Synthesis and structures of YNiIn2 and Y4Ni11In20

Well-shaped single crystals of YNiIn₂ and Y₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ were obtained by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent slow cooling. Both indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: MgCuAl₂ type, Cmcm, a=431.52(8), b=1042.0(2), c=730.0(1) pm, wR₂=0.0471, 587 F² values, 16 variables for YNiIn₂ and U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C2/m, a=2251.2(4), b=430.77(8), c=1658.5(3) pm, β=124.62(1)°, wR₂=0.0542, 1583 F² values, 108 variables for Y₄Ni₁₁In₂₀. Both structures are built up from three-dimensional [NiIn₂] and [Ni₁₁In₂₀] networks in which the yttrium atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. The [NiIn₂] network has only Ni–In and In–In contacts, while also Ni–Ni bonding plays an important role in the [Ni₁₁In₂₀] network.     

Synthesis,structure, physical properties,and electronic structure of KGaSe2

The ternary gallium selenide KGaSe₂ has been synthesized by solid-state reactions and good quality crystal has been obtained. KGaSe₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell dimensions of a = 10.878(2) Å, b = 10.872(2) Å, c = 15.380(3) Å, and β = 100.18(3)°. In the structure, adamantane like [Ga₄Se₁₀]⁸⁻ units are connected by common corners forming two-dimensional [GaSe₂]⁻ layers which are separated by K⁺ cations. KGaSe₂ exhibits congruent-melting behavior at around 965 °C. It is transparent in the range of 0.47–20.0 μm and has a band gap of 2.60(2) eV. From a band structure calculation, KGaSe₂ is a direct-gap semiconductor. The band gap is mainly determined by the [GaSe₂]⁻ layer.     

Interpenetration of a 3D Icosahedral M@Ni12 (M=Al,Ga) Framework with Porphyrin‐Reminiscent Boron Layers in MNi9B8

Two ternary borides MNi₉B₈ (M=Al, Ga) were synthesized by thermal treatment of mixtures of the elements. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data reveal AlNi₉B₈ and GaNi₉B₈ crystallizing in a new type of structure within the space group Cmcm and the lattice parameters a=7.0896(3) Å, b=8.1181(3) Å, c=10.6497(4) Å and a=7.0897(5) Å, b=8.1579(4) Å, c=10.6648(7) Å, respectively. The boron atoms build up two‐dimensional layers, which consist of puckered [B₁₆] rings with two tailing B atoms, whereas the M atoms reside in distorted vertices‐condensed [Ni₁₂] icosahedra, which form a three‐dimensional framework interpenetrated by boron porphyrin‐reminiscent layers. An unusual local arrangement resembling a giant metallo‐porphyrin entity is formed by the [B₁₆] rings, which, due to their large annular size of approximately 8 Å, chelate four of the twelve icosahedral Ni atoms. An analysis of the chemical bonding by means of the electron localizability approach reveals strong covalent B?B interactions and weak Ni?Ni interactions. Multi‐center dative B?Ni interaction occurs between the Al–Ni framework and the boron layers. In agreement with the chemical bonding analysis and band structure calculations, AlNi₉B₈ is a Pauli‐paramagnetic metal.     

Ab initio crystal structure of nickel(II) hydroxy-terephthalate by synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic study

The structure of the new hybrid compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(tp)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (tp = C₈H₄O₄²⁻) has been determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction data and refined with the Rietveld method: space group P-1, a = 10.2077(6) Å, b = 8.0135(5) Å, c = 6.3337(4) Å, α = 97.70 (1)°, β = 97.21(1)°, γ = 108.77(1)°, D_x = 2.124 g/cm³, Rp = 0.045, R_B = 0.095 (757 independent reflections). H atoms were placed geometrically and their position optimized by DFT calculation. The repeating structural unit is the chain [Ni(1)O₆]₂Ni(2)O₆, consisting of two edges sharing octahedrons related by the symmetry center and linked via μ3-OH to a vertex of Ni(2) octahedron. The Ni(1) coordination is ensured by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules, two OH and two oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups. The linkage of the chains by the tp anions forms infinite layers parallel to the (010) planes. Interchain hydrogen bonds between the water molecules coordinating the metal ensure the cohesion of the 2D structure. The structural and magnetic properties are compared with that of the 3D fumarate-based compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(fum)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (fum = C₄H₂O₄²⁻).     

