Novel Tin Structure Motives in Superconducting BaSn5 – The Role of Lone Pairs in Intermetallic Compounds [1]

BaSn₅ is the tin richest phase in the system Ba/Sn and is obtained by stoichiometric combination of the elements. The compound peritecticly decomposes under formation of BaSn₃ and a Sn–Ba melt at 430 °C. The structure shows a novel structure motive in tin chemistry. Tin atoms are arranged in graphite‐like layers (honeycombs). Two such layers form hexagonal prisms which are centered by Sn. Consequently the central tin atom has the unusual coordination number 12. The two‐dimensional tin slabs which consist of two 3⁶ and one 6³ nets of Sn atoms are separated by 6³ nets of Ba atoms with Ba above the center of each tin hexagon. The structure of BaSn₅ can be rationalized as a variante of AlB₂ and thus also of the superconducting MgB₂. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show that BaSn₅ is superconducting with T_c = 4.4 K. Reinvestigation of the magnetism of the Ba richer phase BaSn₃ reveals for this compound a T_c of 2.4 K. LMTO band structure and density of states calculations verify the metallic behavior of BaSn₅. The van Hove scenario of high‐temperature cuprate superconductors is discussed for this ‘classical' intermetallic superconductor. An analysis of the electronic structure with the help of fat‐band projections and the electron localization function (ELF) shows that the van Hove singularity in the DOS originates from non‐bonding (lone) electron pairs in the intermetallic phase BaSn₅. The role of lone pairs in intermetallic phases is discussed with respect to superconducting properties.     

Y2AlGe3 – eine supraleitende metallische Zintl-Verbindung

Y₂AlGe₃ – a Superconductive Metallic Zintl Compound Y₂AlGe₃ was prepared by heating the elements (950°C) and investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray methods. The compound crystallizes in a new structure (Pnma; a = 6.785(1) Å, b = 4.189(1) Å, c = 17.676(2) Å; Z = 4) with a three-dimensional framework of Al and Ge atoms and with Y in the cavities. The Al atoms are surrounded tetrahedrally by Ge atoms, which are arranged in the form of planar (Ge^2?)_∞ chains and isolated from each other respectively. Although Y₂AlGe₃ is a metallic conductor and no valence compound, it achieves the structural requirements of Zintl's concept. This picture is supported by electrondensity and ELF calculations, which reveals covalent Al? Ge and Ge? Ge bondings, therefore Y₂AlGe₃ is interpreted as a metallic Zintl-Compound, down-playing the metallic propertys. Y₂AlGe₃ becomes superconductively at 4.5 K. Isotypic compounds are found for Ln₂AlGe₃ with Ln = Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm (For lattice constants see “Inhaltsübersicht”).     

Cs4Au7Sn2: eine Gold–Zinn-Gerüststruktur mit [Au7]-Clustern und Sn2-Hanteln

Cs₄Au₇Sn₂: a Gold Tin Framework Structure with Au₇ Clusters and Sn₂ Dumb-Bells Silver coloured, brittle single crystals of Cs₄Au₇Sn₂ were synthesized by reaction of caesium azide with gold sponge and tin powder at T = 920 K. The structure of the compound (space group R3m, Z = 3, a = 6.844(1) Å, c = 29.233(5) Å) was determined from X-ray single-crystal diffractometry data. Gold and tin form a framework structure that consists of interconnected [Au₇] clusters and Sn₂ dumb-bells. The caesium atoms accupy channel-like cavities within the gold tin partial structure.     

Iodostannate(II) mit kettenförmigen [SnI3]–‐Anionen – der Übergang von fünffach zu sechsfach koordinierten SnII‐Zentralatomen

