The Gallides SrRh2Ga2, SrIr2Ga2, and Sr3Ir4Ga4

The gallides SrRh₂Ga₂, SrIr₂Ga₂, and Sr₃Rh₄Ga₄ were obtained from the elements by induction melting and subsequent annealing. They were investigated by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction: CaRh₂B₂ type, Fddd, a = 573.2(1), b = 1051.3(1), c = 1343.7(2) pm, wR₂ = 0.0218, 398 F² values, 15 variables for SrRh₂Ga₂; a = 576.0(1), b = 1045.5(1), c = 1350.6(3) pm for SrIr₂Ga₂, and Na₃Pt₄Ge₄ type, I$\bar{4}$ 3m, a = 777.4(2) pm, wR₂ = 0.0234, 190 F² values, 11 variables for Sr₃Ir₄Ga₄. The gallides SrRh₂Ga₂ and Sr₃Ir₄Ga₄ exhibit complex, covalently bonded three‐dimensional [Rh₂Ga₂] and [Ir₄Ga₄] networks with short Rh–Ga (241–246 pm) and Ir–Ga (243–259 pm) distances. The strontium atoms fill large cages within these networks. They are coordinated by 8 Rh + 10 Ga in SrRh₂Ga₂ and by 4 Ir + 8 Ga in Sr₃Ir₄Ga₄. The structure of SrRh₂Ga₂ is discussed along with the monoclinic distortion variants HoNi₂B₂ and BaPt₂Ga₂ on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.     

Synthesis and Structures of Yb4Rh7Ge6 and Yb4Ir7Ge6

Larger single crystals of Yb₄Rh₇Ge₆ and Yb₄Ir₇Ge₆ were prepared from arc‐melted precursor alloys Rh₇Ge₆ and Ir₇Ge₆ and elemental ytterbium via the Bridgman method using tungsten crucibles. Yb₄Rh₇Ge₆ and Yb₄Ir₇Ge₆ were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. Both germanides crystallize with the cubic U₄Re₇Si₆ type structure, space group Im3m. Structure refinement from X‐ray single crystal diffractometer data yielded a = 825.3(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0292, 106 F² values, 10 variable parameters for Yb₄Rh₇Ge₆ and a = 826.6(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0486, 150 F² values, 10 variable parameters for Yb₄Ir₇Ge₆. The structures contain two crystallographically independent transition metal (T) atoms with octahedral (T1) and tetrahedral (T2) germanium coordination. The octahedra and tetrahedra are condensed via common corners and edges forming complex three‐dimensional [T₇Ge₆] networks in which the trivalent ytterbium atoms fill voids of coordination number 14.     

Rare Earth Ruthenium Gallides with the Ideal Composition Ln2Ru3Ga5 (Ln = La–Nd,Sm) crystallizing with U2Mn3Si5 (Sc2Fe3Si5) Type Structure

The rare earth ruthenium gallides Ln₂Ru₃Ga₅ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were prepared by arc‐melting of cold‐pressed pellets of the elemental components. They crystallize with a tetragonal structure (P4/mnc, Z = 4) first reported for U₂Mn₃Si₅. The crystal structures of the cerium and samarium compounds were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data, resulting in significant deviations from the ideal compositions: Ce₂Ru_2.31(1)Ga_5.69(1), a = 1135.10(8) pm, c = 580.58(6) pm, R_F = 0.022 for 742 structure factors; Sm₂Ru_2.73(2)Ga_5.27(2), a = 1132.95(9) pm, c = 562.71(6) pm, R_F = 0.026 for 566 structure factors and 32 variable parameters each. The deviations from the ideal compositions 2:3:5 are discussed. A mixed Ru/Ga occupancy occurs only for one atomic site. The displacement parameters are relatively large for atoms with mixed occupancy within their coordination shell and small for atoms with no neighboring sites of mixed occupancy. Chemical bonding is analyzed on the basis of interatomic distances. Ln–Ga bonding is stronger than Ln–Ru bonding. Ru–Ga bonding is strong and Ru–Ru bonding is weak. The Ga–Ga interactions are of similar strength as in elemental gallium.     

