Pr4S3[Si2O7] und Pr3Cl3[Si2O7]: Durch weiche Fremdanionen modifizierte Derivate von Praseodymdisilicat

Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇]: Derivatives of Praseodymium Disilicate Modified by Soft Foreign Anions For synthesizing both the disilicate derivatives Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] and Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇], Pr, Pr₆O₁₁ and SiO₂ are brought to reaction with S and PrCl₃, respectively, in suitable molar ratios (850 °C, 7 d) in evacuated silica tubes. By using NaCl as a flux, Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] crystallizes as pale green, transparent single crystals (tetragonal, I4₁/amd, a = 1201.6(1), c = 1412.0(2) pm, Z = 8) with the appearance of slightly compressed octahedra. On the other hand, Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇] emerges as pale green, transparent platelets and crystallizes monoclinically (space group: P2₁, a = 530.96(6), b = 1200.2(1), c = 783.11(8) pm, β = 109.07(1)°, Z = 2). In both crystal structures ecliptically conformed [Si₂O₇]^6– units of two corner‐linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra with Si–O–Si bridging angles of 131° in the sulfide and 148° in the chloride disilicate are present. In Pr₄S₃[Si₂O₇] both crystallographically independent Pr³⁺ cations show coordination numbers of 8 + 1 (5 S^2– and 3 + 1 O^2–) and 9 (3 S^2– and 6 O^2–). For Pr1, Pr2 and Pr3 in Pr₃Cl₃[Si₂O₇] coordination numbers of 10 (5 Cl^– and 5 O^2–) and 9 (2 ×; 4 Cl^– and 5 O^2– or 3 Cl^– and 6 O^2–, respectively) occur.     

Sm3Cl[SiO4]2: Ein chlorarmes Chloridorthosilicat des Samariums

Sm₃Cl[SiO₄]₂: A Chlorine‐poor Chloride Orthosilicate of Samarium Pale yellow, plate‐like single crystals of Sm₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ (orthorhombic, Pnma; a = 701.74(8), b = 1800.8(2), c = 626.63(7) pm; Z = 4) are obtained upon the reaction of SmCl₃, Sm₂O₃ and SiO₂ (”︁Kieselgel”︁”︁) in 1 : 4 : 6 molar ratios, most advantageously in the presence of substantial amounts of NaCl as fluxing agent, after seven days at 850 °C in evacuated silica ampoules. The B‐type crystal structure (isotypic with e. g. Yb₃Cl[SiO₄]₂) contains discrete orthosilicate tetrahedra [SiO₄]^4– which form anionic double layers ({(Sm1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2–) with (Sm1)³⁺. These are alternatingly sheethed along [010] with cationic monolayers ({(Sm2)Cl}²⁺) consisting of (Sm2)³⁺ and Cl^–. Both crystallographically independent Sm³⁺ cations exhibit coordination numbers of eight (Sm1: 1 Cl + 7 O; Sm2: 2 Cl + 6 O) with respect to the involved electronegative particles.     

NaPr9S2[SiO4]6: Ein Sulfidsilicat des Praseodyms mit Bromapatitstruktur

NaPr₉S₂[SiO₄]₆: A Sulfide Silicate of Praseodymium with the Structure of Bromapatite NaPr₉S₂[SiO₄]₆ is obtained as pale green single crystals of hexagonal columnar shape from reactions of Pr, Pr₆O₁₁, S, SiO₂ and NaCl (850°C, 7 d) in fused evacuated silica tubes. The crystal structure (hexagonal, P6₃/m, Z = 1, a = 981.05(4), c = 689.68(2) pm) corresponds with a modified bromapatite structure where orthosilicate ([SiO₄]^4?) and sulfide (S^2?) anions provide coordination numbers of eight and nine to the two crystallographically different cations. These occupy the positions 4 f (Na⁺ together with Pr³⁺ in a molar ratio of 1:3) and 6h (Pr³⁺ only) to realize an average Ca₅Br[PO₄]₃-type structure.     