Iodostannates(II) with Anionic [SnI₃]^– Chains – the Transition from Five to Six‐coordinated Sn^II The iodostannates (Me₄N) [SnI₃] ( 1 ), [Et₃N–(CH₂)₄–NEt₃] [SnI₃]₂ ( 2 ), [EtMe₂N–(CH₂)₂–NEtMe₂] [SnI₃]₂ ( 3 ), [Me₂HN–(CH₂)₂–NH–(CH₂)₂–NMe₂H] [SnI₃]₂ ( 4 ), [Et₃N–(CH₂)₆–NEt₃] [SnI₃]₂ ( 5 ) and [Pr₃N–(CH₂)₄–NPr₃]‐ [SnI₃]₂ · 2 DMF ( 6 ) with the same composition of the anionic [SnI₃]^– chains show differences in the coordination of the Sn^II central atoms. Whereas the Sn atoms in 1 and 2 are coordinated in an approximately regular octahedral fashion, in compounds 3 – 6 the continuous transition to coordination number five in (Pr₄N) [SnI₃] ( 7 ) or [Fe(dmf)₆] [SnI₃]₂ ( 8 ) can be observed. Together with the shortening of two or three Sn–I bonds, the bonds in trans position are elongated. Thus weak, long‐range Sn…I interactions complete the distorted octahedral environment of SnI₄ groups in 3 and 4 and SnI₃ groups in 5 and 6 . Obviously the shape, size and charge of the counterions and the related cation‐anion interactions are responsible for the variants in structure and distortion.     

RbSb2 – Eine mit KSb2 verwandte Zintl‐Phase

RbSb₂ – A Zintl Phase related to KSb₂ The electron‐precise Zintl compound RbSb₂, which was known to melt incongruently at 418 °C, has been prepared in pure phase from elemental rubidium and antimony in sealed tantalum crucibles. In accordance with the ribbon‐shaped antimonide anions, the compound crystallizes with extremely thin intergrown, mechanically and chemically very sensitive needles of dark‐metallic lustre. The crystal structure could be determined and refined using single crystal x‐ray data (monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 1403(2), b = 414.0(4), c = 855.7(14) pm, β = 104.45(12)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0901) despite the poor quality of the crystals. It shows fused six‐membered rings of two‐ and three‐bonded Sb atoms forming ribbons running along the monoclinic b axis, which can be interpreted as sections of the elemental structure of antimony (d_Sb‐Sb = 281.9(5) and 286.0(9) pm respectively). The structure of RbSb₂ is thus closely related to that of KSb₂, which exhibits identical antimony anions. Compared to the potassium compound, the ribbons are reoriented against each so that the coordination number of the A counter ions is increased from 6 + 2 (for A = K) to 8 + 2 (for A = Rb). The results of a FP‐LAPW band structure calculation of RbSb₂ are used to explain the chemical bonding in this classical Zintl phase with a calculated indirect band gap of 0.38 eV.     

Darstellung,Eigenschaften und Kristallstruktur von RuSn6[(Al1/3–xSi3x/4)O4]2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) – einem Oxid mit isolierten RuSn6‐Oktaedern

Preparation, Properties, and Crystal Structure of RuSn₆[(Al_1/3–xSi_3x/4)O₄]₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) – an Oxide with isolated RuSn₆ Octahedra RuSn₆[(Al_1/3–xSi_3x/4)O₄]₂ is obtained by the solid state reaction of RuO₂, SnO₂, Sn, and Si in an Al₂O₃‐crucible at 1273 to 1373 K. The compound is cubic with the space group Fm 3 m (a = 9.941(1) Å, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0277, wR₂ = 0.0619), a semiconductor and stable in air. Results of Mößbauer measurements as well as bond length‐bond strength calculations justify the ionic formulation Ru²⁺Sn₆²⁺[(Al_1/3–x³⁺Si_3x/4⁴⁺)O₄^2–]₂. The central motif of the crystal structure are separated RuSn₆‐octahedrea. These are interconnected by oxygen atoms, arranged tetrahedrely above the surfaces of the RuSn₆‐octahedrea and partialy filled with Al and Si, respectively. Because of these features the compound can be considered as a variant of the crystal structure type of pentlandite.     

β-SrNH und β-SrND – Synthese und Kristallstrukturbestimmung mittels Röntgen- und Neutronenbeugung an Pulvern

β-SrNH and β-SrND – Synthesis and Crystal Structure Determination by X-Ray and Neutron Powder Diffraction By reaction of strontium with NH₃ in a flow tube at 750 °C a novel modification of strontium imide, β-SrNH, was obtained as a dark yellow powder. According to X-ray powder diffractometry und crystal structure determination by direct methods β-SrNH and β-SrND adopt a highly distorted variant of the NaCl type of structure (Pnma, a = 757.70(1), b = 392.260(4), c = 569.652(9) pm, Z = 4, wR_p = 0.098, R_p = 0.075, R_F = 0.044). Temperature dependent neutron powder diffraction of β-SrND revealed the position of the D atoms which in contrast to α-SrND are crystallographically ordered. At higher temperatures β-SrNH transforms to α-SrNH.     

