Ternary lithium stannides LixT3Sn7−x (T=Rh, Ir)

The ternary stannides Li_xRh₃Sn_7−x (x=0.45, 0.64, 0.80) and Li_xIr₃Sn_7−x (x=0.62 and 0.66) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a water-cooled sample chamber of an induction furnace. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. The stannides adopt the cubic Ir₃Ge₇-type structure (space group , Z=4). In this structure type the tin atoms occupy the Wyckoff positions 12d and 16f and form two interpenetrating frameworks consisting of cubes and square antiprisms. The rhodium and iridium atoms center the square antiprisms and are arranged in pairs. With increasing lithium substitution the lattice parameter of Ir₃Sn₇ (936.7) decreases via 932.2 pm (x=0.62) to 931.2 pm (x=0.66), while the Ir-Ir distance remains almost the same (290 pm). A similar trend is observed for the rhodium compounds. The lithium atoms substitute Sn on both framework sites. However, the 16f site shows a substantially larger preference for Li occupation. This is in contrast to the isotypic magnesium based compounds.     

The Ternary Stannides MgRuSn4 and MgxRh3Sn7—x (x = 0.98—1.55)

The magnesium transition metal stannides MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x (x = 0.98—1.55) were synthesized from the elements in glassy carbon crucibles in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. They were characterized by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. MgRuSn₄ adopts an ordered PdGa₅ type structure: I4/mcm, a = 674.7(1), c = 1118.1(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0506, 515 F² values and 12 variable parameters. The ruthenium atoms have a square‐antiprismatic tin coordination with Ru—Sn distances of 284 pm. These [RuSn_8/2] antiprisms are condensed via common faces forming two‐dimensional networks. The magnesium atoms fill square‐prismatic cavities between adjacent [RuSn₄] layers with Mg—Sn distances of 299 pm. The rhodium based stannides Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x crystallize with the cubic Ir₃Ge₇ type structure, space groupe Im3m. The structures of four single crystals with x = 0.98, 1.17, 1.36, and 1.55 have been refined from X‐ray diffractometer data. With increasing tin substitution the a lattice parameter decreases from 932.3(1) pm for x = 0.98 to 929.49(6) pm for x = 1.55. The rhodium atoms have a square antiprismatic tin/magnesium coordination. Mixed Sn/Mg occupancies have been observed for both tin sites but to a larger extend for the 12d Sn2 site. Chemical bonding in MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x is briefly discussed.     

K2Mg5−xSn3 and K3Mg18Tt11 (Tt=Sn, pb) with two types of Mg-Sn/Pb frameworks

K₂Mg_5−xSn₃ (x=0.28) and K₃Mg₁₈Tt₁₁ (Tt=Sn, Pb) have been synthesized by reacting the mixture of the corresponding pure elements at high temperature, and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. K₂Mg_5−xSn₃ (x=0.28) is isostructural with Ni_7−xSbQ₂ (Q=Se, Te) series and features 2D corrugated [Mg_5−xSn₃] layers that are separated by K⁺ cations. The structure of K₃Mg₁₈Tt₁₁ (Tt=Sn, Pb) is closely related to the Ho₂Rh₁₂As₇ structural type and features 3D [Mg₁₈Tt₁₁] framework composed of 1D [Mg₁₈Tt₁₁] columns that are interconnected via Mg-Tt bonds, forming 1D hexagonal tunnels occupied by the K+ cations. Electronic structure calculations indicate that Mg atoms can function as either electron donor or as a participator in the network along with Tt atoms. Magnetic property measurements and band structure calculations indicate that these compounds are metallic.     

