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.     

[PtIn6][GaO4]2 – das erste Oxid mit [PtIn6]‐Oktaedern. Darstellung,Charakterisierung und Rietveldverfeinerung – mit einer Bemerkung zur Mischkristallreihe [PtIn6][GaO4]2–x[InO4]x (0 < x ≤ 1)

[PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ – The First Oxide Containing [PtIn₆] Octahedra. Preparation, Characterisation, and Rietveld Refinement – With a Remark to the Solid Solution Series [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2‐x[InO₄]_x (0 < x ≤ 1) The novel oxides [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2–x[InO₄]_x (0 < x ≤ 1) are formed by heating intimate mixtures of Pt, In, In₂O₃, and Ga₂O₃ in the corresponding stoichiometric ratio in corundum crucibles under an atmosphere of argon (1220 K, 70 h). The compounds are black, stable in air at room temperature, reveal a semiconducting behaviour, and decompose only in oxidizing acids. X‐ray powder diffraction patterns can be indexed by assuming a face centered cubic unit cell with lattice parameters ranging from a = 1001.3(1) pm (x = 0) to a = 1009.3(1) pm (x = 1). According to a Rietveld refinement [PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ crystallizes isotypic to the mineral Pentlandite (Fm3m, Z = 4, R(profile) = 6.11%, R(intensity) = 3.95%). The characteristic building units are isolated [PtIn₆]¹⁰⁺ octahedra which are linked via [GaO₄]^5– tetrahedra to a three dimensional framework. Starting from [PtIn₆][GaO₄]₂ the substitution of Ga³⁺ ions by larger In³⁺ ions leads to the formation of a solid solution series according to the general formula [PtIn₆][GaO₄]_2–x[InO₄]_x and becomes apparent in an increase of the lattice parameter.     

Rare Earth-Rich Indides <Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis><Subscript>5</Subscript>Pt<Subscript>2</Subscript>In<Subscript>4</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis> = Sc,Y, La–Nd,Sm, Gd–Tm,Lu)

Summary. The isotypic indides RE ₅Pt₂In₄ (RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. They were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction. Small single crystals of Gd₅Pt₂In₄ were grown via slow cooling and the structure was refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 1819.2(9), b = 803.2(3), c = 367.6(2) pm, wR ² = 0.089, 893 F ² values and 36 parameters. The structure is an intergrowth variant of distorted trigonal and square prismatic slabs of compositions GdPt and GdIn. Together the platinum and indium atoms build up one-dimensional [Pt₂In₄] networks (292–333 pm Pt–In and 328–368 pm In–In) in an AA stacking sequence along the c axis. The gadolinium atoms fill distorted square and pentagonal prismatic cages between these networks with strong bonding to the platinum atoms.     

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

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

SrPtIn,Sr2Pt3In4, and Ca2Au3In4 – Alkaline Earth Compounds with Complex Three-Dimensional [PtIn], [Pt3In4], and [Au3In4] Polyanions

Single phase SrPtIn, Sr₂Pt₃In₄ and Ca₂Au₃In₄ were prepared by high-frequency melting of the elements in water-cooled glassy carbon crucibles. X-ray diffraction of powders and single crystals yielded Pnma, oP12, a = 758.57(9) pm, b = 451.52(6) pm, c = 846.0(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0937, 467 F² values, 20 variables for SrPtIn, P62m, hP36, a = 1465.9(2) pm, c = 448.24(6) pm, wR2 = 0.0722, 1059 F² values, 44 variables for Sr₂Pt₃In₄ and Pnma, oP36, a = 1463.6(4) pm, b = 443.23(9) pm, c = 1272.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0694, 1344 F² values, 56 variables for Ca₂Au₃In₄. SrPtIn adopts the TiNiSi type structure. The indium atoms have a distorted tetrahedral platinum coordination. These InPt_4/4 tetrahedra are edge- and corner-shared, forming a three-dimensional [PtIn] polyanion in which the strontium atoms are embedded. Sr₂Pt₃In₄ crystallizes with the Hf₂Co₄P₃ type structure with the more electronegative platinum atoms occupying the phosphorus sites while the indium atoms are located on the cobalt positions. Ca₂Au₃In₄ is a new site occupancy variant of the YCo₅P₃ type. Gold atoms occupy the phosphorus sites and indium the cobalt sites, but one cobalt site is occupied by calcium atoms leading to the composition Ca₂Au₃In₄. Common geometrical motifs of both structures are condensed, platinum(gold)-centered trigonal prisms formed by the alkaline earth and indium atoms. The platinum (gold) and indium atoms form complex three-dimensional [Pt₃In₄] and [Au₃In₄] polyanions, respectively. The alkaline earth cations are located in distorted hexagonal tubes.     