Ag3Bi14Br21: ein Subbromid mit Bi24+‐Hanteln und Bi95+‐Polyedern – Synthese,Kristallstruktur und Chemische Bindung

Ag₃Bi₁₄Br₂₁: a Subbromide with Bi₂⁴⁺ Dumbbells and Bi₉⁵⁺ Polyhedra – Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding Black crystals of Ag₃Bi₁₄Br₂₁ = (Bi₉⁵⁺)[Ag₃Bi₃Br₁₅^3?](Bi₂Br₆^2?), the first argentiferous bismuth subhalide, were obtained from a stoichiometric melt of Ag, Bi, and BiBr₃. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m with lattice parameters a = 1277.78(5) pm, b = 1466.87(6) pm, c = 1342.62(5) pm, and β = 108.47(1)° at 110(5) K. In contrast to all other bismuth subhalides that contain an electron‐rich transition metal, the silver atoms are not bonded to bismuth atoms. Instead they are integrated into the anionic bromometallate network, which consists of [MBr₆]‐octahedra (M = Ag, Bi) that share edges and vertices. These corrugated sheets alternate with tessellated layers formed by Bi₉⁵⁺ polycations and hitherto unknown (Bi^II₂Br₆)^2? groups. The latter anions contain Bi₂⁴⁺ dumbbells (299 pm) and can be represented by the structured formula [Br₂Bi^II(μ–Br)₂Bi^IIBr₂]^2?. The multi‐center bonding within the Bi₉⁵⁺ cluster and the bent single‐bond in the Bi₂ dumbbell can be visualized using the electron localization indicator (ELI‐D).     

1∞[Sn3/3]‐Röhren und AuSn3‐Baugruppen: Darstellung und Struktur von Na2AuSn3

¹_∞[Sn_3/3] Tubes and AuSn₃ Building Units: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Na₂AuSn₃ Silver coloured, brittle single crystals of the metallic conducting compound Na₂AuSn₃ were synthesized by reaction of sodium azide with gold sponge and tin powder at T = 820 K. The structure of the new compound (space group P6₃/mmc, Z = 4, a = 9.585(1) Å, c = 7.516(2) Å) was determined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometry data. Na₂AuSn₃ crystallizes in a ternary variant (Lu₂CoGa₃ type) of the AlB₂ type. The tin atoms form the motif of a [Sn_3/3] tubular fragment of the hexagonal diamond structure. The [Sn_3/3] tubes are connected to a framework structure via gold atoms with a trigonal planar tin coordination. The sodium atoms are placed in channel‐like cavities of the Au–Sn partial structure.     

K6Sn23Bi2 und K6Sn25 – zwei Phasen mit chiraler Clathrat-Struktur und ihr Verhalten gegenüber Ethylendiamin

K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ and K₆Sn₂₅ – Two Phases with Chiral Clathrate Structure and their Reactivity towards Ethylenediamine K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ was prepared from the elements in a sealed niobium tube at 620 °C. A single crystal of the composition K₆Sn₂₅ could be isolated from the reaction of a solidified melt of nominal composition ”︁K₄Sn₉”︁”︁ and 18crown6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) at 45 °C. K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ and K₆Sn₂₅ are isotypic and adopt the chiral cubic clathrate structure type cP124. Both crystal structures were determined from single crystal X-ray data: space group P4₃32, a = 16,300(2) and 16,202(2) Å, respectively, Z = 4. The structures contain one kind of a distorted pentagonal dodecahedron of the elements Sn/Bi and Sn, respectively, as the only building block. The pentagonal dodecahedron is centered with potassium and linked by three pentagonal faces and one external bond to four others. Thus leading to a three-dimensional, chiral zeolite-like network. The resulting voids and channels are occupied by potassium. There are 17 four- and 8 three-connected atoms out of every 25 framework atoms. The reactions of the title compounds as well as of solidified melts of the compositions K : Sn = =x : 25 (x = 4; 5; 8; 11 and 22) with ethylenediamine are discussed.     

