One-dimensional chains in uranyl tungstates: Syntheses and structures of A8[(UO2)4(WO4)4(WO5)2] (A=Rb, Cs) and Rb6[(UO2)2O(WO4)4]

Three new uranyl tungstates, A₈[(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂] (A=Rb (1), Cs (2)), and Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄] (3), were prepared by high-temperature solid-state reactions and their structures were solved by direct methods on twinned crystals, refined to R₁=0.050, 0.042, and 0.052 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, monoclinic P2₁/n, (1): a=11.100(7), b=13.161(9), , β=90.033(13)°, , Z=8 and (2): , , , β=89.988(2)°, , Z=8. There are four symmetrically independent U⁶⁺ sites that form linear uranyl [O=U=O]²⁺ cations with rather distorted coordination in their equatorial planes. There are six W positions: W(1) and W(2) have square-pyramidal coordination (WO₅), whereas W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) are tetrahedrally coordinated. The structures are based upon a novel type of one-dimensional (1D) [(UO₂)₄(WO₄)₄(WO₅)₂]⁴⁻ chains, consisting of WU₄O₂₅ pentamers linked by WO₄ tetrahedra and WO₅ square pyramids. The chains run parallel to the a-axis and are arranged in modulated pseudo-2D-layers parallel to (0 1 0). The A⁺ cations are in the interlayer space between adjacent pseudo-layers and provide a 3D integrity of the structures. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first uranyl tungstates with 2/3 of W atoms in tetrahedral coordination. Such a high concentration of low-coordinated W⁶⁺ cations is probably responsible for the 1D character of the uranyl tungstate units. The compound 3 is triclinic, P1¯ a=10.188(2), b=13.110(2), , α=97.853(3), β=96.573(3), γ=103.894(3)°, , Z=4. There are four U positions in the structure with a typical coordination of a pentagonal bipyramid that contain uranyl ions, UO₂²⁺, as apical axes. Among eight W sites, the W(1), W(2), W(3), W(4), W(5), and W(6) atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated, whereas the W(7) and W(8) cations have distorted fivefold coordination. The structure contains chains of composition [(UO₂)₂O(WO₄)₄]⁶⁻ composed of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and W polyhedra. The chains involve dimers of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids that share common O atoms. The dimers are linked into chains by sharing corners with WO₄ tetrahedra. The chains are parallel to [−101] and are arranged in layers that are parallel to (1 1 1). The Rb⁺ cations provide linkage of the chains into a 3D structure. The compound 1 has many structural and chemical similarities to its molybdate analog, Rb₆[(UO₂)₂O(MoO₄)₄]. However, the compounds are not isostructural. Due to the tendency of the W⁶⁺ cations to have higher-than-fourfold coordination, part of the W sites adopt distorted fivefold coordination, whereas all Mo atoms in the Mo compound are tetrahedrally coordinated. Distribution of the WO₅ configurations along the chain extension does not conform to its ‘typical’ periodicity. As a result, both the chain identity period and the unit-cell volume are doubled in comparison to the Mo analog, which leads to a new structure type.     

Syntheses, structures, and properties of Ag4(Mo2O5)(SeO4)2(SeO3) and Ag2(MoO3)3SeO3

Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) has been synthesized by reacting AgNO₃, MoO₃, and selenic acid under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure of this compound consists of cis-MoO₂²⁺ molybdenyl units that are bridged to neighboring molybdenyl moieties by selenate anions and by a bridging oxo anion. These dimeric units are joined by selenite anions to yield zigzag one-dimensional chains that extended down the c-axis. Individual chains are polar with the C₂ distortion of the Mo(VI) octahedra aligning on one side of each chain. However, the overall structure is centrosymmetric because neighboring chains have opposite alignment of the C₂ distortion. Upon heating Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) looses SeO₂ in two distinct steps to yield Ag₂MoO₄. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): orthorhombic, space group Pbcm, a=5.6557(3), b=15.8904(7), c=15.7938(7) Å, V=1419.41(12), Z=4, R(F)=2.72% for 121 parameters with 1829 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ was synthesized by reacting AgNO₃ with MoO₃, SeO₂, and HF under hydrothermal conditions. The structure of Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ consists of three crystallographically unique Mo(VI) centers that are in 2+2+2 coordination environments with two long, two intermediate, and two short bonds. These MoO₆ units are connected to form a molybdenyl ribbon that extends along the c-axis. These ribbons are further connected together through tridentate selenite anions to form two-dimensional layers in the [bc] plane. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=7.7034(5), b=11.1485(8), c=12.7500(9) Å, β=105.018(1) V=1002.7(2), Z=4, R(F)=3.45% for 164 parameters with 2454 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ decomposes to Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀ on heating above 550 °C.     