Networks of icosahedra in the sodium-zinc-stannides Na16Zn13.54Sn13.46(5), Na22Zn20Sn19(1), and Na34Zn66Sn38(1)

The three new ternary phases Na₁₆Zn_13.54Sn_13.46(5) (I), Na₂₂Zn₂₀Sn₁₉₍₁₎ (II), and Na₃₄Zn₆₆Sn₃₈₍₁₎ (III) were obtained by direct fusion of the pure elements and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments: I, Ibam, Z=8, a=27.401(1), b=16.100(1), c=18.431(1) Å, R₁/wR₂ (all data)=0.051/0.088; II, Pnma, Z=4, a=16.403(1), b=15.598(1), c=22.655(6) Å, R₁/wR₂ (all data)=0.038/0.071; III, R3¯m, Z=3, a=16.956(1), c=36.861(1) Å, R₁/wR₂ (all data)=0.045/0.092. The structures consist of complex 3D cluster networks made of Zn and Sn atoms with the common motif of Kagomé nets of icosahedra. Additionally to the new heteroatomic {Zn_12−xSn_x} icosahedra that are omnipresent, triangular units, cages, and pairs of triply fused icosahedra fill the cavities of the Kagomé nets in compounds I, II, and III, respectively. Whereas I crystallizes in a new structure type, II and III have structural analogs in trielide chemistry. All three compounds closely approach the electron numbers expected for valence compounds according to the extended 8-N rule. The concept of achieving an isovalent situation to triel elements by combination of electron poorer and richer elements and the readily mixing of Zn and Sn allow the formation of icosahedral and triangular clusters without the participation of a group 13 element.     

The magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir3.30(1)Mg17.96(4)In0.74(4) and Ir3Mg17.1(1)In1.9(1)

Phase analytical investigations in the system magnesium-iridium-indium revealed the magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4) and Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). The samples were prepared from the elements via induction melting in glassy carbon crucibles in a water-cooled sample chamber and subsequent annealing. Both intermetallics were investigated by X-ray powder and single-crystal diffraction: C2/c, Z=4, a=979.1(1), b=2197.4(2), , β=105.79(1)°, wR₂=0.0434, 3076 F² values, 108 variables for Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), and a=983.39(8), b=2211.4(2), , β=105.757(6)°, wR₂=0.0487, 3893 F² values, and 115 variables for Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). Both compounds show solid solutions. In Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), the indium site shows an occupancy by 69.9(4)% In+30.1(4)% Ir, and one magnesium site has a small mixed occupancy with indium, while nine atomic sites in Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1) show Mg/In mixing with indium occupancies between 1.2(3)% and 14.8(3)%. The relatively complex crystal structure is of a new type. It can be explained by a packing of coordination number 10 and 12 polyhedra around the iridium atoms. The crystal chemical peculiarities and chemical bonding in both intermetallics is briefly discussed.     

Quaternary selenostannates Na2−xGa2−xSn1+xSe6 and AGaSnSe4 (A=K, Rb, and Cs) through rapid cooling of melts. Kinetics versus thermodynamics in the polymorphism of AGaSnSe4

The quaternary alkali-metal gallium selenostannates, Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ and AGaSnSe₄ (A=K, Rb, and Cs), were synthesized by reacting alkali-metal selenide, Ga, Sn, and Se with a flame melting-rapid cooling method. Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group C2 with cell constants a=13.308(3) Å, b=7.594(2) Å, c=13.842(3) Å, β=118.730(4)°, V=1226.7(5) Å³. α-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm with a=8.186(5) Å and c=6.403(5) Å, V=429.1(5) Å³. β-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with cell constants a=7.490(2) Å, b=12.578(3) Å, c=18.306(5) Å, β=98.653(5)°, V=1705.0(8) Å³. The unit cell of isostructural RbGaSnSe₄ is a=7.567(2) Å, b=12.656(3) Å, c=18.277(4) Å, β=95.924(4)°, V=1741.1(7) Å³. CsGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmcn with a=7.679(2) Å, b=12.655(3) Å, c=18.278(5) Å, V=1776.1(8) Å³. The structure of Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ consists of a polar three-dimensional network of trimeric (Sn,Ga)₃Se₉ units with Na atoms located in tunnels. The AGaSnSe₄ possess layered structures. The compounds show nearly the same Raman spectral features, except for Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆. Optical band gaps, determined from UV-Vis spectroscopy, range from 1.50 eV in Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ to 1.97 eV in CsGaSnSe₄. Cooling of the melts of KGaSnSe₄ and RbGaSnSe₄ produces only kinetically stable products. The thermodynamically stable product is accessible under extended annealing, which leads to the so-called γ-form (BaGa₂S₄-type) of these compounds.     

