Na3Al2Nb34O64 und Na (Si,Nb) Nb10O19: Clusterverbindungen mit isolierten Nb6-Oktaedern

Na₃Al₂Nb₃₄O₆₄ and Na (Si, Nb) Nb₁₀O₁₉. Cluster Compounds with Isolated Nb₆-Octahedra Hexagonal ormolu coloured plates of the new compounds Na₃Al₂Nb₃₄O₆₄ ( I ) and Na(Si, Nb)Nb₁₀O₁₉ ( II ) were prepared by heating pellets of NaF, Al₂O₃, NbO₂ and NbO (3:1:8:2) and NaF, NbO₂ and NbO (1:4:2), respectively, at approx. 850°C. I was contained in a sealed gold capsule, II in a silica tube. The Si incorporated in II originates from the container material. Both compounds crystallize in R 3 , I with a = 784.4(1), c = 7065(1) pm, Z = 3 and II with a = 784.1(1), c = 4221.8(5) pm, Z = 6. I and II represent new structure types. They contain the same characteristic structural units, namely discrete Nb₆O₁₂ clusters (d_Nb–Nb = 283 ± 4 pm) and Nb₂O₁₀ units with Nb–Nb dumbells (d_Nb–Nb ≈? 269 pm) in edgesharing coordination octahedra. In addition NbO₆ octahedra containing Nb in the oxidation state + 5 and NaO₁₂ cube-octahedra occur in both compounds besides AlO₄ and SiO₄ tetrahedra in I and II , respectively. The structures can be described in terms of a common closepacking of O and Na atoms together with Nb₆ octahedra.     

Darstellung und Struktur von U2Ta6O19, einer neuen Verbindung mit „Jahnberg‐Struktur”︁, sowie Anmerkungen zu den ersten Oxidchloriden in den Systemen Th/Nb/O/Cl und Th/Zr(Hf)/Nb/O/Cl

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of U₂Ta₆O₁₉, a New Compound with “Jahnberg‐Structure” and a Note to the First Oxide Chlorides in the Systems Th/Nb/O/Cl and Th/Zr(Hf)/Nb/O/Cl Black crystals of U₂Ta₆O₁₉ with hexagonal shape were obtained (at T₁) by chemical transport using HCl (p (HCl, 298 K) = 1 atm; silica tube) as transport agent in a temperature gradient (T₂ → T₁; 1000 °C → 950 °C) and using a mixture of UO₂, Ta₂O₅, and HfO₂ (or ZrO₂) (1 : 2 : 2) as starting materials (at T₂). For the structure determination the best result was achieved in space group P6₃/mcm (No. 193, a = 6.26(2) Å, c = 19.86(6) Å). U₂Ta₆O₁₉ is isotypical to Th₂Ta₆O₁₉. In the crystal structure each uranium atom is surrounded by oxygen atoms like a bi‐capped trigonal antiprism and tantalum atoms like a pentagonal bipyramid (CN = 7). Like the “Jahnberg Structures” both coordination polyhedra arrange themselves in separate layers (U–O‐polyhedra, in o‐, Ta–O‐polyhedra in p‐layers) so that in the direction of the c‐axis the sequence of layers is p‐p‐o. Using chemical transport it was possible to prepare the compounds Th₁₂Nb₁₆O₆₃Cl₂ and Th₈M₄Nb₁₆O₆₃Cl₂ (M = Zr, Hf), which are the first quaternary and quinquinary examples in these systems. They crystallize isotypically.     

Formation of rutile-type Nb0.94O2 by shock reduction of Nb2O5

Shock-recovery experiments on Nb₂O₅ powder specimens are made in pressure ranges up to 50 GPa using the gun method. “NbO₂” with the rutile structure is formed above about 40 GPa when an open recovery fixture is used. The tetragonal unit cell dimensions are measured to be a = 4.784(2) Å, c = 3.029(2) Å, and V = 69.34(6) ų. The metal-to-oxygen ratio is determined to be Nb_0.94O₂ by means of thermogravimetry. A comparative study is made on the shock reduction behavior of Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅.     