Binäre Lanthan‐Stannide mit Sn:La‐Verhältnissen nahe 1:1 – Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, Chemische Bindung

Four binary lanthanum stannides close to the 1:1 ratio of Sn:La were synthesized from mixtures of the elements. The structures of the compounds have been determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray data. The low temperature (α) form of LaSn (CrB‐type, orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 476.33(6), b = 1191.1(2), c = 440.89(6) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0247), crystallizes with the CrB‐type. The structure exhibits planar tin zigzag chains with a Sn–Sn bond length of 299.1 pm. In contrast to the electron precise Zintl compounds of the alkaline earth elements, additional La–Sn bonding contributions become apparent from the results of band structure calculations. In the somewhat tin‐richer region, the new compound La₃Sn₄ (orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 451.45(4), b = 1190.44(9), c = 1583.8(2) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0674), crystallizing with the Er₃Ge₄ structure type, exhibits Sn₃ segments of the zigzag chains of α‐LaSn together with a further Sn atom in a square planar Sn coordination with increased Sn–Sn bond lengths. In the Lanthanum‐richer region, La₁₁Sn₁₀ (tetragonal, space group I4/mmm, a = 1208.98(5), c = 1816.60(9) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0325) forms the undistorted tetragonal Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type. Its structure, which contains isolated Sn atoms, [Sn₂] dumbbells and planar [Sn₄] rings is related to the high temperature (β) form of LaSn. The structure of β‐LaSn (space group Cmmm, a = 1766.97(6), b = 1768.28(5), c = 1194.32(3) pm, Z = 60, R1 = 0.0453), which forms a singular structure type, can be derived from that of La₁₁Sn₁₀ by the removal of thin slabs. Due to the different stacking of the remaining layers, planar [Sn₄] chain segments and linear [Sn–Sn–Sn] anions are formed as additional structural elements. The chemical bonding (Sn–Sn covalent bonding, Sn–La contributions) is discussed on the basis of the simple Zintl concept and the results of FP‐LAPW calculations (density of states, band structure, valence electron densities and electron localization function).     

Rare Earth-Rich Indides RE 5Pt2In4 ( RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu)

The isotypic indides RE ₅Pt₂In₄ (RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. They were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction. Small single crystals of Gd₅Pt₂In₄ were grown via slow cooling and the structure was refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 1819.2(9), b = 803.2(3), c = 367.6(2) pm, wR ² = 0.089, 893 F ² values and 36 parameters. The structure is an intergrowth variant of distorted trigonal and square prismatic slabs of compositions GdPt and GdIn. Together the platinum and indium atoms build up one-dimensional [Pt₂In₄] networks (292–333 pm Pt–In and 328–368 pm In–In) in an AA stacking sequence along the c axis. The gadolinium atoms fill distorted square and pentagonal prismatic cages between these networks with strong bonding to the platinum atoms.     

