Complex Borides RERu4B4 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd,Sm) – Bonding Peculiarities and Magnetic Properties

The rare earth borides RERu₄B₄ (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and their crystal structures were studied on the basis of X‐ray powder and single‐crystal diffraction: LuRu₄B₄ type, I4₁/acd, a = 747.47(8), c = 1506.4(3) pm, wR₂ = 0.0579, 362 F² values for CeRu₄B₄, a = 751.3(2), c = 1507.1(5) pm, wR₂ = 0.0724, 471 F² values for PrRu₄B₄, a = 751.0(2), c = 1506.9(6) pm, wR₂ = 0.0598, 384 F² values for NdRu₄B₄, and a = 749.1(1), c = 1506.0(3) pm, wR₂ = 0.0759, 413 F² values for SmRu₄B₄, with 18 variables per refinement. Striking structural motifs of the RERu₄B₄ structures are Ru₄ tetrahedra and B₂ dumbbells with Ru–Ru and B–B distances of 271 and 180 pm in CeRu₄B₄. The intermediate valence of cerium leads to shorter Ce–Ru distances of 292 pm. CeRu₄B₄ behaves like a Pauli paramagnet with a small room temperature susceptibility of 1.5 × 10^–4 emu · mol^–1. Chemical bonding analyses shows substantial Ru–B and B–B bonding within the [Ru₄B₄] substructure.     

Metalloktaederdoppel in den Clusterverbindungen Gd10I16(C2)2 und Gd10Br15B2/Tb10Br15B2

Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ and Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂/Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ Cluster Compounds with M₁₀ Twin Octahedra The compound Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ can be prepared from Gd metal, GdI₃ and C at 950 °C. It crystallizes in P1 with a = 10.463(4) Å, b = 16.945(6) Å, c = 11.220(4) Å, α = 99.15(3)°, β = 92.68(3)° und γ = 88.06(3)°. Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂ is formed between 900 und 950 °C, Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ between 900 und 930 °C from stoichiometric amounts of the rare earth metals, tribromide and boron. Both compounds crystallize in the space group P1 for Gd₁₀Br₁₅B₂ with a = 8.984(2) Å, b = 9.816(2) Å, c = 10.552(5) Å, α = 91.14(3)°, β = 114.61(3)° and γ = 110.94(3)° and for Tb₁₀Br₁₅B₂ with a = 8.939(4) Å, b = 9.788(3) Å, c = 10.502(2) Å, α = 91.19(3)°, β = 114.51(3)° and γ = 111.10(2)°. In the crystal structures of all three compounds the rare earth metals form edge‐shared Ln₁₀ twin octahedra. In Gd₁₀I₁₆(C₂)₂ the Gd octahedra are centered with C₂ groups (d_C–C = 1.43(7) Å). In Ln₁₀Br₁₅B₂ (Ln = Gd, Tb) the octahedra contain single boron atoms. The clusters are connected through halide atoms to chains [Ln₁₀(Z)₂X X X ]. Adjacent chains are fused threedimensionally via I I for the Gd iodide carbide and via Br Br for the bromide borides of Gd und Tb. It is interesting to see an identical pattern of connection between the chains for the reduced oxomolybdates, e. g. PbMo₅O₈.     

Rare earth-rich cadmium compounds RE 4 TCd (T = Co, Ru, and Rh) with Gd4RhIn type structure

