Substitution Effects in Zintl Phases: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Novel Phases Ae3Sn4−xBi1+x (x ≤ 1; Ae = Sr,Ba) Containing Shubnikov‐Type Nets $^{2}_{\infty}\rm [Sn_{4-x}Bi_{x}]$

The compounds Ae₃Sn_4?xBi_1+x (Ae = Sr, Ba) with x < 1 have been synthesized by solid‐state reactions in welded Nb tubes at high temperature. Their structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies to be tetragonal; space group I4/mcm (No. 140); Z = 4, with a = 8.968(1) Å, c = 12.859(1) Å for Sr₃Sn_3.36Bi_1.64(3) ( 1 ) and a = 9.248(2), c = 13.323(3) Å for Ba₃Sn_3.16Bi_1.84(3) ( 2 ). The structure consists of two interpenetrating networks formed by a 3D Ae_6/2Bi substructure (anti‐ReO₃ type) forming the host, and layers of interconnected four‐member units [Sn_4?xBi_x] with “butterfly”‐like shape as the guest. According to the Zintl‐Klemm concept, the compounds are slightly electron deficient and will be charge balanced for x = 1. The electronic structures of Ae₃Sn_4?xBi_1+x calculated by the TB‐LMTO‐ASA method indicate that the compounds correspond to ideal semiconducting Zintl phases with a narrow band gap for x = 1 (zero‐gap semiconductor). The origin of the slight deviation from the optimal electron count for a valance compound is discussed.     

Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Clathrate‐I Cs8–xGe44+y□2–y

The clathrate‐I phase Cs_8–xGe_44+y□_2–y (space group Pm$\bar{3}$ n) was prepared by high‐pressure high‐temperature reactions of Cs₄Ge₄ and α‐Ge. Different reaction conditions were found to have a strong influence on the lattice parameter of the clathrate‐I phase ranging from 10.8070(2) Å to 10.8493(3) Å. A single crystal with composition Cs₈Ge_44.40(2)□_1.60(2) was obtained from a sample with a = 10.8238(2) Å (niobium ampoule, p = 3.4 GPa, T_max = 1400 °C). Structure analysis based on X‐ray single crystal data shows unambiguously an excess of germanium atoms with respect to the electron balanced composition Cs₈Ge₄₄□₂ on basis of the Zintl concept.     

Ge Pairs and Sb Ribbons in Rare‐Earth Germanium Antimonides RE12Ge7−xSb21 (RE=La–Pr)

The ternary rare‐earth germanium antimonides RE₁₂Ge_7?xSb₂₁ (RE=La–Pr; x=0.4–0.5) are synthesized by direct reactions of the elements. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that they adopt a new structure type (space group Immm, Z=2, a=4.3165(4)–4.2578(2) Å, b=15.2050(12)–14.9777(7) Å, c=34.443(3)–33.9376(16) Å in the progression from RE=La to Pr), integrating complex features found in RE₆Ge_5?xSb_11+x and RE₁₂Ga₄Sb₂₃. A three‐dimensional polyanionic framework, consisting of Ge pairs and Sb ribbons, outlines large channels occupied by columns of face‐sharing RE₆ trigonal prisms. These trigonal prisms are centered by additional Ge and Sb atoms to form GeSb₃ trigonal‐planar units. A bonding analysis attempted through a Zintl–Klemm approach suggests that full electron transfer from the RE atoms to the anionic substructure cannot be assumed. This is confirmed by band‐structure calculations, which also reveal the importance of Ge? Sb and Sb? Sb bonding. Magnetic measurements on Ce₁₂Ge_6.5Sb₂₁ indicate antiferromagnetic coupling but no long‐range ordering down to 2 K.     

The Crystal Structure of Kx(MgxIn1–x)F3 (x = 0.38): a New Magnéli‐Bronze Type Fluoride

K_x(Mg_xIn_1–x)F₃ (x = 0.38) is monoclinic, pseudo tetragonal: a = 12.781(2) Å, b = 12.787(2) Å, c = 7.930(1) Å, β = 90,00(1)°, Z = 20. The crystal structure was solved in the space group P2₁/a (No. 14), subgroup of the tetragonal space group P4/mbm (No. 127), from X‐ray single crystal data using 4302 unique reflections (1770 with F_o/σ(F_o) > 4). The final observed R factor is 0.053. K_x(Mg_xIn_1–x)F₃ has the Magnéli‐bronze structural type, which consists in a tridimensional framework of mixed [(Mg_xIn_1–x)F₆] octahedra linked together by corners. The potassium ions are mainly located in large almost fully occupied 15‐coordinated sites and in practically empty 12‐coordinated cavities.     