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.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von Bromid—Thiosilicaten Ln3Br[SiS4]2 der Lanthanide (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd)

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Lanthanide Bromide Thiosilicates Ln₃Br[SiS₄]₂ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) Single crystals of the bromide—thiosilicates Ln₃Br[SiS₄]₂ were prepared by reaction of lanthanide metal (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd), sulfur, silicon and bromine in quartz glass tubes. The thiosilicates crystallize in the monoclinic spacegroup C2/c (Z = 4) isotypically to the iodide analogues Ln₃I(SiS₄)₂ and the A—type chloride—oxosilicates Ln₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ with the following lattice constants: La₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1583.3(4) pm, b = 783.0(1) pm, c = 1098.2(3) pm, β = 97.33(3)° Ce₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1570.4(3) pm, b = 776.5(2) pm, c = 1092.2(2) pm, β = 97.28(2)° Pr₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1562.6(3) pm, b = 770.1(2) pm, c = 1088.9(2) pm, β = 97.50(2)° Nd₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1561.4(4) pm, b = 766.0(1) pm, c = 1085.3(2) pm, β = 97.66(3)° Sm₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1555.4(3) pm, b = 758.5(2) pm, c = 1079.9(2) pm, β = 98.28(2)° Gd₃Br[SiS₄]₂: a = 1556.5(3) pm, b = 750.8(1) pm, c = 1074.5(2) pm, β = 99.26(2)° In the crystal structures the bromide ions form chains along [001] with trigonal planar coordination by lanthanide cations, while the [SiS₄]^4‐—building units display isolated distorted tetrahedra.     

Quaternary Germanides RE3TRh4Ge4 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd; T = Nb,Ta) – A New Coloring Variant of the Aristotype AlB2

The quaternary germanides RE₃TRh₄Ge₄ (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd; T = Nb, Ta) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent annealing in a muffle furnace. The structure of Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, Pbam, a = 719.9(2), b = 1495.0(3), c = 431.61(8), wR₂ = 0.0678, 1004 F² values, and 40 variables. Isotypy of the remaining phases was evident from X‐ray powder patterns. Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ is a new superstructure variant of the aristotype AlB₂ with an ordering of cerium and tantalum on the aluminum site, whereas the honey‐comb network is built up by a 1:1 ordering of rhodium and germanium. This crystal‐chemical relationship is discussed based on a group‐subgroup scheme. The distinctly different size of tantalum and cerium leads to a pronounced puckering of the [Rh₄Ge₄] network, which shows the shortest interatomic distances (253–271 pm Rh–Ge) within the Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ structure. Another remarkable structural feature concerns the tantalum coordination with six shorter Ta–Rh bonds (265–266 pm) and six longer Ta–Ge bonds (294–295 pm). The [Rh₄Ge₄] network fully separates the tantalum and cerium atoms (Ce–Ce > 387 pm, Ta–Ta > 431 pm, and Ce–Ta > 359 pm). The electronic density of states DOS from DFT calculations show metallic behavior with large contributions of localized Ce 4f as well as itinerant ones from all constituents at the Fermi level but no significant magnetic polarization on Ce could be identified. The bonding characteristics described based on overlap populations illustrate further the crystal chemistry observations of the different coordination of Ce1 and Ce2 in Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄. The Rh–Ge interactions within the network are highlighted as dominant. The bonding magnitudes follow the interatomic distances and identify differences of Ta bonding vs. Ce1/Ce2 bonding with the Rh and Ge substructures.     

New Indium‐Rich Compounds EuRhIn2 and EuRh2In8

EuRhIn₂ and EuRh₂In₈ were obtained by reacting the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace in a water‐cooled quartz glass sample chamber. Both indides were investigated by X‐ray powder and single crystal techniques: Cmcm, oC16, a = 432.2(1), b = 1058.8(1), c = 805.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0393, 471 F ² values, 16 variables for EuRhIn₂ and Pbam, oP44, a = 1611.8(2), b = 1381.7(2), c = 436.44(6) pm, wR2 = 0.0515, 1592 F ² values, 70 variables for EuRh₂In₈. EuRhIn₂ adopts the MgCuAl₂ type structure and may be considered as a rhodium filled variant of the binary Zintl phase EuIn₂. The indium substructure is homeotypic to the lonsdaleite type. Within the three‐dimensional [RhIn₂] polyanion the strongest bonding interactions occur for the Rh–In contacts followed by In–In. EuRh₂In₈ is the first indide with CaCo₂Al₈ type structure. The rhodium atoms have a trigonal prismatic indium coordination and the indium atoms form distorted indium centered InIn₈ cubes and InIn₁₀ pentagonal prisms with In–In distances ranging from 288 to 348 pm. Again, the rhodium and indium atoms together build a complex three‐dimensional [Rh₂In₈] polyanion in which the europium atoms are located within distorted pentagonal channels. Chemical bonding in EuRhIn₂ and EuRh₂In₈ is briefly discussed.     