Synthese und Eigenschaften von Sr3Mo1.5Zn0.5O7‐δ, einer Phase mit perowskitverwandter Schichtstruktur

Synthesis and Properties of the Layered Perovskite Phase Sr₃Mo_1.5Zn_0.5O_7‐δ The new layered perovskite phase Sr₃Mo_1.5Zn_0.5O_7‐δ was synthesized by solid state reaction using a Zn/ZnO oxygen buffer. The crystal structure was refined from X‐ray powder pattern by the Rietveld method. The compound crystallizes tetragonal in the space group I4/mmm (no. 139) with the lattice parameters a = 3.9631(3) Å, c = 20.583(1) Å. An oxygen deficiency corresponding to δ ≈ 0.25 was determinated, indicating the presence of molybdenum in mixed valence (Mo⁴⁺ and Mo⁶⁺).     

Chemical Bonding and Pressure‐Induced Change of the Electron Configuration of Ytterbium in β‐YbAgGa2

Single‐phase polycrystalline samples of the intermetallic compound β‐YbAgGa₂ were synthesized by inductive heating and subsequent annealing for eight weeks at 670 K. Magnetic properties were characterized by susceptibility measurements and indicated intermediate valence of ytterbium at ambient pressure. Angle‐dispersive X‐ray powder diffraction data of orthorhombic β‐YbAgGa₂ indicate stability of the phase in the investigated pressure range from 0.1 MPa (ambient pressure) to 19 GPa. The pressure‐induced volume decrease is accompanied by an increase of the effective valence from 2.17 at ambient conditions to 2.71 at 16 GPa as evaluated by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the Yb L_III threshold. Analysis of the chemical bonding in β‐YbAgGa₂ by integrating the electron density of the polyanion in basins as defined by the electron localization function results in an electron count Yb^2.7+[(Ag^0.2—)(Ga1(3b)^1.0—)(Ga2(4b)^1.5—)]. This finding is close to the expected values calculated by means of the Zintl rules and fits well the results of magnetic susceptibility measurements and XAS investigations.     

Ba6Mg10.8Li1.2Si12, die erste Verbindung mit drei verschiedenen Zintl‐Anionen

Ba₆Mg_10.8Li_1.2Si₁₂, the First Compound Containing Three Different Zintl Anions A novel quaternary Zintl phase of silicon is presented. The crystal structure of Ba₆Mg_10.8Li_1.2Si₁₂ (Pnma, a = 22.257(5), b = 4.5804(9), c = 14.007(3) Å) is the first example of a silicide with isolated silicon atoms, Si₂ dumb‐bells and Si₃ chains thus with three different Zintl anions within one structure. Accompanying quantumchemical investigations in the Extended Hückel framework give detailed insights in the present bond situation and support general trends found in unusual Zintl phases.     

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).     

Triplet‐State Aromaticity of 4nπ‐Electron Monocycles: Analysis of Bifurcation in the π Contribution to the Electron Localization Function

The π contribution to the electron localization function (ELF) is used to compare 4nπ‐ and (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes, with particular focus on the aromaticity of 4nπ‐electron annulenes in their lowest triplet state. The analysis is performed on the electron density obtained at the level of OLYP density functional theory, as well as at the CCSD and CASSCF ab initio levels. Two criteria for aromaticity of all‐carbon annulenes are set up: the span in the bifurcation values ΔBV(ELF_π) should be small, ideally zero, and the bifurcation value for ring closure of the π basin RCBV(ELF_π) should be high (≥ 0.7). On the basis of these criteria, nearly all 4nπ‐electron annulenes are aromatic in their lowest triplet states, similar to (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes in their singlet ground states. For singlet biradical cyclobutadiene and cyclooctatetraene constrained to D_4h and D_8h symmetry, respectively, the RCBV(ELF_π) at the CASSCF level is lower (0.531 and 0.745) than for benzene (0.853), even though they have equal proportions of α‐ and β‐electrons.     