New Examples for the Unexpected Stability of the 10π‐Electron Hückel Arene [Si6]10–

The compounds Ba₄Ag₂Si₆, Eu₄Ag₂Si₆, and Ca₄Ag₂Si₆, prepared from the elements at 1273 K (the components in inner corundum crucibles are enclosed in sealed quartz ampoules), are brittle semiconductors with silvery luster. They react slowly with acids liberating hydrogen. Ba₄Ag₂[Si₆] and Eu₄Ag₂[Si₆] crystallize like Ba₄Li₂[Si₆] (space group Fddd (No. 70); a = 8.613 Å, b = 14.927 Å, c = 19.639 Å, and a = 8.420 Å, b = 14.585 Å, c = 17.864 Å, respectively), whereas Ca₄Ag₂[Si₆] represents a new structure type (space group Fmmm (No. 69); a = 8.315 Å, b = 14.391 Å, c = 8.646 Å). The three compounds are Zintl phases with the formal charges M²⁺, Ag⁺ and [Si₆]^10–. The mean bond lengths d(Si–Si) = 2.335–2.381 Å in the 10π‐Hückel arene [Si₆]^10– as well as d(Ag–Si) = 2.464–2.595 Å vary with the size of the M²⁺ cations. The chemical bonding was analyzed in terms of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and compared with the bonding in related systems (Ce₄Co₂Si₆).     

High‐Pressure Synthesis and Physical Properties of the Europium‐Substituted Barium Clathrate Ba8−xEuxGe43□3 (x ≤ 0.6)

The new clathrate Ba_8–xEuxGe₄₃□₃ (x = 0.6) was synthesized at a pressure of 1 GPa and temperatures of up to 1220 K by means of a multi‐anvil device (Walker module) and a hydraulic 1000 ton press. X‐ray powder diffraction data indicate that the crystal structure of Ba_8–xEuxGe₄₃□₃ (x = 0.6, space group , a = 21.2588(3) Å) corresponds to that of Ba₈Ge₄₃□₃. Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of Ba_8–xEuxGe₄₃□₃ reveal Curie‐paramagnetic behaviour and prove that the electronic state of europium corresponds to 4f⁷, i.e., Eu²⁺. Electrical resistivity shows a metal‐like temperature dependence and ρ(300) ≈ 2mΩ cm for x = 0.6. Heat capacity measurements reveal an upturn of c_p/T(T) below 7 K that is attributed to magnetic interaction of the europium ions.     

Li6+2x[B10Se18]Sex (x ≈ 2), ein ionenleitendes Doppelsalz

Li_6+2x[B₁₀Se₁₈]Se_x (x ≈ 2), an Ion‐conducting Double Salt Li_6+2x[B₁₀Se₁₈]Se_x (x ≈ 2) was prepared in a solid state reaction from lithium selenide, amorphous boron and selenium in evacuated carbon coated silica tubes at a temperature of 800 °C. Subsequent cooling from 600 °C to 300 °C gave amber colored crystals with the following lattice parameters: space group I2/a (at 173 K); a = 17.411(1) Å, b = 21.900(1) Å, c = 17.820(1) Å, β = 101.6(1)°. The crystal structure contains a well‐defined polymeric selenoborate network of composition ([B₁₀Se₁₆Se_4/2]^6?)_n consisting of a system of edge‐sharing [B₁₀Se₁₆Se_4/2] adamantanoid macro‐tetrahedra forming large channels in which a strongly disorderd system of partial occupied Li⁺ cations and additional disordered Se^2? anions is observed. The crystal structure of the novel selenoborate is isotypic to Li_6+2x[B₁₀S₁₈]S_x (x ≈ 2) [1]. X‐ray and ⁷Li magic‐angle spinning NMR data suggest that the site occupancies of the three crystallographically distinct lithium ions exhibit a significant temperature dependence. The lithium ion mobility has been characterized by detailed temperature dependent NMR lineshape and spin‐lattice relaxation measurements.     