Drei Wege zur Oxydation von [Ta6Cl12]2+ ([Ta6Br12]2+ und [Nb6Cl12]2+)

Three Oxidation Paths of [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ ([Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ and [Nb₆Cl₁₂]²⁺) [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ is oxidized autocatalytically to [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ by HNO₃. The titration of [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ with KBrO₃ (in HBr-containing solutions) or with Ce⁴⁺ or K₂Cr₂O₇ (in HNO₃-containing solutions) leads to a clear [Ta₆Cl₁₂]³⁺ step. The further titration leads beside [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ to the formation of Ta₂O₅(· xH₂O). [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ behaves with KBrO₃(+ HBr) equally, but the formation of [Ta₂O₅](· xH₂O) is only small. [Nb₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ (22°C) titrated with Ce(ClO₄)₄ in 2n HClO₄ gives the first potential step nearby exact ([Nb₆Cl₁₂]³⁺) and at a very slow titration in a second step a precipitation of Nb₂O₅(· xH₂O) occurs, which adsorbed Ce⁴⁺ additionally. At ?15°C with Ce(ClO₄)₄ the first potential step was exactly at [Nb₆Cl₁₂]^2+→3+, while the second step needs a distinct additional consumption of titer. (Formation of [Nb₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ and beside it [Nb₂O₅](· xH₂O)). From the titration curves and sections of its normal progress in all cases we get the normal potentials 2+/3+ and 3+/4+ with an accuracy of ± 0.01 volt. In alkaline solution the complexes are oxidized with air-oxygen to [M₆X₁₂](OH)₆^2?, while the Br-containing complexes suffer hydrolysis afterwards.     

Na(V3−xNbx)Nb6O14 – ein neues Oxoniobat mit [Nb6O12]- und [M2O9]-Clustern

Na(V_3?xNb_x)Nb₆O₁₄ — A Novel Oxoniobate with [Nb₆O₁₂] and [M₂O₉] Clusters Goldcolored single crystals and black powders of Na(V_3?xNb_x)Nb₆O₁₄ have been prepared by heating a pellet containing a mixture of NaNbO₃, NbO₂, NbO, VO₂ and NaF or Na₂B₄O₇ (as mineralizers) at 900°C in a sealed gold capsule. The analytically determined Nb : V ratio is 5 : 1 and means that x is about 1.5. The compound crystallizes in P6₃/m with a = 603.4(1), c = 1807.9(5) pm and Z = 3. The crystal structure can be described in terms of common close packing of sheets of O and Na atoms together with Nb₆ octahedra. Characteristic building groups of the new structure type are [Nb₆O₁₂] clusters, [M₂O₉] clusters and NbO₅ bipyramids. V atoms are distributed only on the positions of the Nb atoms within the trigonal bipyramids or the [M₂O₉] clusters. The [Nb₆O₁₂] clusters show characteristicaly short distances d_Nb-Nb = 279.4 and 281.3 pm, respectively. In the [M₂O₉] units, which are built from two MO₆ octahedra that share a common face, V or Nb atoms form M–M dumbbells with d_M–M = 255.9 pm. The electronic structure is discussed using Extended Hückel calculations.     

Two New Polyoxovanadate‐supported Transition Metal Complexes: [Zn(en)2][Zn(en)2(H2O)2][{Zn(en)(enMe)}As6V15O42(H2O)]·4H2O and [Zn2(enMe)2(en)3][{Zn(enMe)2}As6V15O42(H2O)]·4H2O

Two novel As‐V‐O cluster supported transition metal complexes, [Zn(en)₂][Zn(en)₂(H₂O)₂][{Zn(en)(enMe)}As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]·4H₂O ( 1 ) and [Zn₂(enMe)₂(en)₃][{Zn(enMe)₂}As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]·4H₂O ( 2 ), have been hydrothermally synthesized. The single X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that both compounds consist of discrete noncentral polyoxoanions [{Zn(en)(enMe)}As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]^4? or [{Zn(enMe)₂}As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]^4? cocrystallized with respective zinc coordination complexes. Interestingly, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit the first two polyoxovanadates containing As₈V₁₅O₄₂‐(H₂O)]^6? cluster decorated by only one transition metal complex. Crystal data: 1 , monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 14.9037(4) Å, b = 18.1243(5) Å, c = 27.6103(7) Å, β = 105.376(6)°, Z = 4; 2 monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 14.9786(7) Å, b = 33.0534(16) Å, c = 14.9811(5) Å, Z = 4.     