Sn4As3 revisited: Solvothermal synthesis and crystal and electronic structure

A facile one pot method of synthesis of tin arsenide Sn₄As₃ starting from metallic tin and elemental arsenic under mild solvothermal conditions in ethylenediamine in the presence of ammonium chloride is offered. The dissolving of the tin metal in ethylenediamine and the role of NH₄Cl are discussed. The crystal structure of Sn₄As₃ has been re-determined. It is shown to crystallize in the trigonal non-centrosymmetric space group R3m, (a=4.089(1) Å, c=36.059(6) Å, Z=3), which differs from the previously reported centrosymmetric structure . The crystal structure of Sn₄As₃ consists of alternating layers of arsenic and tin atoms that are combined into seven-layer blocks and build up along the c-axis. The major structural feature is the short tin-tin distances (3.24 Å) between the adjacent blocks. The analysis of the density of states and band structure reveals that Sn₄As₃ should have metallic properties, which is in line with the previously reported experimental observations. Analysis of chemical bonding employing the electron localization function shows that only for the shortest Sn-As contacts the bonding is pairwise, while four-center bonds are formed between arsenic and tin atoms at relatively long distances (>2.85 Å). Moreover, each tin atom holds an electron lone-pair.     

Synthesis and electrical conductivity of perovskite-type PrCo1−xMgxO3

Oxides in the system PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) were synthesized by citrate technique and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. All compounds have a cubic perovskite structure (space group ). The maximum ratio of doped Mg in the system PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ is x=0.2. Further doping leads to the segregation of Pr₆O₁₁ in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃. The substitution of Mg for Co improves the performance of PrCoO₃ as compared to the electrical conductivity measured by a four-probe electrical conductivity analyzer in the temperature range from 298 to 1073 K. The substitution of Mg for Co on the B site may be compensated by the formations of Co⁴⁺ and oxygen vacancies. The electrical conductivity of PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ oxides increases with increasing x in the range of 0.0-0.2. The increase in conductivity becomes considerable at the temperatures ?673 K especially for x?0.1; it reaches a maximum at x=0.2 and 1073 K. From x>0.2 the conductivity of PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ starts getting lower. This is probably a result of the segregation of Pr₆O₁₁ in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ , which blocks oxygen transport, and association of oxygen vacancies. A change in activation energy for all PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ compounds (x=0-0.25) was observed, with a higher activation energy above 573 K and a lower activation energy below 573 K. The reasons for such a change are probably due to the change of dominant charge carriers from Co⁴⁺ to Vö in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ oxides and a phase transition mainly starting at 573 K.     

Local structure and hyperfine interactions of Fe and Sn atoms in brownmillerite-like ferrite Sr2Fe1.98Sn0.02O5+x

Mössbauer spectroscopy has been applied for studying local environment of ⁵⁷Fe and ¹¹⁹Sn probe atoms within tin-doped Sr₂Fe_1.98Sn_0.02O_5+x (x?0.02) ferrite with the brownmillerite-type structure. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra indicate no appreciable local distortions induced by the tin dopant atoms. The ¹¹⁹Sn spectra recorded below the magnetic ordering temperature (T_N) can be described as a superposition of two Zeeman sextets, which indicate that Sn⁴⁺ dopant ions are located in two non-equivalent crystallographic and magnetic sites. The observed hyperfine parameters were discussed supposing Sn⁴⁺ cations to replace iron cations in the octahedral (Sn_O) and tetrahedral (Sn_T) sublattices. It has been supposed that Sn⁴⁺ cations being stabilized in the tetrahedral sublattice complete their nearest anion surrounding up to the octahedral oxygen coordination “Sn_T⁴⁺”. Annealing of the Sr₂Fe_1.98Sn_0.02O_5+x in helium flux conditions at 950°C leads to formation of divalent Sn²⁺ cations with a simultaneous decrease of the contribution for the Sn_T⁴⁺ sub-spectrum. The parameters of combined electric and magnetic hyperfine interactions of the ¹¹⁹Sn²⁺ sub-spectrum underline that impurity atoms are stabilized in the sp³d-hybrid state in the oxygen distorted tetragonal pyramid. The analysis of the ¹¹⁹Sn spectra indicates a chemical reversibility of the processes Sn_T²⁺?Sn_T⁴⁺ within the tetrahedral sublattice of the brownmillerite-type ferrite.     