The rare earth-rich cadmium compounds RE ₄ TCd (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm, and Gd–Tm, Lu; T = Co, Ru, and Rh) were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. All samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The structures of Y₄RuCd (a = 1362.5(1) pm), La₄RuCd (a = 1415.9(1) pm), Gd₄RuCd (a = 1368.8(2) pm), La₄CoCd (a = 1417.9(4) pm), Gd₄CoCd (a = 1356.1(1) pm), and Gd₄RhCd (a = 1368.7(1) pm) were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The RE ₄ TCd compounds crystallize with the cubic Gd₄RhIn type structure, space group F ${\bar 4}The rare earth-rich cadmium compounds RE ₄ TCd (RE = Y, La–Nd, Sm, and Gd–Tm, Lu; T = Co, Ru, and Rh) were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. All samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The structures of Y₄RuCd (a = 1362.5(1) pm), La₄RuCd (a = 1415.9(1) pm), Gd₄RuCd (a = 1368.8(2) pm), La₄CoCd (a = 1417.9(4) pm), Gd₄CoCd (a = 1356.1(1) pm), and Gd₄RhCd (a = 1368.7(1) pm) were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The RE ₄ TCd compounds crystallize with the cubic Gd₄RhIn type structure, space group F 3m. The transition metal atoms have tricapped trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. The trigonal prisms are condensed via common edges, forming a rigid three-dimensional network with adamantane symmetry. Voids in these networks are filled by Cd₄ tetrahedra (304 pm Cd–Cd in Gd₄CoCd) and polyhedra of the RE1 atoms. The crystal chemical peculiarities are briefly discussed. Correspondence: Rainer P?ttgen, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Westf?lische Wilhelms-Universit?t Münster, Correnstrasse 30, 48149 Münster, Germany.     

Darstellung und Kristallstruktur von Rb4Br2O und Rb6Br4O

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Rb₄Br₂O and Rb₆Br₄O In the quasi‐binary system RbBr/Rb₂O, the addition compounds Rb₄Br₂O and Rb₆Br₄O are obtained by solid state reaction of the boundary components RbBr and Rb₂O. Crystals of red‐orange Rb₄Br₂O as well as of orange Rb₆Br₄O decompose immediately when exposed to air. Rb₄Br₂O (Pearson code tI14, I4/mmm, a = 544.4(6) pm, c = 1725(2) pm, Z = 2, 175 symmetry independent reflections with I_o > 2σ(I), R₁= 0.0618) crystallizes in the anti K₂NiF₄ structure type; Rb₆Br₄O (Pearson code hR22, R3c, a = 1307.8(3) pm, c = 1646.6(5) pm, Z = 6, 630 symmetry independent reflections with I_o > 2σ(I), R₁ = 0.0759) in the anti K₄CdCl₆ structure type. Both structures contain characteristic ORb₆‐octahedra and can be understood as expanded perovskites, following the general systematics of alkaline metal oxide halides.     

Transitions Between Lanthanum Cuprates: Crystal Structures of T′, Orthorhombic,and K2NiF4‐type La2CuO4

Through low‐temperature synthesis in CsOH flux, lanthanum cuprate La₂CuO₄ can be obtained in a metastable form, the so‐called T′ modification (tetragonal, I4/mmm, no. 139, a = 400.95(2) pm, c = 1254.08(7) pm). When heated, this T′ phase transforms into a K₂NiF₄‐type modification, whose crystal structure was now refined from X‐ray powder data (tetragonal, I4/mmm, no. 139, a = 383.29(3) pm, c = 1331.3(2) pm at T = 1073 K). The well‐known orthorhombic phase (s.g. Cmce, no. 64, a = 536.14(3) pm, b = 1315.53(8) pm, c = 540.20(3) pm) – usually obtained via conventional solid state synthesis – was observed to form upon cooling from the K₂NiF₄‐type modification. High‐temperature powder diffractometry allowed crystal structure refinements for all of the three phases.     

Darstellung,Kristallstruktur und Eigenschaften von Ln3AuO6 (Ln = Sm,Eu, Gd)