Neue Phasen in den Systemen Nb2O5-WO3 und Ta2O5-WO3

Zusammenfassung Bei Untersuchungen im WO₃-ärmeren Bereich der Systeme Nb₂O₅-WO₃ und Ta₂O₅-WO₃ bis zum Molverhältnis Me₂O₅:WO₃=1:2 wurden folgende Phasen neu gefunden: 40 Nb₂O₅·WO₃–20 Nb₂O₅·WO₃ (Phasenbreite), 13 Nb₂O₅· ·4 WO₃, 9 Nb₂O₅·8 WO₃ (Tieftemperaturphase), 9 Ta₂O₅· ·8 WO₃; ferner eine Mischphase des T-Ta₂O₅, die bis zur Zusammensetzung 13 Ta₂O₅·4 WO₃ (bei 1300° C) reicht. Weitere Phasen wurden im System Nb₂O₅-WO₃ bei den Molverhältnissen 8:1–6: 1, 7:3, 8:5 und 9:8 (Hochtemperaturphase) beobachtet.49. Mitt.:H. Schäfer, R. Gruehn undF. Schulte, Angew. Chemie, im Druck.     

Doppeloktaeder-Cluster [V2O9] in der Kristallstruktur von Vanadium(III)-diphosphat,V4(P2O7)3

Double-Octahedra Clusters [V₂O₉] in the Crystal Structure of Vanadium (III) Diphosphate, V₄(P₂O₇)₃ . As the first example for M^III diphosphates the crystal structure of V₄(P₂O₇)₃ (“ I ”) has been determined by means of X-ray diffraction of single crystals. I – according to [7] obtainable by thermal interaction of V₂O₅, H₃PO₃, and H₃PO₄ – crystallizes orthorhombically (data see above); in the unit cell two kinds of isolated doubleoctahedra (clusters) [V₂O₉], having the symmetry C_s, exist. Due to a mutual face-connection of the octahedra, within these clusters relatively short V–V distances are resulting: 2.774(8) and 3.026(7) Å. The diphosphate anions, O₃POPO₃^4? (three kinds; each having the symmetry C_s and staggered conformation), exhibit POP bond angles of 170°, being remarkably large for non-centrosymmetry. Because of the [M₂^IIIO₉] clusters in I , and also in the isostructural diphosphates Cr₄(P₂O₇)₃ and Fe₄(P₂O₇₃), magnetic investigations seem to be challenged.     

Peroxofluorokomplexe der Übergangsmetalle. III,Darstellung, Kristallstruktur und Schwingungsspektren von K6Ta3(O2)3OF13 · H2O mit einem μ-Oxo-diperoxo-octafluoroditantalat(V)-Anion

Transition Metal Peroxofluoro Complexes. III. Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Vibrational Spectra of K₆Ta₃(O₂)₃OF₁₃ · H₂O Containing a m?-Oxo-diperoxo-octafluoroditantalate(V) Anion K₆Ta₃(O₂)₃OF₁₃ · H₂O has been prepared from solution and his crystal structure was determined by X-ray single crystal investigation: Space group Pnma, lattice constants a = 1 653.6 pm, b = 883.5 pm, c = 1 365.8 pm, Z = 4, R = 0.033. The compound yields [Ta(O₂)F₅]^2? groups as well as m?-oxo-bridged [Ta₂O(O₂)₂F₈]^4? anions with very diffrent O? O distances within the peroxo groups (139 pm vs. 164 and 175 pm) correlating well with the i.r. and Raman spectra. The different bonding in connection with an oxo-bridge is discussed.     

Zu den Phasenverhältnissen im System V/Nb/O. I. Koexistenzbeziehungen im Bereich V2O5/Nb2O5/VO2/NbO2

The Phase Relations in the System V/Nb/O. I. Coexistence Relations in the Section V₂O₅/Nb₂O₅/VO₂/NbO₂ . Phase relations in the section Nb₂O₅/V₂O₅/VO₂/NbO₂ of the ternary system V/Nb/O have been studied by X-ray diffraction. The investigated samples were prepared by high temperature synthesis at 900°C–1000°C. The section Nb₂O₅/V₂O₅/VO₂/NbO₂ is charakterized by fife three phase regions: The limits of solubility of the pseudobinary system were ascertained by determination of lattic parameters of powder samples:      

Synthese und Strukturuntersuchung von Zn3Ta2O8

Zn₃Ta₂O₈ was prepared by high temperature solid state reaction (CO₂-Lasertechnique). X-ray investigations of single crystals yield monoclinic symmetry (a=9.499;b=8.411;c=8.881 Å; =116.03°, space group C _2h ⁶ —C2/c). There is no relationship between Zn₃Ta₂O₈ and Zn₃Nb₂O₈. Zn₃Ta₂O₈ shows a characteristic structure type with octahedral coordination of Ta⁵⁺ and tetrahedral coordination of Zn²⁺.