Die Tieftemperaturmodifikationen von Ag6Si2O7 und Ag6Ge2O7 – Darstellung,Kristallstruktur und Vergleich der Ag?Ag-Abstände

On the Low Temperature Modifications of Ag₆Si₂O₇ and Ag₆Ge₂O₇ – Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Comparison of Ag? Ag Distances For the first time, single crystals of Ag₆Si₂O₇ and Ag₆Ge₂O₇ have been obtained by solid state reactions of the binary oxides at temperatures of 350°C while applying oxygen pressures of 700 bar. According to the results of X-ray crystal structure determinations both compounds crystallize isostructural in P2₁ (Ag₆Si₂O₇: a = 5.3043(5) Å, b = 9.7533(7) Å, c = 15.9283(13) Å, β = 91.165(8)°, 3881 independent reflections, R1 = 3.3%, wR2 = 7.2%; Ag₆Ge₂O₇: a = 5.3713(4) Å, b = 9.9835(8) Å, c = 16.2249(14) Å, β = 90.904(8)°, 2111 independent reflections, R1 = 4.3%, wR2 = 6.0%, Z = 4). The crystal structures contain two independent M₂O₇^6? anions, one in a staggered, and the other in an ecliptic conformation. The cationic partial structure may be described as a distorted bcc arrangement of Ag⁺ and M⁴⁺. Comparison of the structures with respect to the Ag? Ag separations reveals the latter to be probably due to intrinsic d¹⁰–d¹⁰ bonding interactions as far as the range of 2.89 Å to 3.25 Å is considered.     

Dimers of Ag2+ Ions – Synthesis and Characterization of the Quaternary Silver Fluoride Ag2ZnZr2F14 with [Ag2F7]3– Units

Deep blue‐violet colored powder samples of Ag₂ZnZr₂F₁₄ were synthesized by heating Zn(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, Ag and ZrOCl₂·8H₂O at 300 °C under fluorine atmosphere. The crystal structure of Ag₂ZnZr₂F₁₄ was refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method (C2/m, a = 9.0206(1) Å, b = 6.6373(1) Å, c = 9.0563(1) Å, β = 90.44(1)°, Z = 2). The structure is derived from the isotypic Ag₃Zr₂F₁₄ by replacing only one of the two crystallographically different Ag²⁺ ions with Zn²⁺ ions, thus leading to discrete Ag₂F₇ dimers. These dimers are connected via nearly linear Ag–F···F–Ag bridges with short F···F distances of 2.33 Å to form two‐legged ladders. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and density functional calculations show that the two Ag²⁺ ions in each Ag₂F₇ dimer are strongly coupled antiferromagnetically.     

Zintl‐Verbindungen mit Gold und Germanium: M3AuGe4 mit M = K,Rb und Cs

Zintl‐Compounds with Gold and Germanium: M₃AuGe₄ with M = K, Rb, Cs Black, brittle single crystals of M₃AuGe₄ with M = K, Rb, Cs were synthesized by reactions of alkali metal azides (MN₃) with gold sponge and germanium powder at T = 1120 K. The structures of the compounds (space group Pmmn, Z = 2, K₃AuGe₄: a = 6.655(1)Å, b = 11.911(2)Å, c = 6.081(1)Å; Rb₃AuGe₄: a = 6.894(1)Å, b = 12.421(1)Å, c = 6.107(1)Å; Cs₃AuGe₄: a = 7.179(1)Å, b = 12.993(2)Å, c = 6.112(2)Å) were determined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometry data. The semiconducting compounds contain equation/tex2gif-stack-2.gif[AuGe₄]‐chains with P₄‐analogous Ge₄‐tetrahedra which are connected by μ₂‐bridging gold atoms in a distorted tetrahedral Ge‐coordination.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen der Calcium‐Iridiumsilicide Ca3Ir4Si4 und Ca2Ir2Si