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Ln₃AuO₆ (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd) The title compounds have been prepared from amorphous Au₂O₃ · x H₂O (x = 1–3) and Ln₂O₃ (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu) via solid state reaction under elevated oxygen pressure adding KOH as mineralizing agent. They crystallize in a new structure type (triclinic, P1, Z = 1, Sm₃AuO₆: a = 3.7272(2) Å, b = 5.6311(2) Å, c = 7.0734(3) Å, α = 90.32(2)°, β = 103.983(3)°, γ = 90.822(2)°, 125 powder intensities, R_p = 2.57%, Eu₃AuO₆: a = 3.7012(2) Å, b = 5.6134(2) Å, c = 7.0652(4) Å, α = 90.838(3)°, β = 102.956(3)°, γ = 90.909(2)°, 122 powder intensities, R_p = 3.16%, Gd₃AuO₆: a = 3.6720(2) Å, b = 5.5977(2) Å, c = 7.0636(2) Å, α = 90.509(2)°, β = 102.889(3)°, γ = 91.068(2)°, 3424 reflections, R₁ = 12.90%). The crystal structure was solved and refined from single crystal data of Gd₃AuO₆. The structures of Sm₃AuO₆ and Eu₃AuO₆ were refined from powder diffraction data. The isolated square planar AuO₄ units are stacked along the a‐axis and are linked by LnO₆‐ and LnO₆₊₁‐polyhedra. One of the oxygen atoms is exclusively coordinated by trivalent lanthanides, in tetrahedral geometry. The lanthanoid aurates decompose between 700 and 900 °C into Ln₂O₃, Au and O₂. The magnetic moments μ_eff(Gd₃AuO₆) = 7.9 μ_B and, at 20 °C respectively, μ_eff(Sm₃AuO₆) = 1.55 μ_B as well as μ_eff(Eu₃AuO₆) = 3.5 μ_B confirm that the lanthanides are trivalent. The UV/VIS absorption spectra can be interpreted at assuming free ions.     

Die Zinn-Rhodiumboride SnRh3B1−x,Sn4Rh6B und Sn5Rh6B2

The Tin Rhodium Borides SnRh₃B_1–x, Sn₄Rh₆B, and Sn₅Rh₆B₂ The new compounds SnRh₃B_1–x (x ～ 0.2, tetragonal, P4/mbm, a = 570.31(2) pm, c = 835.99(8) pm, Z = 4, 514 reflexions, 26 parameters, R = 0.026), Sn₄Rh₆B (hexagonal, P6₃/mmc, a = 560.01(3) pm, c = 1367.5(1) pm, Z = 2, 746 reflexions, 17 parameters, R = 0.035), and Sn₅Rh₆B₂ (hexagonal, P6 2m, a = 654.80(7) pm, c = 557.32(9) pm, Z = 1, 361 reflexions, 16 parameters, R = 0.039) were prepared by reaction of the elements. SnRh₃B_1–x crystallizes with the filled U₃Si type of structure, a distortion variant of the cubic perovskite; the structure of Sn₄Rh₆B may be derived from the hexagonal perovskite BaNiO₃. Both compounds contain nearly regular Rh₆B-octahedra. Sn₅Rh₆B₂ with the Sn₅Ir₆B₂ type of structure contains isolated colums composed of trigonal Rh₆B-prisms.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Chain Borosulfates (NH4)3[B(SO4)3] and Sr[B2(SO4)4]

Two new borosulfates were obtained either by an open vessel synthesis from sulfuric acid and B(OH)₃, yielding (NH₄)₃[B(SO₄)₃] or from solvothermal synthesis in oleum enriched sulfuric acid and B(OH)₃, yielding Sr[B₂(SO₄)₄]. (NH₄)₃[B(SO₄)₃] crystallizes homeotypic to K₃[B(SO₄)₃] in space group Ibca (Z = 8, a = 728.58(3) pm, b = 1470.84(7) pm, c = 2270.52(11) pm), comprising open branched vierer single chains {¹_∞[B(SO₄)₂(SO₄)_2/2]^3–}. Sr[B₂(SO₄)₄] crystallizes as an ordered variant of Pb[B₂(SO₄)₄] in space group Pnna (Z = 4, a = 1257.4(4) pm, b = 1242.1(4) pm, c = 731.9(2) pm), consisting of loop branched vierer single chains {¹_∞[B(SO₄)_4/2]^2–}. Vibrational spectroscopy confirms both refined structure models. Thermal analysis of the dried powders, showed a decomposition towards the binary and ternary components, whereas a thermal treatment in the presence of the mother liquor promotes a decomposition of Sr[B₂(SO₄)₄] towards Sr[B₂O(SO₄)₃].     

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.     