AlCl3 · 2NH3 – eine Verbindung mit der Kristallstruktur eines Tetraammindichloroaluminium-tetrachloroaluminats – [AlCl2(NH3)4]+[AlCl4]−

ACl₃ · 2NH₃ – a Compound with the Crystal Structure of a Tetraammine Dichloroaluminiumtetrachloroaluminate – [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^? Ammoniates of aluminiumchloride AlCl₃ · xNH₃ are in discussion as starting materials for the synthesis of aluminiumnitride. Therefore the reactions of melts of monoamminealuminiumchloride with ammonia were investigated. They react at 150°C within 10 min with one mole of ammonia to the diammoniate, [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^?. The pure compound can be obtained by sublimation at 200°C in vacuumline apparatus. X-ray structure determination on [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^? was carried out: see “Inhaltsübersicht”.     

Sn3N4, ein Zinn(IV)-nitrid – Synthese und erste Strukturbestimmung einer binären Zinn–Stickstoff-Verbindung

Sn₃N₄, a Tin(IV) Nitride – Syntheses and the First Crystal Structure Determination of a Binary Tin-Nitrogen Compound By reaction of SnI₄ with KNH₂ in liquid ammonia at 243 K a white product mixture was obtained. After evaporation of ammonia the solid residue was annealed in vacuum for 2–5 d at 573 K. Subsequently collected x-ray powder diffraction patterns exhibited reflections of KI and a new compound Sn₃N₄. Analogous reactions of SnBr₂ and KNH₂ led to KBr and dark brown microcrystalline Sn₃N₄ but also to metallic tin. The structure of tin(IV)-nitride was determined from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data: Space group Fd 3 m, Z = 8, a = 9.037(3) Å. Sn₃N₄ crystallizes in a spinel type structure. Both metal atom positions are occupied by tin atoms of oxidation state plus four.     

(Carb)2SnF4 (Carb = 2, 3‐Dihydro‐1, 3‐diisopropyl‐4, 5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐yliden – ein Carbenkomplex des vierwertigen Zinns

2, 3‐Dihydro‐1, 3‐diisopropyl‐4, 5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene ( 1 , Carb) reacts with tin tetrafluoride to give the complex (Carb)₂SnF₄ ( 3 ). The ligand properties of 1 are discussed in terms of the crystal structure and NMR data of 3 .     

Barrelane-like germanium clusters in Eu3Ge5: Crystal structure, chemical bonding and physical properties

Formation and crystal structure of the binary germanide Eu₃Ge₅ were investigated in detail. The compound forms peritectically at 1008 °C and does not undergo any phase transition down to room temperature. The crystal structure was determined first from X-ray powder diffraction data and was later confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: structure type Pu₃Pd₅, space group Cmcm (no. 63), , , . The main building blocks are Ge₅⁶⁻ cluster anions surrounded by Eu²⁺ cations. The nearly tetragonal-pyramidal shape is suggested by the interatomic distances. Contrary to that, the bonding analysis with the electron localization function (ELF) reveals only two- and three-bonded germanium atoms forming a strongly distorted [1.1.1]-barrelane-like cluster. Despite the formal electron deficiency, compared to the barrelane C₅H₈, the electron counting in the cluster anion and its conformation cannot be interpreted applying the Wade's rules. In accordance with the calculated electronic density of states, Eu₃Ge₅ shows a metal-like temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity with a sharp change of ρ(T) slope at the Néel point. Above the Néel point the inverse magnetic susceptibility reveals Curie-Weiss behavior with an effective moment of 8.11 μ_B (Eu²⁺, 4f⁷ configuration) in agreement with the analysis of the chemical bonding. The 4f⁷ electronic configuration of europium is confirmed by Eu-L_III X-ray absorption spectroscopy.     

CsCu5S3 – eine neue Verbindung in zwei Modifikationen

CsCu₅S₃ – A New Compound existing in two Modifications CsCu₅S₃ has been obtained in form of two modifications in a flux of cesium thiocyanate. Single crystal investigations revealed a tetragonal modification closely related to the structure of TlCu₅Se₃. The orthorhombic crystallizing modification can be described as a layer structure. The copper atoms in both atomic arrangements form arrays (fragment frame structures) of the fcc copper structure. At 582 °C the orthorhombic modification transforms easily into the tetragonal one, while the reverse reaction occurs very slowly.