Syntheses and single-crystal structures of CsTh(MoO4)2Cl and Na4Th(WO4)4

Colorless crystals of CsTh(MoO₄)₂Cl and Na₄Th(WO₄)₄ have been synthesized at 993 K by the solid-state reactions of ThO₂, MoO₃, CsCl, and ThCl₄ with Na₂WO₄. Both compounds have been characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of CsTh(MoO₄)₂Cl is orthorhombic, consisting of two adjacent [Th(MoO₄)₂] layers separated by an ionic CsCl sublattice. It can be considered as an insertion compound of Th(MoO₄)₂ and reformulated as Th(MoO₄)₂·CsCl. The Th atom coordinates to seven monodentate MoO₄ tetrahedra and one Cl atom in a highly distorted square antiprism. Na₄Th(WO₄)₄ adopts a scheelite superlattice structure. The three-dimensional framework of Na₄Th(WO₄)₄ is constructed from corner-sharing ThO₈ square antiprisms and WO₄ tetrahedra. The space within the channels is filled by six-coordinate Na ions. Crystal data: CsTh(MoO₄)₂Cl, monoclinic, P2₁/c, Z=4, a=10.170(1) Å, b=10.030(1) Å, c=9.649(1) Å, β=95.671(2)°, V=979.5(2) Å³, R(F)=2.65% for I>2σ(I); Na₄Th(WO₄)₄, tetragonal, I4₁/a, Z=4, a=11.437(1) Å, c=11.833(2) Å, V=1547.7(4) Å³, R(F)=3.02% for I>2σ(I).     

Syntheses, crystal and electronic structures of three new potassium cadmium(II)/zinc(II) tellurides: K2Cd2Te3, K6CdTe4 and K2ZnTe2

Three new ternary potassium(I) zinc(II) or cadmium(II) tellurides, namely, K₂Cd₂Te₃, K₆CdTe₄ and K₂ZnTe₂, were synthesized by solid-state reactions of the mixture of pure elements of K, Cd (or Zn) and Te in Nb tubes at high temperature. K₂Cd₂Te₃ belongs to a new structure type and its structure contains a novel two-dimensional [Cd₂Te₃]²⁻ layers perpendicular to the b-axis. K(5) cation is located at the center of five member rings of the 2D [Cd₂Te₃]²⁻ layer, whereas other K⁺ cations occupy the interlayer space. K₆CdTe₄ with a K₆HgS₄ type structure features a “zero-dimensional” structure composed of isolated CdTe₄ tetrahedra separated by the K⁺ ions. K₂ZnTe₂ in the K₂ZnO₂ structural type displays 1D [ZnTe₂]²⁻ anionic chains of edge sharing [ZnTe₄] tetrahedra separated by the potassium(I) ions. K₂Cd₂Te₃, K₆CdTe₄ and K₂ZnTe₂ revealed a band gap of 1.93, 2.51 and 3.0 eV, respectively.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF4)(PF6), Ba(BF4)(AsF6) and Ba2(BF4)2(AsF6)(H3F4); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF4 and octahedral AF6 anions

In the system BaF₂/BF₃/PF₅/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) crystallizes in a hexagonal space group with a=10.2251(4) Å, c=6.1535(4) Å, V=557.17(5) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻ anions. In the analogous system with AsF₅ instead of PF₅ the compound Ba(BF₄)(AsF₆) was isolated and characterized. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) Å, b=6.325(3) Å, c=11.8297(17) Å, V=779.3(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF₆⁻ and four F atoms from BF₄⁻ anions. When the system BaF₂/BF₃/AsF₅/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF₂, the compound Ba₂(BF₄)₂(AsF₆)(H₃F₄) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6₃/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) Å, c=17.327(8) Å, V=708.4(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF₄⁻, three AsF₆⁻ and three H₃F₄⁻ anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H₃F₄ moiety, act as μ₂-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network.     