Zwei Chloridsilicate des Yttriums: Y3Cl[SiO4]2 und Y6Cl10[Si4O12]

Two Chloride Silicates of Yttrium: Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ and Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] The chloride‐poor yttrium(III) chloride silicate Y₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ crystallizes orthorhombically (a = 685.84(4), b = 1775.23(14), c = 618.65(4) pm; Z = 4) in space group Pnma. Single crystals are obtained by the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in the stoichiometric ratio 4 : 1 : 6 with ten times the molar amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 1000 °C) as colorless, strongly light‐reflecting platelets, insensitive to air and water. The crystal structure contains isolated orthosilicate units [SiO₄]^4– and comprises cationic layers {(Y2)Cl}²⁺ which are alternatingly piled parallel (010) with anionic double layers {(Y1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2–. Both crystallographic different Y³⁺ cations exhibit coordination numbers of eight. Y1 is surrounded by one Cl^– and 7 O^2– anions as a distorted trigonal dodecahedron, whereas the coordination polyhedra around Y2 show the shape of bicapped trigonal prisms consisting of 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The chloride‐rich chloride silicate Y₆Cl₁₀[Si₄O₁₂] crystallizes monoclinically (a = 1061,46(8), b = 1030,91(6), c = 1156,15(9) pm, β = 103,279(8)°; Z = 2) in space group C2/m. By the reaction of Y₂O₃, YCl₃ and SiO₂ in 2 : 5 : 6‐molar ratio with the double amount of YCl₃ as flux in evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 850 °C), colorless, air‐ and water‐resistant, brittle single crystals emerge as pseudo‐octagonal columns. Here also a layered structure parallel (001) with distinguished cationic double‐layers {(Y2)₅Cl₉}⁶⁺ and anionic layers {(Y1)Cl[Si₄O₁₂]}^6– is present. The latter ones contain discrete cyclo‐tetrasilicate units [Si₄O₁₂]^8– of four cyclically corner‐linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra in all‐ecliptical arrangement. The coordination sphere around (Y1)³⁺ (CN = 8) has the shape of a slightly distorted hexagonal bipyramid comprising 2 Cl^– and 6 O^2– anions. The 5 Cl^– and 2 O^2– anions building the coordination polyhedra around (Y2)³⁺ (CN = 7) form a strongly distorted pentagonal bipyramid.     

Er4F2[Si2O7][SiO4]: Das erste Selten‐Erd‐Fluoridsilicat mit zwei verschiedenen Silicat‐Anionen

Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄]: The First Rare‐Earth Fluoride Silicate with Two Different Silicate Anions By the reaction of Er₂O₃ with ErF₃ and SiO₂ at 700 °C in sealed tantalum capsules using CsCl as flux (molar ratio 5 : 2 : 3 : 20), the compound Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄] (triclinic, P 1; a = 648.51(5), b = 660.34(5), c = 1324.43(9) pm, α = 87.449(8), β = 85.793(8), γ = 60.816(7)°; V_m = 148.69(1) cm³/mol, Z = 2) is obtained as pale pink platelets or lath‐shaped single crystals. It consists of disilicate anions [Si₂O₇]^6– in eclipsed conformation, ortho‐silicate anions [SiO₄]^4– and isolated [Er₄F₂]¹⁰⁺ units comprising two edge‐shared [Er₃F] triangles. Er³⁺ is surrounded by 7 + 1 (Er1) or 7 (Er2–Er4) anionic neighbors, respectively, of which two are F^– in the case of Er1 and Er4 but only one for Er2 and Er3. The other ligands recruit from oxygen atoms of the different oxosilicate groups. The crystal structure can be described as simple rowing up of the three building groups ([SiO₄]^4–, [Er₄F₂]¹⁰⁺, and [Si₂O₇]^6–) along [001]. The necessity of a large excess of fluoride for a successful synthesis of Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄] will be discussed.     

