifs in HoAuMg are two types of gold centered trigonal prisms: [Au1Mg₃Ho₆] and [Au2Mg₆Ho₃]. The gold and magnesium atoms form a three‐dimensional [AuMg] polyanion in which the holmium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. The magnesium positions show a small degree of magnesium/gold mixing resulting in the refined compositions PrAu_1.012(2)Mg_0.988(2) and HoAu_1.026(3)Mg_0.974(3). EuAuMg and YbAuMg contain divalent europium and ytterbium, respectively. Both compounds crystallize with the TiNiSi type structure, space group Pnma: a = 760.6(3), b = 448.8(2), c = 875.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 702 F² values, 22 variables for EuAuMg, and a = 738.4(1), b = 436.2(1), c = 864.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0442, 451 F² values, and 20 variables for YbAuMg. The europium position shows a small degree of europium/magnesium mixing, and the magnesium site a slight magnesium/gold mixing leading to the refined composition Eu_0.962(3)Au_1.012(3)Mg_1.026(3). No mixed occupancies were found in YbAuMg where all sites are fully occupied. In these structures the europium(ytterbium) and magnesium atoms form zig‐zag chains of egde‐sharing trigonal prisms which are centered by the gold atoms. As is typical for TiNiSi type compounds, also in EuAuMg and YbAuMg a three‐dimensional [AuMg] polyanion occurs in which the europium(ytterbium) atoms are embedded. The degree of distortion of the two polyanions, however, is different.     

The Stannides AuNiSn2 and AuCuSn2 – Bulk Synthesis and Superstructure Determination

The stannides AuNiSn₂ and AuCuSn₂ were prepared by melting of the elements in silica ampoules at 1300 K followed by slow cooling to room temperature. The structures of both compounds were refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data: , a = 412.41(14), c = 529.24(11) pm, wR2 = 0.0268, 159 F² values, 10 variables for AuNiSn₂ and a = 425.97(17), c = 526.88(15) pm, wR2 = 0.0507, 159 F² values, 11 variables for AuCuSn₂ (twinned crystal, BASF = 0.305(4)). These stannides crystallize with a superstructure of the NiAs type with a complete ordering of the transition metal atoms. They derive from a AuSn subcell structure, where every other layer of octahedral voids in the hexagonal closest packing of the tin atoms is filled by nickel in AuNiSn₂ and by copper in AuCuSn₂. Due to the symmetry reduction smaller NiSn_6/6 (CuSn_6/6) and larger AuSn_6/6 octahedra alternate along the c axis. The crystal chemistry is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.     

Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional [IrSi] Networks in the Silicides Sm3Ir2Si2, HoIrSi,and YbIrSi

New intermetallic rare earth iridium silicides Sm₃Ir₂Si₂, HoIrSi, and YbIrSi were synthesized by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction both on powders and single crystals. HoIrSi and YbIrSi crystallize in a TiNiSi type structure, space group Pnma: a = 677.1(1), b = 417.37(6), c = 745.1(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0930, 340 F² values for HoIrSi, and a = 667.2(2), b = 414.16(8), c = 742.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0370, 262 F² values for YbIrSi with 20 parameters for each refinement. The iridium and silicon atoms build a three‐dimensional [IrSi] network in which the holmium(ytterbium) atoms are located in distorted hexagonal channels. Short Ir–Si distances (246–256 pm in YbIrSi) are indicative for strong Ir–Si bonding. Sm₃Ir₂Si₂ crystallizes in a site occupancy variant of the W₃CoB₃ type: Cmcm, a = 409.69(2), b = 1059.32(7), c = 1327.53(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0995, 383 F² values and 27 variables. The Ir1, Ir2, and Si atoms occupy the Co, B2, and B1 positions of W₃CoB₃, leading to eight‐membered Ir₄Si₄ rings within the puckered two‐dimensional [IrSi] network. The Ir–Si distances range from 245 to 251 pm. The [IrSi] networks are separated by the samarium atoms. Chemical bonding in HoIrSi, YbIrSi, and Sm₃Ir₂Si₂ is briefly discussed.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Properties of the High‐Pressure Modification of CePdSn – a 5 K Antiferromagnet