Ternary Rare Earth (R) Transition Metal Aluminides R3T4Al12 (T = Ru and Os) with Gd3Ru4Al12 Type Structure

The isotypic intermetallic compounds R₃Ru₄Al₁₂ (R = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd—Tm) and R₃Os₄Al₁₂ (R = Y, Ce—Nd, Sm, Gd—Tm) were prepared by reaction of the elemental components in an arc‐melting furnace. Their crystal structure was determined from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data of Y₃Ru₄Al₁₂: P6₃/mmc, a = 877.7(1) pm, c = 952.3(1) pm, Z = 2, R = 0.028 for 361 structure factors and 28 variable parameters. It was also refined for Nd₃Os₄Al₁₂ (a = 889.2(1) pm, c = 960.3(1) pm, R = 0.021 for 425 F values and 30 variables) and Gd₃Os₄Al₁₂ (a = 884.7(1) pm, c = 955.3(2) pm, R = 0.020; 427 F values, 30 variables). The refinements of the occupancy parameters revealed mixed T/Al occupancy for some of the aluminum sites resulting in the compositions Y₃Ru_4.060(3)Al_11.940(3), Nd₃Os_4.43(1)Al_11.57(1), and Gd₃Os_4.44(1) Al_11.56(1), respectively. The structure is related to those found for Y₂Co₃Ga₉, Er₄Pt₉Al₂₄, CeOsGa₄, Ho₃Ru₄Ga₁₅, YbFe₂Al₁₀, TbRe₂Al₁₀, LuRe₂Al₁₀, and CaCr₂Al₁₀. Topologically all of these structures may be viewed as consisting of atomic layers, although chemical bonding within and between the layers is of similar character. Two kinds of layers can be distinguished in these structures. One kind contains all of the rare earth (occasionally also alkaline earth) and in addition aluminum or gallium atoms. The other kind of layers consists of the transition metal atoms and again aluminum or gallium atoms. These latter layers are hexa gonally close packed and slightly puckered. The three different structures of the disilicides TiSi₂, CrSi₂, and MoSi₂ also contain these layers; however, in the disilicides these layers are flat.     

La2XB3 (X = Cl,Br): A Novel Layered Structure with Planar Boron Nets of B3, B6 and B8 Rings

Two new layered rare earth boride halides, La₂XB₃ (X = Cl, Br) have been synthesized. They crystallize in the space group (No. 174) with a = 7.872(1) Å, c = 8.219(2) Å, V = 441.1(1) ų for the chloride, and with a = 7.834(1) Å, c = 8.440(1) Å, V = 448.6(1) ų for the bromide compound, respectively. The crystals of La₂ClB₃ are twinned resulting in an apparent symmetry P6/mmm (No. 191). In the crystal structure of La₂XB₃, trigonal La₆ prisms are condensed into sheets in the a‐b plane, and the halogen atoms X sandwich the La double layers. The connection of B atoms which center the prisms and rectangular prism faces leads to B nets of B₃, B₆ and B₈ rings embedded between the La atom double layers. The chemical bonding is analyzed for the well ordered bromide, and the characteristic disorder in the chloride is discussed.     

Halogenide der Seltenerdmetalle Ln4X5Z. Teil 3: Das Chlorid La4Cl5B4 – Präparation,Struktur und Verwandtschaft zu La4Br5B4, La4I5B4

Rare Earth Halides Ln₄X₅Z. Part 3: The Chloride La₄Cl₅B₄ – Preparation, Structure, and Relation to La₄Br₅B₄, La₄I₅B₄ La₄Cl₅B₄ is synthesized by reaction of LaCl₃, La metal and boron in sealed Ta containers at 1050 °C < T < 1350 °C. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 16.484(3) Å, b = 4.263(1) Å, c = 9.276(2) Å and β = 120.06(3)°. Ce₄Cl₅B₄ is isotypic, a = 16.391(3) Å, b = 4.251(1) Å, c = 9.180(2) Å and β = 120.20(3)°. The La atoms form strings of trans-edge shared La octahedra, and the B atoms inside the strings form B₄-rhomboids, which are condensed to chains via opposite corners. The Cl atoms interconnect the channels according to La₂La_4/2Clⁱ⁻ⁱ_6/2Cl^i−a_2/2Cl^a−i_2/2. The crystal structures of the bromide and the iodide are comparabel, however, the interconnection of the strings is different in the three structure types, as 14 Cl, 13 Br and 12 I atoms surround the La₆ octahedra.     