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of the Calcium Iridium Silicides Ca₃Ir₄Si₄ and Ca₂Ir₂Si The new compounds Ca₃Ir₄Si₄ und Ca₂Ir₂Si were prepared by reaction of the elemental components in sealed tantalum ampoules at 1200 °C. Their structures were determined from X‐ray single crystal data. Ca₃Ir₄Si₄(cubic, space group I4¯3m, a = 7.4171(2)Å, Z = 2) crystallizes with the Na₃Pt₄Ge₄ type structure. For Ca₂Ir₂Si (monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 9.6567(5)Å, b = 5.8252(2)Å, c = 7.3019(4)Å, β = 100.212(2)°, Z = 4) a new structure was found. Chains of edge sharing, heavily distorted SiIr₄‐tetrahedra (Ir‐Si: 2.381 and 2.414Å) are connected via short Ir—Ir‐contacts (2.640Å) to form an open Ir/Si‐framework accommodating a three‐dimensional arrangement of calcium atoms (Ca—Ca: 3.413 ‐ 3.948Å).     

Synthesis,Crystal, and Electronic Structure of the New Ternary Zintl Phase Eu2–xMg2–yGe3 (x = 0.1; y = 0.5)

The new ternary phase Eu_2–xMg_2–yGe₃ (x = 0.1, y = 0.5) was obtained by solid‐state synthesis and the structure determined by means of Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction. The compound crystallizes with the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (no. 63) having structural features of the low‐temperature modification of LaSi. The crystal structure contains two different types of germanium anions: isolated Ge^4– and $\rm^{2}_{\infty}$ [Ge^2–x–y] chains. The cation substructure is partially disordered and is best represented assuming a split position. The chemical bonding is well represented by the Zintl‐Klemm concept. Resistivity measurements reveal that the compound is metallic. DFT band structure calculations were carried out on the ideal stoichiometric compound Eu₂Mg₂Ge₃, showing that this model (x = 0; y = 0) would be also metallic as a consequence of the ecliptic stacking of anions. Susceptibility and specific heat measurements evidence the presence of weak, and probably frustrated, antiferromagnetic interactions between disordered europium atoms.     

Yb2+3—xPd12—3+xP7 (x = 0.40): Different Ytterbium Species in a Substituted Structural Motif of the Zr2Fe12P7 Type

The new compound Yb_2+3—xPd_12—3+xP₇ x = 0.40(4)) was synthesized by sintering of a mixture of elemental components at 1100 °C with subsequent annealing at 800 °C. The crystal structure of Yb_2+3—xPd_12—3+xP₇ was solved and refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data: space group P6¯, a = 10.0094(4)Å, c = 3.9543(2)Å, Z = 1; R(F) = 0.022 for 814 observed unique reflections and 38 refined parameters. The atomic arrangement reproduces a structure motif of the hexagonal Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type in which one of the transition metal positions is substituted predominantly by ytterbium (Yb : Pd = 0.86(1) : 0.14). The ytterbium atoms are embedded in the 3D polyanion formed by palladium and phosphorus atoms. Two different environments for ytterbium atoms are present in the structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and XAS spectroscopy at the Yb L_III edge show the presence of ytterbium in two electronic configurations, 4?¹³ and 4?¹⁴. The following model was derived. Ytterbium atoms in the 3k site are in the 4?¹³ state, the two remaining positions contain ytterbium in intermediate‐valence states, giving totally 79 % ytterbium in the 4?¹³ electronic configuration.     

Nitrides with Inverse K2[NiF4] Structure: (R1–xCa3+xN1–x/3)Bi2 with R = Rare‐Earth Metal

The novel nitrides (R_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ (with R = La, Ce, Pr) crystallize in the K₂[NiF₄] structure type (I4/mmm, No. 139, Z = 2). Samples (La_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ with x = 0.10, 0.05, 0.00, (Ce_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ with x = 0.30, and (PrCa₃N)Bi₂ were obtained as single phase microcrystalline powders according to X‐ray diffraction and the crystal structure details were derived from Rietveld refinements based on X‐ray and neutron diffraction powder patterns. A partial order of R³⁺/Ca²⁺ on two crystallographic sites is governed by different ionic radii and charges. (La_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ and (Ce_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ exhibit small homogeneity ranges and typically a nitrogen deficiency. In contrast, for (PrCa₃N)Bi₂ no indications for a significant homogeneity range or deficiency of nitrogen was observed. (La_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ with x = 0.05 is a diamagnet. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the CeL₃‐edge as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements evidence that (Ce_1–xCa_3+xN_1–x/3)Bi₂ with x = 0.30 contains Ce³⁺ in the 4f¹ configuration. According to electrical resistivity data, samples from all three systems are heavily doped semiconductors.     