The high‐pressure (HP) modification of CePdSn was synthesized under multianvil high‐pressure (10.5 GPa) high‐temperature (1100 °C) conditions from the normal‐pressure (NP) modification. The structures of both modifications were studied by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction: TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 754.1(2), b = 470.6(1), c = 798.4(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0333, 945 F² values, 20 variables for NP‐CePdSn and ZrNiAl type, , a = 760.03(5), c = 416.06(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0443, 248 F² values, 13 variables for HP‐CePdSn. The structural chemistry of both modifications is goverened by platinum centered trigonal prisms. The platinum and tin atoms in NP‐CePdSn and HP‐CePdSn build up a three‐dimensional [PdSn] network in which the cerium atoms fill channels. Susceptibility measurements on HP‐CePdSn reveal an experimental magnetic moment of 2.55(1) μ_B/Ce atom in the paramagnetic region. At 5 K a paramagnetic‐to‐antiferromagnetic transition is evident from magnetization and specific heat measurements.     

Ternary Indides RE4Pd10In21 (RE = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm) — Synthesis,Structure, and Physical Properties

The ternary indium compounds RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were synthesized from the elements in glassy carbon crucibles in a high‐frequency furnace. Single crystals of Sm₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ were obtained from an indium flux. An arc‐melted precursor alloy of the starting composition ～SmPd₃In₆ was annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. All compounds were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and the structures were refined from single crystal diffractometer data. The RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides are isotypic with Ho₄Ni₁₀Ga₂₁, space group C2/m: a = 2314.3(2), b = 454.70(7), c = 1940.7(2) pm, β = 133.43(2)°, wR2 = 0.0681, 1678 F² values for La₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2308.2(1), b = 452.52(4), c = 1944.80(9) pm, β = 133.40(1)°, wR2 = 0.0659, 1684 F² values for Ce₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2303.8(2), b = 450.78(4), c = 1940.6(1) pm, β = 133.39(1)°, wR2 = 0.0513, 1648 F² values for Pr₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, a = 2300.2(2), b = 449.75(6), c = 1937.8(2) pm, β = 133.32(1)°, wR2 = 0.1086, 1506 F² values for Nd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, and a = 2295.6(2), b = 447.07(4), c = 1935.7(1) pm, β = 133.16(1)°, wR2 = 0.2291, 2350 F² values for Sm₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, with 108 variables per refinement. All palladium atoms have a trigonal prismatic coordination. The strongest bonding interactions occur for the Pd—In and In—In contacts. The structures are composed of covalently bonded three‐dimensional [Pd₁₀In₂₁] networks in which the rare earth metal atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding in these indides is briefly discussed. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show diamagnetism for La₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ and Curie‐Weiss paramagnetism for Ce₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, Pr₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, and Nd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁. The neodymium compound orders antiferromagnetically at T_N = 4.5(2) K and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at a critical field of 1.5(2) T. All the RE₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ indides studied are metallic conductors.     

The Structure of La3Au4In7 and its Relation to the BaAl4 Type

La₃Au₄In₇ was prepared by arc‐melting of the elements and subsequent annealing at 970 K. X‐ray diffraction of powders and single crystals yielded I2/m11, mI28, a = 460.42(5) pm, b = 1389.5(1) pm, c = 1039.6(2) pm, α = 90.77(1)°, wR2 = 0.0621, 1089 F² values, 46 variables. The structure of La₃Au₄In₇ is of a new type. It may be considered as a monoclinically distorted, ordered variant of the La₃Al₁₁ type. The structural relation with the family of BaAl₄ related compounds is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme. The gold and indium atoms in La₃Au₄In₇ build a three‐dimensional [Au₄In₇] polyanion in which the lanthanum atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. Within the polyanion short Au–In and In–In distances are indicative of strongly bonding Au–In and In–In interactions.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of LaRhMg,CeRhMg, PrRhMg,and NdRhMg