     

Zur Kenntnis von Zn4Ta2O9

About the New Compound Zn₄Ta₂O₉ The hitherto unknown compound Zn₄Ta₂O₉was prepared by high temperature reaction (CO₂-LASER technique). The X-ray investigation of single crystal shows monoclinic symmetry (space group C? C2/c) with a = 15.002(6), b = 8.954(1), c = 10.345(4)Å and β = 93.64(3)°. Zn₄Ta₂O₉ consists of a Zn/O-network with incorporated one-dimensional TaO₆-chains. The edge connected TaO₆-octahedrals are occupied by Ta⁵⁺ and 0.5 Zn²⁺ respectively. The crystal chemistry of this compound in respect to other Zn-oxotantalates are discussed.     

Thermochemische Untersuchungen im System V/Nb/O. II Zum chemischen Transportverhalten im Bereich V2O5/Nb2O5/VO2/NbO2

Thermochemical Investigations in the System V/Nb/O. II. Chemical Transport in the Region V₂O₅/Nb₂O₅/VO₂/NbO₂ Transport experiments were used to support the phase relationships of the V₂O₅/Nb₂O₅/VO₂/NbO₂ system, which were established by annealing experiments of powder mixtures. The phase relations were studied in the NbO₂-rich region of the system by means of X-ray and ESMA methods. The NbO₂-rich section is characterized by the following two phase and three phase regions: Two phase region: V₃Nb₉O₂₉/rutile mixed crystal V_1?xNb_xO₂ Two phase region: BI-mixed crystal/V_xNb_1?xO₂ Three phase region: V₃Nb₉O₂₉/solubility limit LG1 (V_1?xNb_xO₂)/BI-mixed crystal Three phase region: solubility limit LG1 (V_1?xNb_xO₂)/BI-mixed crystal/solubility limit LG2 (V_xNb_1?xO₂). The composition of the solubility limits LG1 and LG2 was ascertained by means of ESMA-investigation: LG1: 57.5 ± 5 mol% NbO₂/43.5 ± 5 mol% VO₂ LG2: 22.5 ± 5 mol% NbO₂/78.5 ± 5 mol% VO_2?     

Ein neues metastabiles Zinkoxovanadat: Zn4V2O9

For the first time Zn₄V₂O₉ was prepared and investigated by single crystal X-ray methods. The metastable compound exists between a CO₂-Laser generated flux and the solid ZnO/V₂O₅ material. The quenched light brown crystals show a monoclinic symmetry (space group C ₂ ² —P2₁,a=10.488 (5),b=8.198 (6),c=9.682 (5) Å; =118.66 (4)°;Z=4]. Zn₄V₂O₉ has a characteristic Zn/O-framework with incorporated V⁵⁺ in tetrahedral coordination. The relationship to Zn₄Ta₂O₉ and the calculation of the madelung part of lattice energy (MAPLE) in respect to the metastable character are discussed.

     

Über die Diphosphate M4(P2O7)3 mit M = V,Cr und die Elektronenspektren von Vanadium (III)- und Chrom(III)-Phosphaten

On the Diphosphates M₄(P₂O₇)₃ with M = V, Cr and the Electronic Spectra of Vanadium(III) and Chromium(III) Phosphates Single crystals of ochre colored or dark brown V₄(P₂O₇)₃ ( I ) can be obtained by thermal transformation of an amorphous intermediate synthesized from V₂O₅ and aqueous H₃PO₃ and H₃PO₄; brown crystals of Cr₄(P₂O₇)₃ ( II ) are formed during thermal decomposition of Cr(PO₃)₃, C. I and II are isostructural, crystallizing in orthorhombic space group Pbn2₁ or Pbnm with Z = 4 and lattice constants a = 9.601(2), b = 21.425(5), c = 7.470(4) Å and a = 9.38(1), b = 21.00(4), c = 7.26(2) Å, respectively. Probably due to slight substitution of vanadium(V) for phosphorus atoms (P:V^v ～ 40:1) nonstoichiometic phase composition is found for I prepared at T ～ 1400°C. I and II are characterized by IR and electronic spectroscopy; their electronic spectra are discussed in comparison with those of fourteen other V^III and Cr^III phosphates. This includes a discussion of optical properties of CsCrP₂O₇ changing color from brown to green on change from daylight to artificial light. Some conclusions on the structural arrangement of I and II are drawn.     