Die isotypen Verbindungen BaRh2Si2, BaIr2Si2 und BaPt2Ga2 – eine monokline Verzerrungsvariante der CaRh2B2-Struktur

The Isotypic Compounds BaRh₂Si₂, BaIr₂Si₂, and BaPt₂Ga₂ – a Monoclinic Distortion Variant of the CaRh₂B₂ Structure The new compounds BaRh₂Si₂ (monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 792.6(1) pm, b = 664.5(7) pm, c = 767.9(4) pm, β = 91.2(1)°, Z = 4, 2867 reflexions, 47 parameters, R = 0.024), BaIr₂Si₂ (monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 792.47(6) pm, b = 664.28(6) pm, c = 772.22(6) pm, β = 92.181(7)°, Z = 4, 1939 reflexions, 47 parameters, R = 0.037) and BaPt₂Ga₂ (monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 850.4(1) pm, b = 647.3(1) pm, c = 819.8(1) pm, β = 95.97(1)°, Z = 4, 1506 reflexions, 47 parameters, R = 0.038) were prepared by reaction of the elements. Their structures were determined from single crystal data. The compounds crystallize isotypically with a distortion variant of the CaRh₂B₂ type of structure.     

Gd3Pt4In12 and Tb3Pt4In12 — New Ternary Indides with Condensed Distorted [PtIn6] Trigonal Prisms

The ternary indium compounds Gd₃Pt₄In₁₂ and Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂ were synthesized from an indium flux. Arc‐melted precursor alloys with the starting compositions ∼GdPtIn₄ and ∼TbPtIn₄ were annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. Both compounds were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction: a = 990.5(1), c = 1529.5(3) pm for Gd₃Pt₄In₁₂ and a = 988.65(9), c = 1524.0(1) pm for Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂. The structure of the gadolinium compound was solved and refined from single crystal X‐ray data: P3¯m1, wR2 = 0.0470, 1469 F² values and 62 variable parameters. Both crystallographically different platinum sites have a slightly distorted trigonal prismatic indium coordination. These [PtIn₆] prisms are condensed via common edges and corners forming a complex three‐dimensional [Pt₁₂In₃₂] network. The gadolinium, In1 and In7 atoms fill cavities within this polyanion. Tb₃Pt₄In₁₂ is isotypic with the gadolinium compound.     

Isotype Borophosphate MII(C2H10N2)[B2P3O12(OH)] (MII = Mg,Mn, Fe,Ni, Cu,Zn): Verbindungen mit Tetraeder‐Schichtverbänden

Isotypic Borophosphates M^II(C₂H₁₀N₂)[B₂P₃O₁₂(OH)] (M^II = Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn): Compounds containing Tetrahedral Layers The isotypic compounds M^II(C₂H₁₀N₂) · [B₂P₃O₁₂(OH)] (M^II = Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) were prepared under hydrothermal conditions (T = 170 °C) from mixtures of the metal chloride (chloride hydrate, resp.), Ethylenediamine, H₃BO₃ and H₃PO₄. The orthorhombic crystal structures (Pbca, No. 61, Z = 8) were determined by X‐ray single crystal methods (Mg(C₂H₁₀N₂)[B₂P₃O₁₂(OH)]: a = 936.81(2) pm, b = 1221.86(3) pm, c = 2089.28(5) pm) and Rietveld‐methods (M^II = Mn: a = 931.91(4) pm, b = 1234.26(4) pm, c = 2129.75(7) pm, Fe: a = 935.1(3) pm, b = 1224.8(3) pm, c = 2088.0(6) pm, Ni: a = 939.99(3) pm, b = 1221.29(3) pm, c = 2074.05(7) pm, Cu: a = 941.38(3) pm, b = 1198.02(3) pm, c = 2110.01(6) pm, Zn: a = 935.06(2) pm, b = 1221.33(2) pm, c = 2094.39(4) pm), respectively. The anionic part of the structure contains tetrahedral layers, consisting of three‐ and nine‐membered rings. The M^II‐ions are in a distorted octahedral or tetragonal‐bipyramidal [4 + 2] (copper) coordination formed by oxygen functions of the tetrahedral layers. The resulting three‐dimensional structure contains channels running along [010]. Protonated Ethylenediamine ions are fixed within the channels by hydrogen bonds.     