Novel Derivatives of the CaIn2 Type of Structure: Yb1+xMg1—xGa4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa4

The compounds Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa₄ were synthesized by direct reaction of the elements in sealed niobium crucibles. The atomic arrangement of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) represents a new structure type (space group P6¯m2, a = 4.3979(3)Å and c = 6.9671(7)Å) as evidenced by single crystal structure analysis and can be described as an ordered variant of CaIn₂. YLiGa₄ is isotypic to the ytterbium compound according to X‐ray Guinier powder data (a = 4.3168(1)Å and c = 6.8716(2)Å). Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of both compounds reveal intrinsic diamagnetic behaviour, i.e., ytterbium in the 4f¹⁴ configuration for Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0). From electrical resistivity data both compounds can be classified as metals. The compressibility of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) as measured in diamond anvil cells by angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction is compatible with a valence change of the ytterbium atoms at high‐pressures and indicates a slight anisotropy which is in accordance with the structural organisation of the gallium network. X‐ray absorption spectra of the Yb L_III edge of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) at pressures up to 25.0 GPa show a two‐peak structure which reveals the presence of Yb in the 4f¹⁴ and 4f¹³ states. The amount of ytterbium in the 4f¹³ state increases in two steps with progressing compression. The bonding analysis by means of the electron localization function reveals the Zintl‐like character of both compounds and confirms the 4f¹⁴ state for the majority of ytterbium atoms.     

Quaternary Germanides Formed in Molten Aluminum: Tb2NiAl4Ge2 and Ce2NiAl6‐xGe4‐y (x ∼ 0.24, y ∼ 1.34)

The intermetallic phases Tb₂NiAl₄Ge₂ and Ce₂NiAl_6‐xGe_4‐y (x ∼ 0.24, y ∼ 1.34) were synthesized in molten Al at temperatures below 1000 °C. Both compounds adopt the tetragonal space group I4/mmm with cell parameters of a= 4.1346(2) Å c = 19.3437(7) Å for Tb₂NiAl₄Ge₂ and a= 4.1951(9) Å and c = 26.524(7) Å for Ce₂NiAl_6‐xGe_4‐y. The Tb₂NiAl₄Ge₂ structure features NiAl₄Ge₂ layers separated by a double layer of rare earth ions. The Ce₂NiAl_6‐xGe_4‐y (x ∼ 0.24, y ∼ 1.34) structure also contains the NiAl₄Ge₂ layers along with a vacancy defect PbO‐type Al_2‐xGe_2‐y layer, and is related to the Ce₂NiGa₁₀ structure type. Ordering of vacancies cause the formation of a 3ax3b superstructure in the crystal as seen by electron diffraction experiments. Tb₂NiAl₄Ge₂ exhibits Curie‐Weiss paramagnetic behavior with an antiferromagnetic transition observed at ∼20 K. Ce₂NiAl_6‐xGe_4‐y shows a much more complex magnetic behavior possibly due to temperature induced variation in the valency of the Ce atoms.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structure Determination,and Magnetic Properties of a New Calcium Iron Iridium Hydrogarnet Ca3(Ir2–xFex)(FeO4)2–x(O4H4)1+x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1

The new calcium iron iridium hydrogarnet Ca₃(Ir_2–xFe_x)(FeO₄)_2–x(H₄O₄)_1+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis under strongly oxidizing alkaline conditions. The compound adopts a garnet‐like crystal structure and crystallizes in the acentric cubic space group I4 3d (no. 220) with a = 12.5396(6) Å determined at T = 100 K for a crystal with a refined composition Ca₃(Ir_1.4Fe_0.6)(FeO₄)_1.4(O₄H₄)_1.6. Iridium and iron statistically occupy the octahedrally coordinated metal position, the two crystallographically independent tetrahedral sites are partially occupied by iron. Hydroxide groups are found to cluster as hydrogarnet defects, i.e. partially substituting oxide anions around the empty tetrahedral metal sites. The presence of hydroxide ions was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and the hydrogen content was quantified by carrier gas hot extraction; the overall composition was verified by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The structure model is supported by ⁵⁷Fe‐Mössbauer spectroscopic data evidencing different Fe sites and a magnetic ordering of the octahedral iron sublattice at room temperature. The thermal decomposition proceeds via three steps of water loss and results in Ca₂Fe₂O₅, Fe₂O₃ and Ir. Mössbauer and magnetization data suggest magnetic order at ambient temperature with complex magnetic interactions.     