[Ga(en)3][Ga3Se7(en)] · H2O: Ein Galliumchalkogenid mit Ketten aus [Ga3Se6Se2/2(en)]3–-Bicyclen

[Ga(en)₃][Ga₃Se₇(en)] · H₂O: A Gallium Chalcogenide with Chains of [Ga₃Se₆Se_2/2(en)]^3– Bicycles The new selenidogallate [Ga(en)₃][Ga₃Se₇(en)] · H₂O ( I ) was produced from a ethylendiamine suspension of Ga and Se at 130 °C. I crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna2₁ with unit constants a = 1347.9(3) pm, b = 961.6(1) pm, c = 1967.6(4) pm and Z = 4. The crystal structure contains an anion so far not observed in gallium chalcogenides. It is built from [Ga₃Se₆Se_2/2(en)]^3– bicycles of three Ga^IIIL₄ tetrahedra (L = en, Se) connected via selenium corners to linear chains. The cations, Ga^III ions coordinated by three ethylendiamine in a distorted octahedral geometry are positioned in the holes of the hexagonal rod packing of these chains.     

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

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

Ga2Br2R2 und Ga3I2R3 [R = C(SiMe3)3] — zwei neue elementorganische Galliumsubhalogenide mit einer bzw. zwei Ga‐Ga‐Bindungen

Ga₂Br₂R₂ and Ga₃I₂R₃ [R = C(SiMe₃)₃] — Two New Organoelement Subhalides of Gallium Containing One or Two Ga‐Ga Single Bonds The oxidation of the tetrahedral tetragallium cluster Ga₄[C(SiMe₃)₃]₄ ( 1 ) with elemental bromine in the presence of AlBr₃ yielded the corresponding gallium subhalide Ga₂Br₂R₂ [ 4 , R = C(SiMe₃)₃], which remains monomer even in the solid state and in which the Ga^II atoms are connected by a short Ga‐Ga single bond [243.2(2) pm]. The analogous diiodide Ga₂I₂R₂ ( 3 ), which was obtained on a similar route by our group only recently, did not react with lithium tert‐butanolate by substitution as originally expected. Instead, partial disproportionation occurred with the formation of the trigallium diiodide Ga₃I₂R₃ ( 6 ), in which three Ga atoms are connected by two Ga‐Ga single bonds (255.1 pm on average). Both terminal Ga atoms have a coordination number of four owing to the bridging function of both iodine atoms, while the inner one which has an oxidation number of +1 remains coordinatively unsaturated. An average oxidation state of 1.66 resulted for all atoms of the chain. The Ga^III compound {[GaI(R)(OCMe₃)(OH)]Li}₂ ( 7 ) was isolated as the second product of the disproportionation. It is a dimer in the solid state via Li‐O bridges and shows a hindered rotation of its tert‐butyl group.     

Rare Earth Metal Ruthenium Gallides R2Ru3Ga9 with Y2Co3Ga9 Type Structure

The twelve isotypic intermetallic compounds R₂Ru₃Ga₉ with R = Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm were prepared by arc‐melting of the elemental components. Their crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data of Dy₂Ru₃Ga₉: Cmcm, a = 1279.3(2) pm, b = 755.6(1) pm, c = 964.7(1) pm, Z = 4, R = 0.020 for 671 structure factors and 42 variable parameters. All atomic positions have within two standard deviations ideal occupancies (occupancy values vary between 98.8(5) and 101.2(6)%). The structure is briefly discussed, emphasizing its relation to other structures with a high content of gallium or aluminum.     

Gallium‐Indium Ordering in the Complex [Ni2Ga3In] Network of GdNi2Ga3In

Polycrystalline samples of the isotypic quaternary compounds RENi₂Ga₃In (RE = Y, Gd – Tm) were obtained by arc‐melting of the elements. Crystals of the gadolinium compound were found by slow cooling of an arc‐melted button of the initial composition “GdNiGa₃In”. All samples were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. The structure of GdNi₂Ga_2.89In_1.11 was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, Pnma, a = 2426.38(7), b = 418.17(2), c = 927.27(3) pm, wR₂ = 0.0430, 1610 F² values and 88 variables. Two of the six crystallographically independent gallium sites show a small degree of Ga/In mixing. The nickel atoms show tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination by gadolinium, gallium, and indium. Together, the nickel, gallium, and indium atoms build up a complex three‐dimensional [Ni₂Ga₃In]^δ– network, which leaves cages for the gadolinium atoms. The indium atoms form zigzag chains with In–In distances of 337 pm. The crystal chemical similarities of the polyhedral packing in the GdNi₂Ga₃In and La₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ structures are discussed.     