Ein neues Samariumnitridsulfid: Sm4N2S3

A New Samarium Nitride Sulfide: Sm₄N₂S₃ The oxidation of samarium with sulfur in the presence of SmCl₃ and NaN₃ as nitrogen source (molar ratio: 12:9:4:2, evacuated silica vessel, some NaCl as flux, 850°C, 7 d) yields Sm₄N₂S₃ as lath-shaped, dark red single crystals. The by-products (NaCl and NaSm₂Cl₆) are rinsed with water from the crude product. The crystal structure of Sm₄N₂S₃ (monoclinic, C2/m (no. 12), Z = 2, a = 1 318.04(12), b = 391.57(2), c = 1 031.76(9) pm, β = 130.874(6)°, R = 0.036, R_w = 0.031) contains two crystallographically different Sm³⁺, both in sixfold coordination of the anions. Besides distorted octahedra [(Sm1)N₃S₃] and [(Sm2)NS₅], tetrahedra [(N^3?)(Sm)] connected via two cis-oriented edges to form chains [N(Sm1)_3/3(Sm2)_1/1]³⁺ build up the Mayn structural feature. These are arranged in the fashion of a closest packing of rods and held together by two crystallographically different S^2? anions which take care for charge neutrality and three-dimensional interconnection.     

Sm2As4O9: Ein ungewöhnliches Samarium(III)‐Oxoarsenat(III) gemäß Sm4[As2O5]2[As4O8]

Sm₂As₄O₉: An Unusual Samarium(III) Oxoarsenate(III) According to Sm₄[As₂O₅]₂[As₄O₈] Pale yellow single crystals of the new samarium(III) oxoarsenate(III) with the composition Sm₄As₈O₁₈ were obtained by a typical solid‐state reaction between Sm₂O₃ and As₂O₃ using CsCl and SmCl₃ as fluxing agents. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with the space group (No. 2, Z = 2; a = 681.12(5), b = 757.59(6), c = 953.97(8) pm, α = 96.623(7), β = 103.751(7), γ = 104.400(7)°). The crystal structure of samarium(III) oxoarsenate(III) with the formula type Sm₄[As₂O₅]₂[As₄O₈] (≡ 2 × Sm₂As₄O₉) contains two crystallographically different Sm³⁺ cations, where (Sm1)³⁺ is coordinated by eight, but (Sm2)³⁺ by nine oxygen atoms. Two different discrete oxoarsenate(III) anions are present in the crystal structure, namely [As₂O₅]^4? and [As₄O₈]^4?. The [As₂O₅]^4? anion is built up of two Ψ¹‐tetrahedra [AsO₃]^3? with a common corner, whereas the [As₄O₈]^4? anion consists of four Ψ¹‐tetrahedra with ring‐shaped vertex‐connected [AsO₃]^3? pyramids. Thus at all four crystallographically different As³⁺ cations stereochemically active non‐binding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) are observed. These “lone pairs” direct towards the center of empty channels running parallel to [010] in the overall structure, where these “empty channels” being formed by the linkage of layers with the ecliptically conformed [As₂O₅]^4? anions and the stair‐like shaped [As₄O₈]^4? rings via common oxygen atoms (O1 – O6, O8 and O9). The oxygen‐atom type O7, however, belongs only to the cyclo‐[As₄O₈]^4? unit as one of the two different corner‐sharing oxygen atoms.     

La2Si2O7 im I—Typ: Gemäß La6[Si4O13][SiO4]2 kein echtes Lanthandisilicat

I‐Type La₂Si₂O₇: According to La₆[Si₄O₁₃][SiO₄]₂ not a Real Lanthanum Disilicate In attempts to synthesize lanthanum telluride silicate La₂Te[SiO₄] (from La, TeO₂, SiO₂ and CsCl, molar ratio: 1 : 1: 1 : 20, 950 °C, 7 d) or fluoride‐rich lanthanum fluoride silicates (from LaF₃, La₂O₃, SiO₂ and CsCl, molar ratio: 5 : 2 : 3 : 17, 700 °C, 7 d) in evacuated silica tubes, colourless lath‐shaped single crystals of hitherto unknown I‐type La₂Si₂O₇ (monoclinic, P2₁/c; a = 726.14(5), b = 2353.2(2), c = 1013.11(8) pm, β = 90.159(7)°) were found in the CsCl‐flux melts. Nevertheless, this new modification of lanthanum disilicate does not contain any discrete disilicate groups [Si₂O₇]^6‐ but formally three of them are dismutated into one catena‐tetrasilicate ([Si₄O₁₃]^10‐ unit of four vertex‐linked [SiO₄]^4‐ tetrahedra) and two ortho‐silicate anions (isolated [SiO₄]^4‐ tetrahedra) according to La₆[Si₄O₁₃][SiO₄]₂. This compound can be described as built up of alternating layers of these [SiO₄]^4‐ and the horseshoe‐shaped [Si₄O₁₃]^10‐ anions along [010]. Between and within the layers the high‐coordinated La ³⁺ cations (CN = 9 ‐ 11) are localized. The close structural relationship to the borosilicates M₃[BSiO₆][SiO₄](M = Ce ‐ Eu) is discussed and structural comparisons with other catena‐tetrasilicates are presented.     