Action of Alkaline Earth Metals on Lanthanum Triiodide: Unusually Short La‐La Distances in SrLaI4 and BaLaI4

Black single crystals with metallic lustre of SrLaI₄ and BaLaI₄ were obtained by reduction of lanthanum triiodide, LaI₃, with strontium and barium, respectively, in sealed tantalum containers at 800 °C or above. The crystal structure was determined from X‐ray diffraction intensities; SrLaI₄ and BaLaI₄ are isotypic and crystallize with the monoclinic crystal system (space group I2/a, Z = 4, for SrLaI₄: a = 742.3(1), b = 1485.2(3), c = 862.3(1) pm, β = 101.07(2)°). The lanthanum atoms are in an eightfold square antiprismatic coordination with La‐I distances of 329—339 pm in SrLaI₄. The [LaI₈] polyhedra are connected via common faces to chains according to [LaI_8/2] running along [100]. This obviously makes exceptionally short La‐La distances of 371 pm possible.     

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

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

Semiconducting La2AuP3, the Metallic Conductor Ce2AuP3, and other Rare‐Earth Gold Phosphides Ln2AuP3 with Two Closely Related Crystal Structures

The compounds Ln₂AuP₃ were synthesized by reaction of the elemental components in evacuated silica tubes. Their crystal structures were determined from single‐crystal diffractometer data. The compounds with Ln = La, Ce, and Pr crystallize with an orthorhombic U₂NiC₃ type structure (Pnma, Z = 4). The structure refinement for Ce₂AuP₃ resulted in a = 774.14(6) pm, b = 421.11(4) pm, c = 1612.3(1) pm, R = 0.019 for 1410 structure factors and 38 variable parameters. For Pr₂AuP₃ a residual of R = 0.024 was obtained. Nd₂AuP₃ crystallizes with a monoclinic distortion of this structure: P2₁/c, Z = 4, a = 416.14(4) pm, b = 768.87(6) pm, c = 1647.1(2) pm, β = 104.06(1)°, R = 0.022 for 1361 F values and 56 variables. The near‐neighbor coordinations of the two structures are nearly the same. In both structures the gold and phosphorus atoms form two‐dimensionally infinite nets, where the gold atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated by phosphorus atoms with Au–P distances varying between 245.8 and 284.2 pm. Two thirds of the phosphorus atoms form pairs with single‐bond distances varying between 217.7 and 218.9 pm. Thus, using oxidation numbers the structures can be rationalized with the formulas (Ln⁺³)₂[AuP₃]^–6 and (Ln⁺³)₂Au⁺¹(P₂)^–4P^–3. Accordingly, La₂AuP₃ is a diamagnetic semiconductor. Pr₂AuP₃ is semiconducting with an antiferromagnetic ground state, showing metamagnetism with a critical field of B_c = 0.5(± 0.1) T. In contrast, the cerium compound is a metallic conductor, even though its cell volume indicates that the cerium atoms are essentially trivalent, as is also suggested by the ferro‐ or ferrimagnetic behavior of the compound.     