Coordination Chemistry of [Nb2(S2)2]4+ Clusters: Preparation and Crystal Structures of K4[Nb2(S2)2(C2O4)4] · 6 H2O and (NH4)6[Nb2(S2)2(C2O4)4](C2O4)

Bis(disulfido)bridged Nb^IV cluster oxalate complexes [Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄]^4– were prepared by ligand substitution reaction from the aqua ion [Nb₂(μ‐S₂)₂(H₂O)₈]⁴⁺ and isolated as K₄[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄] · 6 H₂O ( 1 ), (NH₄)₆[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄](C₂O₄) ( 2 ) and Cs₄[Nb₂(S₂)₂(C₂O₄)₄] · 4 H₂O ( 3 ). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined. The crystals of 1 belong to the space group P1, a = 720.94(7) pm, b = 983.64(10) pm, c = 1071.45(10) pm, α = 109.812(1)°, β = 91.586(2)°, γ = 105.257(2)°. The crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 1567.9(2) pm, b = 1906.6(3) pm, c = 3000.9(4) pm, β = 95.502(2)°. The packing in 2 shows alternating layers of cluster anions and of ammonium/uncoordinated oxalates perpendicular to the [1 0 1] direction. Vibration spectra, electrochemistry and thermogravimetric properties of the complexes are also discussed.     

[Cl5Ta(μ‐O)TaCl3{iPrS(CH2)2SiPr}] and [(TaCl4)2(μ‐O)(μ‐Me2Se2)]: two chalcogenoether complexes of Ta2OCl8 with very different geometries

The title compounds, [1,2‐bis(isopropylsulfanyl)ethane‐2κ²S,S′]octachlorido‐1κ⁵Cl,2κ³Cl‐μ‐oxido‐ditantalum(V), [Ta₂Cl₈O(C₈H₁₈S₂)], (I), and μ‐dimethyldiselane‐κ²Se:Se′‐μ‐oxido‐bis[tetrachloridotantalum(V)], [Ta₂Cl₈O(C₂H₆Se₂)], (II), contain six‐coordinate Ta^V centres linked by a nonlinear oxide bridge. Compound (I) contains one Ta^V centre bonded to a chelating dithioether and three terminal chloride ligands, with the second Ta^V centre bonded to five terminal chloride ligands. In (II), two tetrachloridotantalum(V) residues are bridged by the diselenide, giving a puckered five‐membered Ta/O/Ta/Se/Se ring. The Ta—O distances in the bridges are short in both compounds, indicating that significant multiple‐bond character is retained despite the deviation from linearity, and the bond lengths reveal a clear trans influence order of O > Cl > S > Se on the hard Ta^V centre. The structures are compared with the [Ta₂Cl₁₀O]²⁻ anion, which contains a linear oxide bridge.     

Kristallstrukturuntersuchungen an Verbindungen des Typs A3(M,Nb)8O21 (A  Tl,Ba; M  Fe,Ni)

Crystal Structure Investigations of Compounds with the A₃(M, Nb)₈O₂₁-Type (A ? Tl, Ba; M ? Fe, Ni) Tl₃Fe_0,5Nb_7,5O₂₁ (A), a hitherto unknown phase of the A₃(M, Nb)₈O₂₁-type, and Ba₃Fe₂Nb₆O₂₁ (B), Ba₃Ni_1.33Nb_6,66O₂₁ (C) were prepared and investigated by single crystal X-ray technique. ((A): a = 9.145(1), c = 11.942(1) Å; (B): a = 9.118(2), c = 11.870(1) Å; (C) a = 9.173(3), c = 11.923(1) Å, space group D? P6₃/mcm, Z = 2). There is a statistic occupation of the M-positions by Nb⁵⁺ and Fe³⁺ or Nb⁵⁺ and Ni²⁺, respectively. An other compound Ba₃Fe₂Ta₆O₂₁ is partially ordered in respect to Ta⁵⁺ and Fe³⁺. Calculations of the Coulomb-part of lattice energy are discussed.     