From Infinite Chains according to 1∞[Zr(S2O7)4/2] in Zr(S2O7)2 to the unprecedented [Zr(S2O7)4]4– Anion in Ag4[Zr(S2O7)4]

The reaction of ZrCl₄ with oleum (65 % SO₃) in the presence of Ag₂SO₄ at 250 °C yielded colorless single crystals of Zr(S₂O₇)₂ [orthorhombic, Pccn, Z = 4, a = 709.08(6) pm, b = 1442.2(2) pm, c = 942.23(9) pm, V = 963.5(2) × 10⁶ pm³]. Zr(S₂O₇)₂ shows Zr⁴⁺ ions in an eightfold distorted square antiprismatic coordination of oxygen atoms belonging to four chelating disulfate units. Each S₂O₇^2– ion is connected to a further Zr⁴⁺ ion leading to chains according to ¹_∞[Zr(S₂O₇)_4/2]. The same reaction at a temperature of 150 °C resulted in the formation of Ag₄[Zr(S₂O₇)₄] [monoclinic, C2/c, Z = 4, a = 1829.35(9) pm, b = 704.37(3) pm, c = 1999.1(1) pm, β = 117.844(2)°, V = 2277.6(2) × 10⁶ pm³]. Ag₄[Zr(S₂O₇)₄] exhibits the unprecedented [Zr(S₂O₇)₄]^4– anion, in which the central Zr⁴⁺ cation is coordinated by four chelating disulfate units. Thus, in Ag₄[Zr(S₂O₇)₄] the ¹_∞[[Zr(S₂O₇)_4/2] chains observed in Zr(S₂O₇)₂ are formally cut into pieces by the implementation of Ag⁺ ions.     

The Unique Crystal Structure of the Triclinic Samarium(III) Oxoselenate(IV) Sm2[SeO3]3

Pale yellow, needle‐shaped single crystals of Sm₂[SeO₃]₃ were obtained by heating stoichiometric mixtures of Sm₂O₃ and SeO₂ (molar ratio: 1:3) along with substantial amounts of CsCl as fluxing agent in evacuated sealed silica tubes at 830 °C for one week. According to X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data, Sm₂[SeO₃]₃ crystallizes triclinic (space group: ) with two formula units per unit cell of the dimensions a = 698.62(7), b = 789.71(8), c = 910.34(9) pm, α = 96.693(5), β = 104.639(5), γ = 115.867(5)°. Its crystal structure contains two crystallographically distinct Sm³⁺ cations in eight‐ and ninefold coordination with oxygen atoms arranged as distorted uncapped or capped square antiprisms (d(Sm³⁺?O^2?) = 232?271 pm). These [(Sm1)O₈] and [(Sm2)O₉] polyhedra share opposite edges and faces to form zigzag chains along [100] with discrete pyramidal [SeO₃]^2? anions bridging units. Further linkage by [SeO₃]^2? anions in [010] direction leads to a three‐dimensional network, which exhibits almost rectangular channels along [111]. These tunnels offer width enough to incorporate the free non‐bonding electron pairs (?lone pairs”?) at the Se⁴⁺ cations, since all nine different Ψ¹‐tetrahedral [SeO₃]^2? groups (d(Se⁴⁺?O^2?) = 165?173 pm, ?(O–Se–O) = 94 – 108°) exhibit a pronounced stereochemical ?lone‐pair”? activity. For not being isotypic with neither triclinic Er₂[SeO₃]₃ (CN(Er³⁺) = 7 and 8) nor the remainder rare‐earth metal(III) oxoselenates(IV) of the composition M₂[SeO₃]₃ (≡ M₂Se₃O₉; M = Sc, Y, La, Ce – Lu), Sm₂[SeO₃]₃ claims a unique crystal structure among them.     