The Binary Silicides Eu5Si3 and Yb3Si5 – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Chemical Bonding

The binary silicides Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes and their crystal structures were determined from single crystal X-ray data: I4/mcm, a = 791.88(7) pm, c = 1532.2(2) pm, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.0545, 600 F² values, 16 variables for Eu₅Si₃ (Cr₅B₃-type) and P62m, a = 650.8(2) pm, c = 409.2(1) pm, Z = 1, wR2 = 0.0427, 375 F² values, 12 variables for Yb₃Si₅ (Th₃Pd₅ type). The new silicide Eu₅Si₃ contains isolated silicon atoms and silicon pairs with a Si–Si distance of 242.4 pm. This silicide may be described as a Zintl phase with the formula [5 Eu²⁺]¹⁰⁺[Si]^4–[Si₂]^6–. The silicon atoms in Yb₃Si₅ form a two-dimensional planar network with two-connected and three-connected silicon atoms. According to the Zintl-Klemm concept the formula of homogeneous mixed-valent Yb₃Si₅ may to a first approximation be written as [3 Yb]⁸⁺[2 Si^–]^2–[3 Si^2–]^6–. Magnetic susceptibility investigations of Eu₅Si₃ show Curie-Weiss behaviour above 100 K with a magnetic moment of 7.85(5) μ_B which is close to the free ion value of 7.94 μ_B for Eu²⁺. Chemical bonding in Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ was investigated by semi-empirical band structure calculations using an extended Hückel hamiltonian. The strongest bonding interactions are found for the Si–Si contacts followed by Eu–Si and Yb–Si, respectively. The main bonding characteristics in Eu₅Si₃ are antibonding Si1₂-π* and bonding Eu–Si1 states at the Fermi level. The same holds true for the silicon polyanion in Yb₃Si₅.     

Sn5Ir6B2 und Sn4Ir7B3: Zinn-Iridiumboride mit eindimensionalen Ir/B-Verbänden

Sn₅Ir₆B₂ and Sn₄Ir₇B₃: Tin Iridiumborides with Onedimensional Ir/B Structural Elements Sn₅Ir₆B₂ (hexagonal, P6 2m, a = 658.97(5) pm, c = 559.19(3) pm, Z = 1, 391 reflexions, 16 parameters, R = 0.037) and Sn₄Ir₇B₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 926.63(5) pm, c = 563.19(3) pm, Z = 2, 323 reflexions, 24 parameters, R = 0.045) were prepared by reaction of the elements. Their structures were determined by means of single crystal X-ray methods. The structure of Sn₅Ir₆B₂ may be derived from the Fe₂P type and contains columns of boron centered trigonal Ir prisms sharing their triangular faces. In the structure of Sn₄Ir₇B₃ six of these columns are connected to form a large column with hexagonal cross section. Only every second prism therein is occupied by a boron atom. In both structures these onedimensional Ir/B structural elements are embedded in a matrix of tin atoms composed of Sn-centered Sn₆ prisms twice as long as the Ir₆ prisms.     

Synthesis of Er5(BO3)2F9 and Properties of RE5(BO3)2F9 (RE = Er,Yb)

Er₅(BO₃)₂F₉ was synthesised under conditions of 3 GPa and 800 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The crystal structure was determined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, collected at room temperature. Er₅(BO₃)₂F₉ is isotypic to the recently synthesised Yb₅(BO₃)₂F₉ and crystallises in C2/c with the lattice parameters a = 2031.2(4) pm, b = 609.5(2) pm, c = 824.6(2) pm, and β = 100.29(3)°. The physical properties of RE₅(BO₃)₂F₉ (RE = Er, Yb) including high temperature behaviour and single crystal IR‐ / Raman spectroscopy were investigated.     

Struktur‐ und magnetochemische Untersuchungen an KCuGaF6

Structural and Magnetochemical Studies on KCuGaF₆ The crystal structure of KCuGaF₆ was determined on the base of X‐ray single crystal data (wR₂ = 0.084 for 2476 independent reflections). The compound crystallizes with a = 728.56(4), b = 989.51(6), c = 676.27(3) pm, β = 93.120(5)°, Z = 4 in space group P2₁/c of the pyrochlore related KCuCrF₆ type. The octahedral coordinations [GaF₆] and [CuF₆] are slightly resp. strongly distorted (mean values Ga‐F: 188.2 pm resp. Cu‐F: 188.2/200.1/227.6 pm). The longest distances Ga‐F and the shortest ones Cu‐F are found within octahedral chains of these two kinds of atoms, running along [100] and [001], resp., and being mutually bridged as well (M‐F‐M in between 114 and 145°). The magnetic mole susceptibilities measured at powders and at a single crystal follow the isotropic Heisenberg model for S = ¹/₂, if effects of chain disrupture are considered in the form of some paramagnetic portion. No indication of threedimensional magnetic order is observed down to T = 2 K and low magnetic fields H < 100 G. KCuGaF₆ (J/k = —71 K for the powder) is distinguished this way from the chain structure compounds KCuAlF₆ und Na₂CuScF₇ (J/k = —76 resp. —59 K) which were also magnetically studied and yield similar antiferromagnetic exchange constants J/k.     