The Stannides YNi x Sn2 ( x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) – Syntheses, Structure, and 119Sn M?ssbauer Spectroscopy

Summary. The stannides YNi _x Sn₂ (x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) were prepared by arc-melting of the pure elements. They were characterized through X-ray powder and single crystal data: ZrSi₂ type, space group Cmcm, a = 438.09(6), b = 1629.6(4), c = 430.34(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0607, 386 F ² values, 14 variables for YSn₂, CeNiSi₂ type, Cmcm, a = 440.6(1), b = 1640.3(1), c = 433.0(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0632, 416 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂, a = 441.0(1), b = 1646.3(1), c = 434.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 287 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂, and LuNiSn₂ type, space group Pnma, a = 1599.3(3), b = 440.89(5), c = 1456.9(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0375, 1538 F ² values, 74 variables for YNiSn₂. The YSn₂ structure contains Sn1–Sn1 zig-zag chains (297 pm) and planar Sn2 networks (307 pm). The stannides YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂ and YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂ are nickel filled versions of YSn₂. The nickel atoms have a distorted pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 220 to 239 pm. New stannide YNiSn₂ adopts the LuNiSn₂ type. The nickel and tin atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [NiSn₂] network in which the yttrium atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. Within the network all nickel atoms have a distorted square pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 247 to 276 pm. Except the Sn4 atoms which are located in a tricapped trigonal Y₆ prism, all tin atoms have between 4 and 5 tin neighbors between 297 and 350 pm. ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopic data of YNi _x Sn₂ show a decreasing isomer shift (from 2.26 to 2.11 mm/s) from YSn₂ to YNiSn₂, indicating decrease of the s electron density at the tin nuclei.     

The Stannides YNi x Sn2 ( x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) – Syntheses, Structure, and 119Sn M?ssbauer Spectroscopy

The stannides YNi _x Sn₂ (x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) were prepared by arc-melting of the pure elements. They were characterized through X-ray powder and single crystal data: ZrSi₂ type, space group Cmcm, a = 438.09(6), b = 1629.6(4), c = 430.34(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0607, 386 F ² values, 14 variables for YSn₂, CeNiSi₂ type, Cmcm, a = 440.6(1), b = 1640.3(1), c = 433.0(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0632, 416 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂, a = 441.0(1), b = 1646.3(1), c = 434.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 287 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂, and LuNiSn₂ type, space group Pnma, a = 1599.3(3), b = 440.89(5), c = 1456.9(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0375, 1538 F ² values, 74 variables for YNiSn₂. The YSn₂ structure contains Sn1–Sn1 zig-zag chains (297 pm) and planar Sn2 networks (307 pm). The stannides YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂ and YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂ are nickel filled versions of YSn₂. The nickel atoms have a distorted pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 220 to 239 pm. New stannide YNiSn₂ adopts the LuNiSn₂ type. The nickel and tin atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [NiSn₂] network in which the yttrium atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. Within the network all nickel atoms have a distorted square pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 247 to 276 pm. Except the Sn4 atoms which are located in a tricapped trigonal Y₆ prism, all tin atoms have between 4 and 5 tin neighbors between 297 and 350 pm. ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopic data of YNi _x Sn₂ show a decreasing isomer shift (from 2.26 to 2.11 mm/s) from YSn₂ to YNiSn₂, indicating decrease of the s electron density at the tin nuclei.     