Über den H‐ und A‐Typ von La2[Si2O7]

On the H‐ and A‐Type Structure of La₂[Si₂O₇] By thermal decomposition of La₃F₃[Si₃O₉] at 700 °C in a CsCl flux single crystals of a new form of La₂[Si₂O₇] have been found which is called H type (triclinic, P1; a = 681.13(4), b = 686.64(4), c = 1250.23(8) pm, α = 82.529(7), β = 88.027(6), γ = 88.959(6)°; V_m = 87.223(9) cm³/mol, D_x = 5.113(8) g/cm³, Z = 4) continuing Felsche's nomenclature. It crystallizes isotypically to the triclinic K₂[Cr₂O₇] in a structure closely related to that of A–La₂[Si₂O₇] (tetragonal, P4₁; a = 683.83(7), c = 2473.6(4) pm; V_m = 87.072(9) cm³/mol, D_x = 5.122(8) g/cm³, Z = 8). For comparison, the latter has been refined from single crystal data, too. Both the structures can be described as sequence of layers of each of two crystallographically different [Si₂O₇]^6– anions always built up of two corner‐linked [SiO4] tetrahedra in eclipsed conformation with non‐linear Si–O–Si bridges (∢(Si–O–Si) = 128–132°) piled up in [001] direction and aligned almost parallel to the c axis. They differ only in layer sequence: Whereas the double tetrahedra of the disilicate units are tilted alternating to the left and in view direction ([010]; stacking sequence: AB) in H–La₂[Si₂O₇], after layer B there follow due to the 4₁ screw axis layers with anions tilted to the right and tilted against view direction ([010]; stacking sequence: ABA′B′) in A–La₂[Si₂O₇]. The extremely irregular coordination polyhedra around each of the four crystallographically independent La³⁺ cations in both forms (H and A type) consist of eight to ten oxygen atoms in spacing intervals of 239 to 330 pm. The possibility of more or less ordered intermediate forms will be discussed.     

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.     

Zur Dimorphie von Nd3Cl[SiO4]2

On the Dimorphism of Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ On reacting NdCl₃, Nd₂O₃, and SiO₂ (molar ratio: 1 : 4 : 6) at 850 °C in evacuated silica tubes, pale violet, hydrolysis resistant neodymium(III) chloride ortho‐silicate Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ can be obtained within seven days. If equimolar amounts of NaCl are added as flux, rod‐ or platelet‐shaped, transparent single crystals of two modifications accumulate simultaneously. The one with the higher density (A‐Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂) crystallizes monoclinically (C2/c, no. 15; a = 1416.6(1), b = 638.79(6), c = 872.21(9) pm, β = 98.403(7)°; V_m = 117.55 cm³/mol, Z = 4), whereas the one with the lower density (B‐Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂) exhibits orthorhombic symmetry (Pnma, no. 62; a = 709.36(7), b = 1815.7(2), c = 631.48(6) pm; V_m = 122.45 cm³/mol, Z = 4). Two crystallographically independent Nd³⁺ cations exist in each of both crystal structures, which in the A type are surrounded by nine (1 Cl^– + 8 O^2–) and ten (2 Cl^– + 8 O^2–), whilst those in the B type by only two times eight (1 Cl^– + 7 O^2– and 2 Cl^– + 6 O^2–) anions, respectively. Thereby all oxygen atoms of both forms represent members of discrete ortho‐silicate tetrahedra ([SiO₄]^4–). Although both crystal structures are built of alternating anionic double layers {(Nd1)₂[SiO₄]₂}^2– and cationic single layers {(Nd2)Cl}²⁺, there is a higher cross‐linkage of the building units in the A‐type lattice, where the cations are coordinated by three and four tetrahedra edges of ortho‐silicate anions, compared to only two times two of them in the B type. From this an about 4% higher density of Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ results for the A‐type structure (D_x = 5.55 g/cm³) in comparison with B‐type Nd₃Cl[SiO₄]₂ (D_x = 5.33 g/cm³).     