Na2Ge3P3 and Na5Ge7P5 Comprising Heteroatomic Polyanions Mimicking the Structure of Fibrous Red Phosphorus

Recently lithium phosphidogermanates were discovered as fast lithium ion conductors for potential usage as solid electrolytes in all solid-state batteries. In this context we also studied sodium phosphidogermanates since sodium ion conductors are of equal interest. Na₂Ge₃P₃ and Na₅Ge₇P₅ both crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/m with unit cell parameters of a = 17.639(4) Å, b = 3.6176(7) Å, c = 11.354(2) Å, β = 92.74(3)° and a = 16.168(5) Å, b = 3.6776(7) Å, c = 12.924(4) Å, β = 91.30(3)°, respectively. Both show linearly condensed 9-atom cages of four Ge / five P and five Ge / four P atoms, respectively. These cages contain Ge–Ge bonds and form one-dimensional tubes by sharing three atoms. The parallel tubes are paired through further Ge–Ge bonds. Both structures are closely related to the one of the fibrous type of crystalline red phosphorus. A comparison with other compounds such as NaGe₃P₃ and GeP reveals recurring structural motifs with a broad variety of connection patterns. According to the general formula Na_4+xGe_6+xP_6–x with x = 0 and 1, the two novel structures hint for the possibility of a variable Na content which might allow Na ion mobility.     

ThSi2 Type Ytterbium Disilicide and its Analogues YbTxSi2–x (T = Cr,Fe, Co)

YbSi₂ and the derivatives YbT_xSi_2–x (T = Cr, Fe, Co) crystallizing in the α‐ThSi₂ structure type were obtained as single crystals from reactions run in liquid indium. All silicides were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, I4₁/amd space group and the lattice constants are: a = 3.9868(6) Å and c = 13.541(3) Å for YbSi₂, a = 4.0123(6) Å and c = 13.542(3) Å for YbCr_0.27Si_1.73, a = 4.0142(6) Å and c = 13.830(3) Å for YbCr_0.71Si_1.29, a = 4.0080(6) Å and c = 13.751(3) Å for YbFe_0.34Si_1.66, and a = 4.0036(6) Å, c = 13.707(3) Å for YbCo_0.21Si_1.79. YbSi₂ and YbT_xSi_2–x compounds are polar intermetallics with three‐dimensional Si and M (T+Si) polyanion sub‐networks, respectively, filled with ytterbium atoms. The degree of substitution of transition metal at the silicon site is signficant and leads to changes in the average bond lengths and bond angles substantially.     

Pr10[Si10−xAlxO9+xN17−x]Cl with x ≈ 1 – an Oxonitridoaluminosilicate Chloride

The oxonitridoaluminosilicate chloride Pr₁₀[Si_10?xAl_xO_9+xN_17?x]Cl was obtained by the reaction of praseodymium metal, the respective chloride, AlN and Al(OH)₃ with “Si(NH)₂” in a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures around 1900 °C. The crystal structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (Pbam, no. 55, Z = 2,a = 10.5973(8) Å, b = 11.1687(6) Å, c = 11.6179(7) Å, R1 = 0.0337). The sialon crystallizes isotypically to the oxonitridosilicate halides Ce₁₀[Si₁₀O₉N₁₇]Br, Nd₁₀[Si₁₀O₉N₁₇]Br and Nd₁₀[Si₁₀O₉N₁₇]Cl, which represent a new layered structure type. The structure refinement was performed utilizing an O/N‐distribution model according to Paulings rules, i.e. nitrogen was positioned on all bridging sites and mixed O/Noccupation was assumed on the terminal sites resulting in charge neutrality of the compounds. The Si and Al atoms were refined equally distributed on their three crystallographic sites, due to their poor distinguishability by X‐ray analysis. The tetrahedra layers of the structure consist of condensed [(Si,Al)N₂(O,N)₂] and [(Si,Al)N₃(O,N)] tetrahedra of Q² and Q³ type. The chemical composition of the compound was derived from electron probe micro analyses (EPMA).