Lanthanum Gallium Tin Antimonides LaGaxSnySb2

A series of quaternary lanthanum gallium tin antimonides LaGa_xSn_ySb₂ was elaborated to trace the structural evolution between the known end members LaGaSb₂ (SmGaSb₂-type) and LaSn_ySb₂ (LaSn_0.75Sb₂-type). Five members of this series were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. For low Sn content, the Sn atoms disorder with Ga atoms in zigzag chains to form solid solutions LaGa_1-ySn_ySb₂ (0≤y≤0.2) adopting the SmGaSb₂-type structure, as exemplified by LaGa_0.92(3)Sn_0.08Sb₂ and LaGa_0.80(3)Sn_0.20Sb₂ (orthorhombic, space group D⁵₂−C222₁,Z=4). For higher Sn and lower Ga content, there is a segregation in which the Sn atoms appear in chains of closely spaced partially occupied sites as in the parent LaSn_0.75Sb₂-type structure whereas the Ga atoms remain in zigzag chains as in the parent SmGaSb₂-type structure. This feature is observed in the structures of LaGa_0.68(4)Sn_0.31(3)Sb₂, LaGa_0.62(3)Sn_0.32(3)Sb₂, and LaGa_0.43(3)Sn_0.39(3)Sb₂ (orthorhombic, space group D¹⁷_2h−Cmcm,Z=4). The last example illustrates that the combined Ga/Sn content can be substoichiometric (x+y<1). These compounds have a layered nature, with the chains of Ga or Sn atoms residing between ²_∞[LaSb₂] slabs.     

Crystal structures of the La3AgSnSe7 and R3Ag1−δSnS7 (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18−0.19) compounds

The crystal structures of new quaternary compounds La₃AgSnSe₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP24, a=1.0805(4) nm, c=0.6245(1) nm, R1=0.0315), La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.64, a=1.0399(1) nm, c=0.6016(1) nm, R1=0.0149) and Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.62, a=1.0300(1) nm, c=0.6002(1) nm, R1=0.0151) were determined by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction. Structural investigations of the R₃Ag_1−δSnS₇ (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18-0.19(1)) compounds at 450 and 530 K were performed. Low temperature data (12 K) for Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ were also collected. The nearest neighbours of the La(Ce), Ag and Sn atoms are exclusively Se(S) atoms. The latter form distorted trigonal prisms around the La(Ce) atoms, and distorted tetrahedrons around the Sn atoms. The Ag (Ag1) atoms have triangular surroundings: they are located very close to the planes built of three Se(S) atoms. The Ag2 atoms in the structures of the La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇, Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ compounds are located practically in the centres of trigonal antiprisms. The pseudo-potentials determined through the Ag atoms show relatively low barrier between two nearest positions which decreases when temperature rises.     

Yb5Ni4Sn10 and Yb7Ni4Sn13: New polar intermetallics with 3D framework structures

The title compounds have been obtained by solid state reactions of the corresponding pure elements at high temperature, and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Yb₅Ni₄Sn₁₀ adopts the Sc₅Co₄Si₁₀ structure type and crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm (No. 127) with cell parameters of a=13.785(4) Å, c=4.492 (2) Å, V=853.7(5) Å³, and Z=2. Yb₇Ni₄Sn₁₃ is isostructural with Yb₇Co₄InGe₁₂ and crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/m (No. 83) with cell parameters of a=11.1429(6) Å, c=4.5318(4) Å, V=562.69(7) Å³, and Z=1. Both structures feature three-dimensional (3D) frameworks based on three different types of one-dimensional (1D) channels, which are occupied by the Yb atoms. Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) indicate that both compounds are metallic. These results are in agreement with those from temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence of Eu-doped Y2Sn2O7 nanocrystals

A facile CTAB-assisted sol-gel route has been successfully established to synthesize Y₂Sn₂O₇ nanocrystals with pyrochlore structure. The route involves first the formation of CTAB-inorganics mesostructures as precursors and then their thermal decomposition to yield the final product. Well-crystallized and phase-pure Y₂Sn₂O₇ particles of ∼40 nm in size can be readily obtained at 600°C, a temperature much lower than that of the conventional solid-state method. Furthermore, photoluminescence characterization of the Y₂Sn₂O₇ nanocrystals doped with 5 mol% Eu³⁺ was carried out and the results show that the as-synthesized material display intense and prevailing emission at 589 nm belonging to the magnetic dipole transition.     