La3F3[Si3O9]: Das erste Fluoridsilicat aus dem ternären System LaF3/La2O3/SiO2

La₃F₃[Si₃O₉]: The First Fluoride Silicate in the Ternary System LaF₃/La₂O₃/SiO₂ By reacting La₂O₃ with LaF₃ and SiO₂ (silica gel) using CsCl as a flux (molar ratio 1 : 1 : 3 : 6; 700 °C, 21 d) it was possible to obtain single crystals of La₃F₃[Si₃O₉] (hexagonal, space group: P 6 2c (no. 190); a = 708.32(3), c = 1089.48(6) pm; Z = 2) as colourless, hexagonal platelets. The crystal structure comprises discrete cyclic [Si₃O₉]^6– anions of three corner-linked [SiO₄] tetrahedra along with a graphite-like network of the composition {[LaF_3/3]²⁺}. Shorter reaction times even produced single crystals of tysonite-type LaF₃ (trigonal, space group: P 3 c1 (no. 165); a = 718.80(6), c = 735.94(6) pm; Z = 6) on which a X-ray structure analysis was achieved, too. The structures of both compounds, each of which show an elevenfold anionic coordination (CN = 9 + 2) for the La³⁺ cations, are compared. The influence of the reactivity of the educts and the temperature on the reaction as well as the difficulties in the X-ray differentiation of fluorine and oxygen will be discussed.     

K2NdP2S7: A Mixed‐Valent Neodymium(III) Thiophosphate According to K4Nd2[PS4]2[P2S6] with Discrete [PS4]3– and [S3P–PS3]4– Anions

Pale blue, lath‐shaped single crystals of K₂NdP₂S₇ (≡ K₄Nd₂[PS₄]₂[P₂S₆]; monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 904.76(8), b = 677.38(6), c = 1988.7(2) pm, β = 97.295(5)°, Z = 2) are obtained by the reaction of Nd, S and P₂S₅ with an excess of KCl as a flux in evacuated silica tubes at 750 °C (7 d) which should produce Nd[PS₄] instead. Beside isolated [PS₄]^3– tetrahedra, the crystal structure contains discrete ethane‐analogous [P₂S₆]^4– (≡ [S₃P–PS₃]^4–) units in staggered conformation with tetravalent phosphorus cations and a P–P distance of 219 pm. The two crystallographically different potassium cations show coordination numbers of nine and ten in the shape of distorted mono‐ and bicapped square antiprisms. Finally, the Nd³⁺ cations are surrounded by eight sulfur atoms arranged as (uncapped) square antiprisms. The entire structure is dominated by (K1)⁺ containing {(Nd₂[PS₄]₂[P₂S₆])^4–} layers parallel (101) which are three‐dimensionally interconnected by (K2)⁺ cations.     

[TMPA]4[Si8O20] · 34 H2O and [DDBO]4[Si8O20] · 32 H2O are heteronetwork clathrates with 1,1,4,4-tetramethylpiperazinium (TMPA) and 1,4-dimethyl-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DDBO) guest cations