Crystal Structure and Properties of Some Filled and Unfilled Skutterudites: GdFe4P12, SmFe4P12, NdFe4As12, Eu0.54Co4Sb12, Fe0.5Ni0.5P3, CoP3, and NiP3

The new cubic compound Fe_0.5Ni_0.5P₃ (a = 775.29(5) pm) as well as the known compounds CoP₃ and NiP₃ were synthesized from the elemental components using tin as a flux. Their skutterudite (CoAs₃) type structures were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data. The new compound GdFe₄P₁₂ was prepared by reaction of an alloy Gd_1/3Fe_2/3 with phosphorus in a tin flux. Its cubic “filled” skutterudite (LaFe₄P₁₂ type) structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: a = 779.49(4) pm, R = 0.019 for 304 structure factors and 11 variable parameters. SmFe₄P₁₂ shows Van Vleck paramagnetism while GdFe₄P₁₂ is a soft ferromagnet with a Curie temperature of T_C = 22(5) K. Both are metallic conductors. The new isotypic polyarsenide NdFe₄As₁₂ (a = 830.9(1) pm) was obtained by reacting NdAs₂ with iron and arsenic in the presence of a NaCl/KCl flux. The new isotypic polyantimonide Eu_0.54(1)Co₄Sb₁₂ (a = 909.41(8) pm) was prepared by reaction of EuSb₂ with cobalt and antimony. Its structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data to a residual of 0.024 (137 F values, 12 variables). A comparison of the Fe–P and P–P bond lengths in the compounds AFe₄P₁₂, where the A atoms (A = Ce, Eu, Gd, Th) have differing valencies, suggests that the Fermi level cuts through Fe–P bonding and P–P antibonding bands.     

Structure and properties of Ce3Pd3Bi4, CePdBi, and CePd2Zn3

The intermetallic cerium compounds Ce₃-Pd₃Bi₄, CePdBi, and CePd₂Zn₃ were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules in an induction furnace. The compounds were characterized by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: CeCo₃B₂ type (ordered version of CaCu₅), P6/mmm, a = 538.4(4), c = 427.7(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0540, 115 F ² values, 9 variables for CePd₂Zn₃ and Y₃Au₃Sb₄ type, I [`4]{\bar 4} 3d, a = 1005.2(2) pm, w R2 = 0.0402, 264 F ² values, 9 variables for Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and MgAgAs type, a = 681.8(1) pm for CePdBi. The bismuthide structures are build up from three-dimensional networks of corner-sharing PdBi₄ tetrahedra with Pd–Bi distances of 281 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 296 pm (CePdBi), respectively. The cerium atoms are located in larger voids of coordination number 12 (Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄) and 10 (CePdBi). In CePd₂Zn₃ the cerium atoms fill larger channels within the three-dimensional [Pd₂Zn₃] network with 18 (6 Pd + 12 Zn) nearest neighbors. The three compounds contain stable trivalent cerium with experimental magnetic moments of μ_eff = 2.70(2), 2.48(1), and 2.49(1) μ_B/Ce atom for CePd₂Zn₃, Ce₃Pd₃Bi₄, and CePdBi, respectively. Susceptibility and specific heat data gave no hint for magnetic ordering down to 2.1 K.     

Scandium as an Element Intermediate between Rare Earth and Transition Metals in Intermetallics: Crystal Structures of Sc2Fe12P7, Sc3.6Fe10.4P7, and Sc2Co4P3. Other New Compounds with Zr2Fe12P7, Hf2Co4P3, Sc5Co19P12, and Yb6Co30P19 Type Structures