New intermetallic rare earth compounds LaRhMg, CeRhMg, PrRhMg, and NdRhMg were prepared by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction both on powders and single crystals. LaRhMg crystallizes with the LaNiAl type structure, space group Pnma, Z = 8, a = 760.1(2), b = 419.92(8), c = 1702.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0482, 740 F² values and 38 variable parameters. The cerium compound adopts the ZrNiAl structure: P6¯2m, Z = 3, a = 752.3(1), c = 417.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0497, 250 F²2 values and 17 variable parameters. PrRhMg and NdRhMg crystallize with the TiNiSi type: Pnma, Z = 4, a = 721.62(7), b = 415.98(4), c = 869.47(8) pm, wR2 = 0.1864, 440 F² values, 20 variables for PrRhMg and a = 720.6(1), b = 417.6(1), c = 868.8(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0779, 425 F² values, 22 variables for NdRhMg. Refinements of the occupancy parameters revealed mixed Mg/Rh occupancy for the magnesium sites of the cerium and the neodymium compound leading to the compositions CeRh_1.262(8)Mg_0.738(8) and NdRh_1.114(9)Mg_0.886(9) for the investigated single crystals. From a geometrical point of view, the four crystal structures are built up from different rhodium centered trigonal prisms. The rhodium and magnesium atoms form three‐dimensional [RhMg] networks in which the rare earth metal atoms are located in different types of channels. The networks show Rh—Mg and Mg—Mg bonding.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Intermetallic Lithium Stannides LiTSn4 (T = Ru,Rh, Ir) with Ordered PdGa5 Type Structure

LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ were prepared by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules at 1220 K. The tubes were subsequently annealed at 870 K for one week. The three stannides were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals and the structures were refined from single crystal data: I4/mcm, a = 662.61(3), c = 1116.98(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 283 F² values for LiRuSn₄, a = 658.73(5), c = 1136.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0532, 313 F² values for LiRhSn₄ and a = 657.34(5), c = 1130.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0343, 176 F² values for LiIrSn₄ with 11 variables for each refinement. LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ crystallize with a ternary ordered variant of the PdGa₅ structure. The transition metal (T) atoms have a square antiprismatic tin environment and they form two‐dimensional [TSn₄] polyanions with relatively short Ru—Sn (279 pm), Rh—Sn (280 pm), and Ir—Sn (280 pm) distances. The lithium atoms connect the polyanionic [TSn₄] layers. They are located in square prismatic voids formed by tin atoms. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of these stannides is briefly discussed.     

Magnesium and Cadmium in Covalently‐Bonded Lonsdaleite Networks: Synthesis,Structure, and Bonding of AETMg2 and SrTCd2 (AE = Ca,Sr; T = Pd,Ag, Pt,Au)

The alkaline earth metal compounds AETMg₂ and AETCd₂ (AE = Ca, Sr; T = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) were synthesized by induction‐melting (or in muffle furnaces) of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. The new phases were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. The structures of SrPdMg₂ and SrPdCd₂ were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals: MgCuAl₂ type, Cmcm, a = 436.42(4), b = 1130.1(1), c = 820.54(7) pm, wR₂ = 0.0115, 511 F² values for SrPdMg₂ and a = 443.5(2), b = 1063.0(2), c = 810.2(2) pm, wR₂ = 0.0296, 386 F² values for SrPdCd₂ with 16 variables for each refinement. The magnesium and cadmium atoms build up [TMg₂] and [TCd₂] polyanionic networks, which leave cavities for the calcium and strontium atoms. The bonding variations within the polyanions, which are mainly influenced by the length of the b axis are discussed. Ab initio calculations of electronic structure, charge densities, and chemical bonding, characterize SrPdMg₂ with a larger cohesive energy than SrPdCd₂. This is illustrated by larger bonding Pd–Mg interactions, opposite to compensating Pd–Cd between bonding and antibonding states.     

EuIrIn4 with LaCoAl4 Type Structure – Synthesis,Magnetic Properties,and 151Eu Mössbauer Spectroscopy

LaCoAl₄ type EuIrIn₄ was synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum ampoule, followed by annealing of the sample in a high-frequency or in a muffle furnace. The EuIrIn₄ structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: Pmma, a = 860.65(3), b = 430.33(6), c = 757.65(7) pm, wR = 0.0748, 633 F² values and 24 variables. The striking building units are iridium-centered trigonal prisms of indium atoms, distorted bcc indium cubes and a pentagonal prismatic indium coordination of the europium atoms. Within the three-dimensional [IrIn₄]^2– polyanionic network the Ir–In and In–In distances range from 260–288 pm and 306–332 pm, respectively. The divalent ground state of europium was manifested through magnetic [7.96(1) μ_B / Eu atom, T_N = 7.9(1) K] and ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic data [δ = –10.54(2) mm · s^–1; B_hf = 19.1(1) T at 6 K].