[TMPA]₄[Si₈O₂₀] · 34 H₂O ( 1 ) and [DDBO]₄[Si₈O₂₀] · 32 H₂O ( 2 ) have been prepared by crystallization from aqueous solutions of the respective quaternary alkylammonium hydroxide and SiO₂. The crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 : Monoclinic, a = 16.056(2), b = 22.086(6), c = 22.701(2) Å, β = 90.57(1)° (T = 210 K), space group C2/c, Z = 4. 2 : Monoclinic, a = 14.828(9), b = 20.201(7), c = 15.519(5) Å, β = 124.13(4)° (T = 255 K), space group P2₁/c, Z = 2. The polyhydrates are structurally related host-guest compounds with three-dimensional host frameworks composed of oligomeric [Si₈O₂₀]^8? anions and H₂O molecules which are linked via hydrogen bonds. The silicate anions possess a cube-shaped double four-ring structure and a characteristic local environment formed by 24 H₂O molecules and six cations (TMPA, [C₈H₂₀N₂]²⁺, or DDBO, [C₈H₁₈N₂]²⁺). The cations themselves reside as guest species in large, irregular, cage-like voids. Studies employing ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy and the trimethylsilylation method have revealed that the saturated aqueous solutions of 1 and 2 contain high proportions of double four-ring silicate anions. Such anions are also abundant species in the saturated solution of the heteronetwork clathrate [DMPI]₆[Si₈O₁₈(OH)₂] · 48.5 H₂O ( 3 ) with 1,1-dimethylpiperidinium (DMPI, [C₇H₁₆N]⁺) guest cations.     

Zwei neue Silicat-Chloride mit zweiwertigem Europium: LiEu3[SiO4]Cl3 und Li7Eu8[SiO4]4Cl7

Two New Silicate-Chlorides with Divalent Europium: LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ was prepared by reaction of LiCl with Eu₂SiO₄ and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ from Li with Eu₂O₃, SiO₂ and LiCl. The crystal structures of LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ (Pmna, a = 946.95(13); b = 699.52(8); c = 1 368.0(2) pm; Z = 4; R1 = 0.0325, R2_w = 0.0642) and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ (P2₁/c; a = 851.85(5); b = 948.62(7); c = 1 679.0(2) pm; β = 96.221(8)°; Z = 2; R1 = 0.0352, R2_w = 0.0744) were determined from four-circle diffractometer data. LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ contains [Li(SiO₄)₂] units and LiCl₆ octahedra while in Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ larger ?lithosilicate”? groups are found. In both structures, the Eu²⁺ ions are coordinated mostly eightfold by O^2? and Cl^? ligands.     

Pr5F[SiO4]2[SeO3]3: Another Complex Fluoride Oxosilicate Oxoselenate(IV)

During attempts to synthesize lanthanoid(III) fluoride oxoselenates(IV) with the simple composition MF[SeO₃], not only Pr₃F[SeO₃]₄, but also Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ appeared as pale green crystalline by‐products in the case of praseodymium. Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ crystallizes triclinically in space group P$\bar{1}$ (no. 2) with a = 701.14(5), b = 982.68(7), c = 1286.79(9) pm, α = 70.552(3), β = 76.904(3), γ = 69.417(3)° and Z = 2. The five crystallographically different Pr³⁺ cations on the general positions 2i show coordination numbers of eight and nine. [(Pr1)O₈]^13– and [(Pr2)O₈]^13– polyhedra are connected to$\bar{1}$ {[(Pr1, 2)₂O₁₂]^18–} chains along the [100] direction. [(Pr3)O₇F]^12–, [(Pr4)O₈F]^14– and [(Pr4)O₈F]^14– polyhedra generate [F(Pr3, 4, 5)₃O₁₉]^30– units about their central F^– anion in triangular Pr³⁺ coordination. These units form $\bar{1}$ {[F(Pr3, 4, 5)₃O₁₆]^24–} strands, again running parallel to [100]. Their alternating connection with the $\bar{1}$ {[(Pr1, 2)₂O₁₂]^18–} chains results in $\bar{1}$ {[Pr₅O₂₀F]^26–} sheets parallel to the (001) plane. Like in the already known related compound Er₃F[SiO₄][SeO₃]₂, a three‐dimensional network $\bar{1}$ {[Pr₅O₁₇F]^20–} is achieved without the contribution of both the tetravalent silicon and selenium components. However, two Si⁴⁺ and three Se⁴⁺ cations forming tetrahedral [SiO₄]^4– and ψ¹‐tetrahedral [SeO₃]^2– units with all O^2– anions guarantee the charge balance. The formation of Pr₅F[SiO₄]₂[SeO₃]₃ was observed when praseodymium sesquioxide (Pr₂O₃: in‐situ produced from Pr and Pr₆O₁₁ in a molar ratio of ³/₁₁:⁴/₁₁),praseodymium trifluoride (PrF₃) and selenium dioxide (SeO₂) in 1:1:3 molar ratios were reacted with CsBr as fluxing agent for five days at 750 °C in evacuated fused silica (SiO₂) ampoules.     