Phosphaniminato‐Komplexe des Hafniums. Die Kristallstrukturen von [Hf(NPPh3)4] · 3 THF und [Hf(NPPh3)2Cl2(HNPPh3)2]

Phosphoraneiminato Complexes of Hafnium. Crystal Structures of [Hf(NPPh₃)₄] · 3 THF and [Hf(NPPh₃)₂Cl₂(HNPPh₃)₂] The phosphoraneiminato complexes [Hf(NPPh₃)₄] · 3 THF ( 1 · 3 THF) and [Hf(NPPh₃)₂Cl₂(HNPPh₃)₂] ( 2 ) have been prepared as colourless, moisture sensitive single crystals by reactions of hafnium tetrachloride with [CsNPPh₃]₄ · 2 toluene in tetrahydrofurane solutions by application of different ratios of the educts. Both complexes are characterized by IR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystal structure determinations. 1 · 3 THF: space group P 1, Z = 4, lattice dimensions at 193 K: a = 2007.6(1); b = 2064.2(1); c = 2115.9(1) pm; α = 109.193(4)°; β = 111.285(4)°; γ = 96.879(4)°; R₁ = 0.0506. 1 forms monomeric molecules with tetrahedral coordination of the nitrogen‐atoms of the (NPPh₃^–)‐groups towards the Hafnium atom. The HfN distances of 200.9 pm in average correspond with double bonds. 2 : space group P 1, Z = 4, lattice dimensions at 193 K: a = 1444.0(1); b = 1928.1(1); c = 2455.8(2) pm; α = 67.273(8)°; β = 87.445(8)°; γ = 87.082(8)°; R₁ = 0.0312. 2 has a monomeric molecular structure with octahedral coordination of the hafnium atom. The chlorine atoms are in trans position to one another, whereas the nitrogen atoms of the phosphoraneiminato groups (NPPh₃^–) are in trans position towards the nitrogen atoms ot the phosphorane imine molecules (HNPPh₃). The HfN bond lengths of the (NPPh₃^–) groups of 199.7 pm in average correspond with double bonds, whereas the HfN distances of the HNPPh₃ molecules with bond lengths of 230.2 pm in average are of donor‐acceptor type.     

Ce2[SeO3]3 and Pr2[SeO3]3: Non‐Isostructural Oxoselenates(IV) of the Light Lanthanoids

The crystal structures of Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ and Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ have been refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data. The compounds were obtained using stoichiometric mixtures of CeO₂, SeO₂, Ce, and CeCl₃ (molar ratio 3:3:1:1) or Pr₆O₁₁, SeO₂, Pr, and PrCl₃ (molar ratio 3:27:1:2) heated in evacuated sealed silica tubes at 830 °C for one week. Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ crystallizes orthorhombically (space group: Pnma), with four formula units per unit cell of the dimensions a = 839.23(5) pm, b = 1421.12(9) pm, and c = 704.58(4) pm. Its structure contains only a single crystallographically unique Ce³⁺ cation in tenfold coordination with oxygen atoms arranged as single‐face bicapped square antiprism and two different trigonal pyramidal [SeO₃]^2? groups. The connectivity among the [CeO₁₀] polyhedra results in infinite sheets of face‐ and edge‐sharing units propagating normal to [001]. Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ is monoclinic (space group: P2₁/n) with twelve formula units per unit cell of the dimensions a = 1683.76(9) pm, b = 705.38(4) pm, c = 2167.19(12) pm, and β = 102.063(7)°. Its structure exhibits six crystallographically distinct Pr³⁺ cations in nine‐ and tenfold coordination with oxygen atoms forming distorted capped square antiprisms or prisms (CN = 9), bicapped square antiprisms and tetracapped trigonal prisms (CN = 10), respectively. The [PrO₉] and [PrO₁₀] polyhedra form double layers parallel to (111) by edge‐ or face‐sharing, which are linked by nine different [SeO₃]^2? groups to build up a three‐dimensional framework. In both compounds, the discrete [SeO₃]^2? anions (d(Se⁴⁺–O^2?) = 166–174 pm) show the typical Ψ¹‐tetrahedral shape owing to the non‐bonding “lone‐pair” electrons at the central selenium(IV) particles. Moreover, their stereochemical “lone‐pair” activity seems to flock together in large empty channels running along [010] in the orthorhombic Ce₂[SeO₃]₃ and along [101] in the monoclinic Pr₂[SeO₃]₃ structure, respectively.     