The Cocrystallization of the Cubic [Ta6Br12(H2O)6][CuBr2X2]·10H2O and Triclinic [Ta6Br12(H2O)6]X2·trans‐[Ta6Br12(OH)4(H2O)2]·18H2O (X = Cl,Br, NO3) Phases with the Coexistence of [Ta6Br12]2+ and [Ta6Br12]4+ in the Latter

Cubic [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆][CuBr₂X₂]·10H₂O and triclinic [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]X₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O (X = Cl, Br, NO₃) cocrystallize in aqueous solutions of [Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The crystal structures of [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]Cl₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]Br₂·trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]·18H₂O ( 3 )have been solved in the triclinic space group P&1macr; (No. 2). Crystal data: 1 , a = 9.3264(2) Å, b = 9.8272(2) Å, c = 19.0158(4) Å, α = 80.931(1)?, β = 81.772(2)?, γ = 80.691(1)?; 3 , a = 9.3399(2) Å, b = 9.8796(2) Å, c = 19.0494(4) Å; α = 81.037(1)?, β = 81.808(1)?, γ = 80.736(1)?. 1 and 3 consist of two octahedral differently charged cluster entities, [Ta₆Br₁₂]²⁺ in the [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cation and [Ta₆Br₁₂]⁴⁺ in trans‐[Ta₆Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]. Average bond distances in the [Ta₆Br₁₂(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations: 1 , Ta‐Ta, 2.9243 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ , 2.607 Å; Ta‐O, 2.23 Å; 3 , Ta‐Ta, 2.9162 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ , 2.603 Å; Ta‐O, 2.24 Å. Average bond distances in trans‐[Ta₆‐Br₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₂]: 1 , Ta‐Ta, 3.0133 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ, 2.586 Å; Ta‐O(OH), 2.14 Å; Ta‐O(H₂O), 2.258(9) Å; 3 , Ta‐Ta, 3.0113 Å; Ta‐Brⁱ, 2.580 Å; Ta‐O(OH), 2.11 Å; Ta‐O(H₂O), 2.23(1) Å. The crystal packing results in short O···O contacts along the c axes. Under the same experimental conditions, [Ta₆Cl₁₂]²⁺ oxidized to [Ta₆Cl₁₂]⁴⁺ , whereas [Nb₆X₁₂]²⁺ clusters were not affected by the Cu²⁺ ion.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of a New Niobium Polysulfide K6Nb4S22 and two New Dimorphic Tantalum Polysulfides K6Ta4S22

The new compounds K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( I ) have been synthesised by the reaction of NbS₂ or Ta metal in a K₂S₃ flux. Using TaS₂ as educt a second modification of K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( II ) is obtained. K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and K₆Ta₄S₂₂ (form I ) crystallise in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 35.634 (2)Å, b = 7.8448 (4)Å, c = 12.1505 (5)Å, β = 100.853 (5)°, V = 3335.8 (3)ų, and Z = 4 for K₆Nb₄S₂₂ and a = 35.563 (7) Å, b = 7.836 (2)Å, c = 12.139 (2)Å, β = 100.56 (3)°, V = 3325.5 (2)ų, and Z = 4 for K₆Ta₄S₂₂ ( I ). The second modification K₆Ta₄S₂₂ (form II ) crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 7.5835 (6)Å, b = 8.7115 (5)Å, c = 24.421 (2)Å, β = 98.733 (9)°, V = 1594.6 (2)ų, and Z = 2. The structures consist of [M₄S₂₂]^6— anions composed of two M₂S₁₁ sub‐units which are linked into M₄S₂₂ units via terminal sulfur ligands. The anions are well separated by the K⁺ cations. Differences between the structures of the title compounds and those with the heavier alkali cations Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ are caused by the different arrangement of the [M₄S₂₂]^6— anions around the cations and the different S^2—/S₂^2— binding modes. The thermal behaviour of both modifications was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From these investigations there is no hint for a polymorphic transition between the two forms. After heating crystals of form II above the melting point and cooling the melt to room temperature a crystalline powder of form I can be isolated.