Flux growth of a new cobalt-zinc-tin ternary phase Co7+xZn3−xSn8 and its relationship to CoSn

The intermetallic compound Co_7+xZn_3−xSn₈ (−0.2<x<0.2) forms from the reaction of cobalt in zinc/tin eutectic flux. This phase has a new structure type in orthorhombic space group Cmcm, with unit cell parameters a=4.138(1) Å, b=12.593(4) Å, and c=11.639(4) Å (Z=2; R₁=0.0301). Varying the amount of cobalt in the synthesis leads to formation of a superstructure in space group Pnma, with lattice parameters a=12.5908(2) Å, b=11.6298(3) Å, and c=8.2704(2) Å (Z=4; R₁=0.0347). A Co/Zn mixed site and a partially occupied Co site in the Cmcm structure order to form the Pnma supercell. TGA/DSC studies indicate that the binary phase CoSn initially forms in the flux at 1173 K, and then reacts with the zinc in the cooling solution to form the ternary structure at 823 K. This phase exhibits Pauli paramagnetic behavior.     

Yb3CoSn6 and Yb4Mn2Sn5: New polar intermetallics with 3D open-framework structures

Two new ternary ytterbium transition metal stannides, namely, Yb₃CoSn₆ and Yb₄Mn₂Sn₅, have been obtained by solid-state reactions of the corresponding pure elements in welded tantalum tubes at high temperature. Their crystal structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Yb₃CoSn₆ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (no. 63) with cell parameters of a=4.662(2), b=15.964(6), c=13.140(5) Å, V=978.0(6) Å³, and Z=4. Its structure features a three-dimensional (3D) open-framework composed of unusual [CoSn₃] layers interconnected by zigzag Sn chains, forming large tunnels along the c-axis which are occupied by the ytterbium cations. Yb₄Mn₂Sn₅ is monoclinic space group C2/m (no. 12) with cell parameters of a=16.937(2), b=4.5949(3), c=7.6489(7) Å, β=106.176(4)°, V=571.70(8) Å³, and Z=2. It belongs to the Mg₅Si₆ structure type and its anionic substructure is composed of parallel [Mn₂Sn₂] ladders interconnected by unusual zigzag [Sn₃] chains, forming large tunnels along the c-axis, which are filled by the ytterbium cations. Band structure calculations based on density function theory methods were also made for both compounds.     

Synthesis and phase width of new quaternary selenides PbxSn6−xBi2Se9 (x=0-4.36)

Quaternary chalcogenides Pb_xSn_6−xBi₂Se₉ (x=0-4.36) were synthesized with solid-state methods; their structures were determined from the X-ray diffraction of single crystals. Pb_xSn_6−xBi₂Se₉ crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group Cmcm (No. 63); the structure features a three-dimensional framework containing slabs of NaCl-(3 1 1) type that exhibits identical layers containing seven octahedra units, which expand along the direction [0 1 0]. Each slab contains fused rectangular units that are connected to each other with M-Se contacts in a distorted octahedral environment. Calculations of the band structure, measurements of Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity confirm that these compounds are n-type semiconductors with small band gaps and large electrical conductivities.     

Sn5Ir6B2 und Sn4Ir7B3: Zinn-Iridiumboride mit eindimensionalen Ir/B-Verbänden

Sn₅Ir₆B₂ and Sn₄Ir₇B₃: Tin Iridiumborides with Onedimensional Ir/B Structural Elements Sn₅Ir₆B₂ (hexagonal, P6 2m, a = 658.97(5) pm, c = 559.19(3) pm, Z = 1, 391 reflexions, 16 parameters, R = 0.037) and Sn₄Ir₇B₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 926.63(5) pm, c = 563.19(3) pm, Z = 2, 323 reflexions, 24 parameters, R = 0.045) were prepared by reaction of the elements. Their structures were determined by means of single crystal X-ray methods. The structure of Sn₅Ir₆B₂ may be derived from the Fe₂P type and contains columns of boron centered trigonal Ir prisms sharing their triangular faces. In the structure of Sn₄Ir₇B₃ six of these columns are connected to form a large column with hexagonal cross section. Only every second prism therein is occupied by a boron atom. In both structures these onedimensional Ir/B structural elements are embedded in a matrix of tin atoms composed of Sn-centered Sn₆ prisms twice as long as the Ir₆ prisms.