The stereospecific synthesis of leukotriene A4 (LTA4), 5-epi-LTA4, 6-epi-LTA4 and 5-epi,6-epi-LTA4

The stereospecific syntheses of the four isomers of 6-formyl-5,6-epoxy hexanoic acid methyl ester $\text{8}$, $\text{15}$, $\text{23}$ and $\text{30}$ from Z-deoxy-D-ribose have allowed the preparation of methyl esters of LTA₄, $\text{1}$, and its three unnatural isomers.     

Homoleptic [M(XeF2)6] cations of copper(II) and zinc(II)—Syntheses and crystal structures of [M(XeF2)6](SbF6)2 (M = Cu, Zn)

[Cu(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ crystallizes in the rhombohedral symmetry with a = 1003.6(2) pm, c = 2246.5(12) pm at 200 K and Z = 3, space group (No. 148). [Zn(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ is isostructural to [Cu(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂ with a = 1007(2) pm and c = 2243(6) pm. The structures are characterized by isolated homoleptic [M(XeF₂)₆]²⁺ (M = Cu, Zn) cations and of [SbF₆]⁻ octahedra.Reactions of M(SbF₆)₂ (M = Cu, Zn) with XeF₂ in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) and reactions of MF₂ with Xe₂F₃SbF₆ in aHF always yield a mixture of [M(XeF₂)₆](SbF₆)₂, Xe₂F₃SbF₆ and MF₂.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Si solubilities of new layered carbides Zr2Al4C5 and Zr3Al4C6

Two types of new ternary carbides, Zr₂Al₄C₅ and Zr₃Al₄C₆, have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The crystal structures were refined from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data (CuKα₁) using the Rietveld method. These carbides form a homologous series with the general formula (ZrC)_mAl₄C₃ (m=2 and 3). The crystal structures can be regarded as intergrowth structures where the Al₄C₃-type [Al₄C₄] layers are the same, while the NaCl-type [Zr_mC_m+1] layers increase in thickness with increasing m value. The new carbides are most probably the end members of continuous solid-solutions (ZrC)_m[Al_4−xSi_x]C₃ with 0?x?0.44.     

Orientation disorder in ammonium elpasolites: Crystal structures of (NH4)3AlF6, (NH4)3TiOF5 and (NH4)3FeF6

Crystal structures of the known (NH₄)₃AlF₆(I) and (NH₄)₃FeF₆(III) and new (NH₄)₃TiOF₅(II) elpasolites were refined by localizing anions (F⁻, O²⁻) in four acceptable positions of the cubic system Fm3m (Z=4) with a=8.9401(3), 9.1104(3), 9.110(1) Å, respectively. According to the refinement data and a rather large entropy change due to fluorine (oxygen) octahedra disordering in the above compounds and in (NH₄)₃WO₃F₃(IV) elpasolite, it was found that fluorine (oxygen) atoms are randomly distributed in two ways, in general 192l position or in mixed 24e + 96j one. Statistics in fluorine (oxygen) distribution is, probably, the result of domain structure of the crystals.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical properties of the first strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides: Sr3(SeO3)(Se2O5)Cl2 and Sr4(Te3O8)Cl4

Two new quaternary strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides, namely, Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ and Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄, have been prepared by solid-state reaction. Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ features a three-dimensional (3D) network structure constructed from strontium(II) interconnected by Cl⁻, SeO₃²⁻ as well as Se₂O₅²⁻ anions. The structure of Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄ features a 3D network in which the strontium tellurium oxide slabs are interconnected by bridging Cl⁻ anions. The diffuse reflectance spectrum measurements and results of the electronic band structure calculations indicate that both compounds are wide band-gap semiconductors.     

Syntheses, structures and Raman spectra of Cd(BF4)(AF6) (A = Ta, Bi) compounds

The compounds, Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Both isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with a = 8.2700(6) Å, b = 9.3691(6) Å, c = 8.8896(7) Å, β = 94.196(3)°, V = 686.94(9) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(TaF₆) and a = 8.3412(8) Å, b = 9.4062(8) Å, c = 8.9570(7) Å, β = 93.320(5)°, V = 701.58(11) Å³ for Cd(BF₄)(BiF₆). Eight fluorine atoms (4 BF₄⁻ + 4 AF₆⁻) form a surrounding around the cadmium atom in the shape of distorted square antiprism. These compounds are not isostructural with mixed-anion analogues of Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb studied earlier.     