Einkristalle von La[AsO4] im Monazit‐ und Sm[AsO4] im Xenotim‐Typ

Single Crystals of La[AsO₄] with Monazite‐ and Sm[AsO₄] with Xenotime‐Type Structure Brick‐shaped, transparent single crystals of colourless monazite‐type La[AsO₄] (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 676.15(4), b = 721.03(4), c = 700.56(4) pm, β =104.507(4)°, Z = 4) and pale yellow xenotime‐type Sm[AsO₄] (tetragonal, I4₁/amd, a = 718.57(4), c = 639.06(4) pm, Z = 4) emerge as by‐products from alkali and rare‐earth metal chloride fluxes whenever the synthesis of lanthanide(III) oxoarsenate(III) derivatives from admixtures of the corresponding sesquioxides in sealed, evacuated silica ampoules is accompanied by air intrusion and subsequent oxidation. Nine oxygen atoms from seven discrete [AsO₄]^3? tetrahedra recruit the rather irregular coordination sphere of La³⁺ (d(La³⁺?O^2?) = 248 – 266 pm plus 291 pm) and even a tenth ligand could be considered at a distance of 332 pm. The trigonal dodecahedral figure of coordination consisting of eight oxygen atoms at distances of 236 and 248 pm (4× each) about Sm³⁺ is provided by only six isolated tetrahedral [AsO₄]^3? units. Alternating trans‐edge condensation of the latter with the [LaO₉₊₁] polyhedra of monazite‐type La[AsO₄] and the [SmO₈] polyhedra of xenotime‐type Sm[AsO₄] constitutes the main structural chain features along [100] or [001], respectively. The bond distances and angles of the complex [AsO₄]^3? anions range within common intervals (d(As⁵⁺?O^2?) = 167 – 169 pm, ?(O–As–O) = 100 – 116°) for both lanthanide(III) oxoarsenates(V) presented here.     

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.     

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.     

Benzene Trisulfonic Acid (H3BTS) as Analogue of Trimesic Acid for Building Open Frameworks: The First Rare Earth Examples [La(BTS)(H2O)5] and [RE(BTS)(H2O)4] (RE = Nd,Sm, Eu)

The reaction of benzene 1,3,5‐trisulfonic acid (H₃BTS) with the hydroxides RE(OH)₃ (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu) in aqueous solution afforded the sulfonates [La(BTS)(H₂O)₅] and [RE(BTS)(H₂O)₄] (RE = Nd, Sm, Eu). Single crystal investigations were performed for the lanthanum and the europium compound, respectively. [La(BTS)(H₂O)₅] is triclinic [P$\bar{1}$ , Z = 2, a = 783.18(6) pm, b = 1056.94(8) pm, c = 1082.38(8) pm, α = 114.860(2)°, β = 96.655(3)°, γ = 104.402(3)°] whereas [Eu(BTS)(H₂O)₄] exhibits monoclinic symmetry [P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 767.61(5) pm, b = 1730.2(1) pm, c = 1134.06(8) pm, β = 108.375(8)°]. Despite these crystallographic differences, the structural features of the lanthanum and europium compounds are very similar. They show the metal ions connected by BTS anions to layers that are further linked by hydrogen bonds. Interestingly, only two of the three sulfonate groups are connected to rare earth ions, whereas the third remains uncoordinated and acts as acceptor within the hydrogen bonds. According to powder XRD measurements the neodymium and samarium sulfonates are isotypic with the europium compound. The thermal analyses of the compounds show the dehydration in a temperature range between 100 and 300 °C, whereas the decomposition of the organic ligands takes place at temperatures as high as 550 °C. Thus the anhydrous sulfonates are much more stable than comparable salts of trimesic acid. The residues of the thermal decompositions were identified by XRD experiments.