Abstract. Twenty five ternary phosphides crystallizing with four different but closely related structure types were prepared using elemental tin as a flux. Their lattice constants are reported. New compounds include Sc₂Fe₁₂P₇, Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇, Y₂Co₁₂P₇, and Hf₂T₁₂P₇ with T = Fe, Co, Ni. They crystallize with the hexagonal Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type structure, which was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data of Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇: a = 944.1(1) pm, c = 363.4(1) pm, R = 0.041 for 719 unique structure factors and 23 variable parameters. The excess scandium atoms occupy one of the four iron sites of the Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type structure which has a higher coordination number than the other three iron sites. The two isotypic phosphides Sc₂Fe₁₂P₇ and Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇ do not form a continuous series of solid solutions. The new compounds Sc₂Co₄P₃ and Sc₂Ni₄P₃ are isotypic with Hf₂Co₄P₃. This hexagonal structure was refined for Sc₂Co₄P₃ from single crystal data: a = 1211.5(2) pm, c = 363.7(1) pm, R = 0.025 for 500 F_o and 38 variables. Other new compounds reported are Sc₅Ni₁₉P₁₂, Zr₅Fe₁₉P₁₂, Hf₅Fe₁₉P₁₂, and Hf₅Co₁₉P₁₂ which crystallize with Sc₅Co₁₉P₁₂ type structure, and the Yb₆Co₃₀P₁₉ type phosphides Sc₆Co₃₀P₁₉, Zr₆Co₃₀P₁₉, and Hf₆Co₃₀P₁₉. The structural relationships of these ternary phosphides are discussed with special attention to the environments of the transition metal atoms.     

Darstellung und Kristallstrukturen von [P(C6H5)4][1-(NH3)B10H9] und Cs[(NH3)B12H11] · 2CH3OH

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [P(C₆H₅)₄][1-(NH₃)B₁₀H₉] and Cs[(NH₃)B₁₂H₁₁] · 2CH₃OH The reduction of [1-(NO₂)B₁₀H₉]^2? with aluminum in alkaline solution yields [1-(NH₃)B₁₀H₉]^? and by treatment of [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? with hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid [(NH₃)B₁₂H₁₁]^? is formed. The crystal structures of [P(C₆H₅)₄][1-(NH₃)B₁₀H₉] (triclinic, space group P1 , a = 7.491(2), b = 13.341(2), c = 14.235(1) Å, α = 68.127(9), β = 81.85(2), γ = 86.860(3)°, Z = 2) and Cs[(NH₃)B₁₂H₁₁] · 2CH₃OH (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 14.570(2), b = 7.796(1), c = 15.076(2) Å, β = 111.801(8)°, Z = 4) reveal for both compounds the bonding of an ammine substituent to the cluster anion.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen des Zink‐Rhodiumborids Zn5Rh8B4 und der Lithium‐ Magnesium‐Rhodiumboride LixMg5−xRh8B4 (x = 1.1 und 0.5) und Li8Mg4Rh19B12

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Zinc Rhodium Boride Zn₅Rh₈B₄ and the Lithium Magnesium Rhodium Borides Li_xMg_5?xRh₈B₄ (x = 1.1 and 0.5) and Li₈Mg₄Rh₁₉B₁₂ The title compounds were prepared by reaction of the elemental components in metal ampoules under argon atmosphere (1100 °C, 7 d). In the case of Zn₅Rh₈B₄ (orthorhombic, space group Cmmm, a = 8.467(2) Å, b = 16.787(3) Å, c = 2.846(1) Å, Z = 2) a BN crucible enclosed in a sealed tantalum container was used. The syntheses of Li_xMg_5?xRh₈B₄ (orthorhombic, space group Cmmm, Z = 2, isotypic with Zn₅Rh₈B₄, lattice constants for x = 1.1: a = 8.511(3) Å, b = 16.588(6) Å, c = 2.885(1) Å, and for x = 0.5: a = 8.613(1) Å, b = 16.949(3) Å, c = 2.9139(2) Å) and Li₈Mg₄Rh₁₉B₁₂ (orthorhombic, space group Pbam, a = 26.210(5) Å, b = 13.612(4) Å, c = 2.8530(5) Å, Z = 2) were carried out in tantalum crucibles enclosed in steel containers using lithium as a metal flux. The crystal structures were solved from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. In both structures Rh atoms reside at z = 0 and all non‐transition metal atoms at z = 1/2. Columns of Rh₆B trigonal prisms running along the c‐axis are laterally connected to form three‐dimensional networks with channels of various cross sections containing Li‐, Mg‐, and Zn‐atoms, respectively. A very short Li‐Li distance of 2.29(7) Å is observed in Li₈Mg₄Rh₁₉B₁₂.