Supramolecular structures containing ‘isolated’ pentaborate anions and non-metal cations: Crystal structures of [Me3NCH2CH2OH][B5O6(OH)4] and [4-MepyH, 4-Mepy][B5O6(OH)4]

The solid-state structures of two non-metal pentaborates [Me₃NCH₂CH₂OH][B₅O₆(OH)₄] (1) and [4-MepyH, 4-Mepy][B₅O₆(OH)₄] (2) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Structures 1 and 2 both contain supramolecular pentaborate frameworks held together by extensive H-bond interactions. The framework of 1 exists essentially as planes of pentaborate anions linked via three pairwise ‘planar’ β → α interactions, with a fourth β → β interaction crosslinking the planes. The framework of 2 is very similar except that one of the three pairwise linkages within the plane is replaced by pairwise ‘step-like’ bifurcated H-bonds to both α sites of a neighboring anion. The cations in 1 and the cations and neutral 4-Mepy ligands in 2 are present in the framework cavities and channels, with additional H-bond interactions existing between cations and anions.     

[Hg5O2(OH)4][(UO2)2(AsO4)2]: A complex mercury(II) uranyl arsenate

Under mild hydrothermal conditions UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, and Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O react to form [Hg₅O₂(OH)₄][(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂] (HgUAs-1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that HgUAs-1 possesses a pseudo-layered structure consisting of two types of layers: and . The layers are complex, and contain three crystallographically unique Hg centers. The coordination environments and bond-valence sum calculations indicate that the Hg centers are divalent. The layers belong to the Johannite topological family. The and layers are linked to each other through μ₂-O bridges that include Hg?O=U=O interactions.     

(η5-C5H5)TiCl2(OC6H4X): synthesis and properties (X = NO2, Cl,CH3)

The compounds (η⁵-C₅H₅)TiCl₂(OC₆H₄X), where X = NO₂, Cl, CH₃, have been obtained from the reaction of CpTiCl₃ with suitable substituted phenols in 1 : 1 ratio. Some of the IR and NMR bands of the compounds correlate directly with Hammett σ factors.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of (NH4)2NaVF6 and Na3VF6

The single crystals of perovskite fluorides (NH₄)₂NaVF₆ and Na₃VF₆ were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structures of the compounds were determined by means of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses, respectively. (NH₄)₂NaVF₆ has a cubic elpasolite-type structure and crystallizes in the space group with lattice constant a=8.495(0) Å. Rietveld refinement indicates that Na₃VF₆ has a monoclinic structure and is in space group P2₁/n. The compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility. With the temperature decreasing, the magnetic studies of the compounds showed the magnetic ordering was related to the crystallographic features and isolated magnetic units.     

Substitution in barium-fluoride apatite: The crystal structures of Ba10(PO4)6F2, Ba6La2Na2(PO4)6F2 and Ba4Nd3Na3(PO4)6F2

The crystal structures of the apatites Ba₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂(I), Ba₆La₂Na₂(PO₄)₆F₂(II) and Ba₄Nd₃Na₃(PO₄)₆F₂ (III) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All three compounds crystallize in a hexagonal apatite-like structure. The unit cells and space groups are: I, a = 10.153(2), c = 7.733(1)Å, $\text{P6}{}_3\text{m}\text{; a = 9.9392(4), c = 7.4419(5)}$Å, $\text{P}\text{6}$; III, a = 9.786(2), c = 7.281(1)Å, $\text{P}\text{3}$. The structures were refined by normal full-matrix crystallographic least squares techniques. The final values of the refinement indicators R_w and R are: I, R_w = 0.026, R = 0.027, 613 observed reflections; II, R_w = 0.081, R = 0.074, 579 observed reflections; III, R_w = 0.062, R = 0.044, 1262 observed reflections.In I, the Ba(1) atoms located in columns on threefold axes, are coordinated to nine oxygen atoms; the Ba(2) sites form triangles about the F site and are coordinated to six oxygen atoms and one fluoride ion. The fluoride ions are statistically displaced ～0.25 Å from the Ba(2) triangles. This displacement of the F ions is analogous to the displacement of OH ion in Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂.The structures of II and III contain disordered cations. In II there is disorder between La and Na in the column cation sites as well as triangle sites. In III, Nd and Na ions are ordered in the column sites, but there is disorder among Ba and the remaining Nd and Na ions in the triangle sites to give an average site population of $\text{2}\text{3}\text{Ba}\text{,}\text{1}\text{6}\text{Nd}\text{,}\text{1}\text{6}\text{Na}$. The coordination of the rare earth ions and Na ions in the ordered column sites are nine and six oxygens, respectively, in accord with the greater charge of the rare earth ions as compared with Na. The F ions in both II and III suffer from considerable disorder in position, and their locations are not precisely known.     