Neue Vertreter des Er6[Si11N20]O‐Strukturtyps Hochtemperatur‐Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen von Ln(6+x/3)[Si(11–y)AlyN(20+x–y)]O(1–x+y) mit Ln = Nd,Er, Yb,Dy und 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3

New Representatives of the Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O Structure Type. High‐Temperature Synthesis and Single‐Crystal Structure Refinement of Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) with Ln = Nd, Er, Yb, Dy and 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3 According to the general formula Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) (0 ≤ x ≤ 3, 0 ≤ y ≤ 3) four nitridosilicates, namely Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O, Yb_6.081[Si₁₁N_20.234]O_0.757, Dy_0.33Sm₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]N, and Nd₇[Si₈Al₃N₂₀]O were synthesized in a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures between 1300 and 1650 °C. The homeotypic crystal structures of all four compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The nitridosilicates are trigonal with the following lattice constants: Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O: a = 978.8(4) pm, c = 1058.8(3) pm; Yb_6.081[Si₁₁N_20.243]O_0.757: a = 974.9(1) pm, c = 1055.7(2) pm; Dy_0.33Sm₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]N: a = 989.8(1) pm, c = 1078.7(1) pm; Nd₇[Si₈Al₃N₂₀]O: a = 1004.25(9) pm, c = 1095.03(12) pm. The crystal structures were solved and refined in the space group P31c with Z = 2. The compounds contain three‐dimensional networks built up by corner sharing SiN₄ and AlN₄ tetrahedra, respectively. The Ln³⁺ and the “isolated” O^2– ions are situated in the voids of the structures. According to Ln_(6+x/3)[Si_(11–y)Al_yN_(20+x–y)]O_(1–x+y) an extension of the Er₆[Si₁₁N₂₀]O structure type has been found.     

Ce3Cl5[SiO4] und Ce3Cl6[PO4]: Ein chloridreiches Chloridsilicat und ‐phosphat des Cers im Vergleich

Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄]: A Chloride‐Rich Chloride Silicate of Cerium as Compared to the Phosphate By reacting CeCl₃ with CeO₂, cerium and SiO₂, or P₂O₅, respectively, in molar ratios of 5 : 3 : 1 : 3 or 8 : 3 : 1 : 2, respectively, in sealed evacuated silica tubes (7 d, 850 °C) colorless, rod‐shaped single crystals of Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] (orthorhombic, Pnma; a = 1619.7(2), b = 415.26(4), 1423.6(1) pm; Z = 4) and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄] (hexagonal, P6₃/m; a = 1246.36(9), c = 406.93(4) pm; Z = 2) are obtained as products insensitive to air and water. Excess cerium trichloride as flux promotes crystal growth and can be rinsed off again with water after the reaction. The crystal structures are determined by discrete [SiO₄]^4– or [PO₄]^3– tetrahedra as isolated units. Both, the chloride silicate Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and the chloride phosphate Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄], exhibit structural similarities to CeCl₃ (UCl₃ type), when four or three Cl^– anions are each substituted formally by one [SiO₄]^4– or [PO₄]^3– unit, respectively, in the tripled formula (Ce₃Cl₉). The coordination number for Ce³⁺ is thus raised from nine in CeCl₃ to ten in Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄], along with a drastic reduction of the molar volume with the transition from Ce₃Cl₉ (V_m = 186.17 cm³/mol) to Ce₃Cl₅[SiO₄] (V_m = 144.15 cm³/mol) and Ce₃Cl₆[PO₄] (V_m = 164.84 cm³/mol). The polyhedra of coordination around Ce³⁺ can be described as quadruple‐capped trigonal prisms, which in addition to seven Cl^– anions each also show another three oxygen atoms of two ortho‐silicate or ortho‐phosphate tetrahedra, respectively.