Ca2Ga3MgN5 – A Highly Condensed Nitridogallate

The nitridogallate Ca₂Ga₃MgN₅ was obtained from reaction of the elements in sodium flux with Na‐azide at 760 °C in weld shut niobium ampoules. Crystal structure solution and refinement was carried out on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Ca₂Ga₃MgN₅ [space group C2/m (no. 12), a = 11.160(2), b = 3.2965(7), c = 8.006(2) Å, and β = 109.93(3)°, Z = 2] shows an anionic substructure made up of mixed (Mg/Ga)N₄ tetrahedra, which are sharing both common vertices and edges building a three‐dimensional network. The crystal structure of Ca₂Ga₃MgN₅ is related to known alkaline earth nitridosilicates (M^II₂Si₅N₈, M^II = Sr, Ba), but is significantly higher condensed due to additional edge‐sharing in the anionic substructure.     

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.     

Preparation and Crystal Structures of Ternary Rare Earth Osmium Gallides LnOsGa3 (Ln = Gd—Tm) and LnOsGa3 (Ln = La—Nd)

The title compounds were prepared from the elemental components at high temperatures. The compounds LnOsGa₃ crystallize with the cubic TmRuGa₃ type structure which was refined from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data of TbOsGa₃: Pm3¯m, Z = 3, a = 640.8(1) pm, R = 0.014 for 173 structure factors and 10 variable parameters. The other gallides crystallize with a new structure type which was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data of CeOsGa₄: Pmma, Z = 6, a = 963.9(2) pm, b = 880.1(1) pm, c = 767.0(1) pm, R = 0.030 for 744 F values and 56 variables. The structure may be considered as consisting of two kinds of alternating layers, although bonding within and between the layers is of similar strength. One kind of layers (A) is slightly puckered, two‐dimensionally infinite, hexagonal close packed, with the composition OsGa₃; the other kind of layers (B) is planar with the composition CeGa. The structure is closely related to that of Y₂Co₃Ga₉ where the corresponding layers have the compositions Co₃Ga₆ (A) and Y₂Ga₃ (B).     

Drei Alkalimetall‐Erbium‐Thiophosphate: Von der Schichtstruktur bei KEr[P2S7] zur dreidimensionalen Vernetzung in NaEr[P2S6] und Cs3Er5[PS4]6

Three Alkali‐Metal Erbium Thiophosphates: From the Layered Structure of KEr[P₂S₇] to the Three‐Dimensional Cross‐Linkage in NaEr[P₂S₆] and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄]₆ The three alkali‐metal erbium thiophosphates NaEr[P₂S₆], KEr[P₂S₇], and Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] show a small selection of the broad variety of thiophosphate units: from ortho‐thiophosphate [PS₄]^3? and pyro‐thiophosphate [S₃P–S–PS₃]^4? with phosphorus in the oxidation state +V to the [S₃P–PS₃]^3? anion with a phosphorus‐phosphorus bond (d(P–P) = 221 pm) and tetravalent phosphorus. In spite of all differences, a whole string of structural communities can be shown, in particular for coordination and three‐dimensional linkage as well as for the phosphorus‐sulfur distances (d(P–S) = 200 – 213 pm). So all three compounds exhibit eightfold coordinated Er³⁺ cations and comparably high‐coordinated alkali‐metal cations (CN(Na⁺) = 8, CN(K⁺) = 9+1, and CN(Cs⁺) ≈ 10). NaEr[P₂S₆] crystallizes triclinically ( ; a = 685.72(5), b = 707.86(5), c = 910.98(7) pm, α = 87.423(4), β = 87.635(4), γ = 88.157(4)°; Z = 2) in the shape of rods, as well as monoclinic KEr[P₂S₇] (P2₁/c; a = 950.48(7), b = 1223.06(9), c = 894.21(6) pm, β = 90.132(4)°; Z = 4). The crystal structure of Cs₃Er₅[PS₄] can also be described monoclinically (C2/c; a = 1597.74(11), b = 1295.03(9), c = 2065.26(15) pm, β = 103.278(4)°; Z = 4), but it emerges as irregular bricks. All crystals show the common pale pink colour typical for transparent erbium(III) compounds.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands

The organic salts 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolium halide (pm‐RbH ⁺X⁻) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolium halide (pm‐R′iH ⁺X′⁻) were prepared (where R = 4‐, 3‐, 2‐fluorobenzyl ( 4f , 3f , and 2f , respectively), 4‐, 3‐, 2‐chlorobenzyl ( 4c , 3c , and 2c , respectively); 4‐methoxybenzyl (4mo); 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl (f₅); benzyl (b); and methyl (m)); X = Cl and Br; R′ = benzyl (b) and methyl (m); and X′ = Cl and I. From these salts, heteroleptic Ir(III ) complexes containing one N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC ) ligand [Ir(κ²‐ppy)₂(κ²‐(pm‐Rb))]PF₆ (R = 4f, 1 (PF₆ ); 3f, 2 (PF₆ ); 2f, 3 (PF₆ ); f₅b, 4 (PF₆ ); 4c, 5 (PF₆ ); 3c, 6 (PF₆ ); 2c, 7 (PF₆ ); 4mo, 8 (PF₆ ); b, 9 (PF₆ ); m, 10 (PF₆ )) and [Ir(κ²‐ppy)₂(κ²‐(pm‐R′i))]PF₆ (R = b, 11 (PF₆ ); m, 12 (PF₆ )), were synthesized, and the crystal structures of 1 (PF₆ ), 2 (PF₆ ), 3 (PF₆ ), 5 (PF₆ ), 6 (PF₆ ), 7 (PF₆ ), 9 (PF₆ ), 10 (PF₆ ), and 12 (PF₆ ) were determined by X‐ray diffraction. The neutral NHC ligands 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐Rb) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐R′i) of all cations were found to be involved in the intermolecular π−π stacking interactions with the surrounding cations in the solid state, thereby probably influencing the photophysical behavior in the solid state and in solution. The absorption and emission properties of all the complexes show only small variations.     

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.     

The Crystal Structures of Two No–Metal Tricyanomelaminates: Diammonium Tricyanomelaminate Dihydrate [NH4]2[C6N9H] · 2 H2O and Dimelaminium Tricyanomelaminate Melamine Dihydrate [C3N6H7]2[C6N9H] · C3N6H6 · 2 H2O

Diammonium tricyanomelaminate dihydrate [NH₄]₂[C₆N₉H] · 2 H₂O ( 1 ) and dimelaminium tricyanomelaminate melamine dihydrate [C₃N₆H₇]₂[C₆N₉H] · C₃N₆H₆ · 2 H₂O ( 2 ) were obtained by metathesis reactions from Na₃[C₆N₉] in aqueous solution and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and ¹⁵N solid‐state NMR spectroscopy ( 1 ). Both salts contain mono‐protonated tricyanomelaminate (TCM) anions and crystallize as dihydrates. Considering charge balance requirements, the crystal structure of 1 (C2/c, a = 3181.8(6) pm, b = 360.01(7) pm, c = 2190.4(4) pm, β = 112.39(3)°, V = 2319.9(8) 10⁶ · pm³) can best be described by assuming a random distribution of an ammonium ion – crystal water pair over two energetically similar sites. Apart from two melaminium cations, 2 (P2₁/c, a = 674.7(5) pm, b = 1123.6(5) pm, c = 3400.2(5) pm, β = 95.398(5), V = 2566(2) 10⁶ · pm³) contains one neutral melamine per formula unit acting as an additional “solvent” molecule and yielding a donor‐acceptor type of π–stacking interaction.     

Novel Derivatives of the CaIn2 Type of Structure: Yb1+xMg1—xGa4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa4

The compounds Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa₄ were synthesized by direct reaction of the elements in sealed niobium crucibles. The atomic arrangement of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) represents a new structure type (space group P6¯m2, a = 4.3979(3)Å and c = 6.9671(7)Å) as evidenced by single crystal structure analysis and can be described as an ordered variant of CaIn₂. YLiGa₄ is isotypic to the ytterbium compound according to X‐ray Guinier powder data (a = 4.3168(1)Å and c = 6.8716(2)Å). Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of both compounds reveal intrinsic diamagnetic behaviour, i.e., ytterbium in the 4f¹⁴ configuration for Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0). From electrical resistivity data both compounds can be classified as metals. The compressibility of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) as measured in diamond anvil cells by angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction is compatible with a valence change of the ytterbium atoms at high‐pressures and indicates a slight anisotropy which is in accordance with the structural organisation of the gallium network. X‐ray absorption spectra of the Yb L_III edge of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) at pressures up to 25.0 GPa show a two‐peak structure which reveals the presence of Yb in the 4f¹⁴ and 4f¹³ states. The amount of ytterbium in the 4f¹³ state increases in two steps with progressing compression. The bonding analysis by means of the electron localization function reveals the Zintl‐like character of both compounds and confirms the 4f¹⁴ state for the majority of ytterbium atoms.