Synthesis and reactivity of [N(C6H4Br)3][B(C6F5)4]: the X-ray crystal structure of [Fe(C5H5)2][B(C6F5)4]

A new chemical oxidant [N(4-C₆H₄Br)₃][B(C₆F₅)₄], was prepared and used to synthesize [Fe(C₅H₅)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄]. The crystal structure of [Fe(C₅H₅)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] was determined.     

Antimonypentafluoroorthotellurates: Sb(OTeF5)3, Sb(OTeF5)5 and salts of Sb(OTeF5)6−

Antimony(III)pentafluoroorthotellurate has been synthesized from SbF₃ and B(OTeF₅)₃. Contrary to a previous report it is a low melting, sublimable solid (mp = 28°, bp (0.1 torr) = 68°, ¹⁹F - NMR: AB₄ spinsystem δ (A) = ?42.7, δ (B) = ?38.1, J (AB) = 186 Hz). It reacts with F₂, Cl₂ and Br₂ to give SbF₂(OTeF₅)₃, SbCl₄⁺Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? and SbBr₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? respectively. Interaction of Xe(OTeF₅)₂ and Sb(OTeF₅)₃ yields Sb(OTeF₅)₅, which is unstable at room temperature. Salts containing the new anion Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? have been synthesized either from Sb(OTeF₅)₅ and a corresponding pentafluoroorthotellurate e.g. Sb(OTeF₅)₅ + NMe₄⁺ OTeF₅^? = NMe₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^?, or from SbCl₄ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? and an appropriate chloride SbCl₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? + NOCl = SbCl₅ + NO⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^?, or oxidatively, using a mixture of Xe(OTeF₅)₂ and Sb(OTeF₅)₅, e.g. C₆F₆ + $\text{1}\text{2}$ Xe(OTeF₅)₂ + Sb(OTeF₅)₅ = C₆F₆⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? + $\text{1}\text{2}$ Xe.     

Magnetic structures of the M2TbF6 (M=Li, K, Rb) fluorides: A complex behavior resulting from frustration

Neutron powder diffraction has been performed on Li₂TbF₆, K₂TbF₆ and Rb₂TbF₆ fluoroterbates. Incommensurate long-range magnetic order is observed below T_N=2.02, 1.60 and 2.07 K. The square-modulating of the magnetic structures can be correlated with the geometric frustration induced by the pseudo-hexagonal packing of the [TbF₆]²⁻ chains in these hexafluorides. This frustration and the magnetic interactions are discussed on the basis of experimental data and topological considerations. The magnetic structures encountered in this series, and the particular thermal evolution of the Li₂TbF₆ magnetic structure may result from the competition between the magnetic interactions taking place in the chains and the magnetic interactions coupling the chains.     

Synthesis, crystal and band structures, and optical properties of a new supramolecular complex: [Hg6Sb4](InBr6)Br

A new supramolecular complex [Hg₆Sb₄](InBr₆)Br (1) has been prepared by the solid-state reaction of HgBr₂ with elemental In and Sb at 450 °C. The crystal structure of 1 features a three-dimensional [Hg₆Sb₄]⁴⁺ framework with cavities of two different sizes occupied by different kinds of guest anions. The bigger cavities are filled with the octahedral InBr₆³⁻ ions, while the smaller cavities trap Br⁻ ions. The optical properties were investigated in terms of the diffuse reflectance and infrared spectra. The electronic band structure along with density of states (DOS) calculated by DFT method indicates that the present compound is semiconductor, and the optical absorption is mainly originated from the charge transitions from Sb-5p and Br-4p to In-5s and Hg-6s states.