Two new barium borate bromides: Ba2BO3Br and Ba3BO3Br3

Two new barium borate bromide crystals, Ba₂BO₃Br and Ba₃BO₃Br₃, have been obtained by spontaneous crystallization. Ba₂BO₃Br crystallizes in P−3m1 space group, with cell parameters of a = 5.5157(10) Å, c = 11.019(4) Å, and Z = 2, its structure is build up by alternately stacking along c-axis of [Ba₂(BO₃)₂]²⁻ layers and bromide [Ba₂Br₂]²⁺ layers. The solved structure is analog to Ba₂(BO₃)_1−x(CO₃)_xCl_1+x except the interstitial halogen atoms at (0, 0, 1/2) is missing and accordingly the partly CO₃ substitution for BO₃ has not been observed. Ba₃BO₃Br₃ crystallizes in a new structure type with P−1 space group and cell parameters of a = 9.280(4) Å, b = 9.349(7) Å, c = 13.025(9) Å, α = 92.71(3)°, β = 98.29(3)°, γ = 116.200(18)° and Z = 4. The basic structural unit in Ba₃BO₃Br₃ is the clusters composed of 4 BO₃ groups and 12 Ba atoms, which in turn are linked by eight Ba–O bonds with other four clusters to form sheets extend in the (001) plane.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,spectroscopy and magnetism of a trinuclear nickel(II) complex with 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid as bridge ligands

A new complex of [Ni₃(dcp)₂(H₂O)₁₀] (1) (H₃dcp = 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized from H₃dcp and Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O by hydrothermal reaction. Complex 1 has the discrete trinuclear structure. Three Ni(II) ions are bridged by two dcp³⁻ ligands, with 10 coordinated water molecules as terminal ligands. The molecules of [Ni₃(dcp)₂(H₂O)₁₀] extend into three-dimensional supramolecular architectures by intermolecular O–H···O hydrogen bonds as well as π-π stacking interactions. Magnetic susceptibility measurement shows that a weak antiferromagnetic interaction is operative between nickel(II) ions and an excellent simulation of the experimental data gives D = 5.27 cm⁻¹, J = −2.19 cm⁻¹ and g = 2.05.     

Crystal structure,physical properties and bond valence analysis of NaLuP2O7

Single crystals of a diphosphate NaLuP₂O₇ have been synthesized by the flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction. NaLuP₂O₇ crystallizes in the monoclinic system with P2₁/n space group with cell parameters: a = 8.9985(8) Å, b = 5.3473(5) Å, c = 12.756(1) Å, β = 103.174° (1), V = 597.67 (9) Å³, Z = 4. Its structure consists of a three-dimensional framework of P₂O₇ units that are corner-shared by LuO₆ octahedra, forming tunnels running parallel to [010] which are occupied by Na atoms. NaLuP₂O₇ powder was characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The activation energy of (1.49 eV) obtained by electrical measurements suggests the charge carriers to be the sodium cations. The activation energies obtained from impedance and loss spectra were analyzed in order to explain the mechanism of conduction. The correlation between ionic conductivity of NaLuP₂O₇ and its crystallographic structure was investigated and the most probable transport pathway model was determined.     

The crystal structure of Sm4Ni11In20 and its relation to other indium-rich compounds

Polycrystalline Sm₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ was obtained by arc-melting of metal ingots. A subsequent high temperature treatment was used for single crystal growth. The Sm₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ crystal structure (U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type; C2/m, a = 22.5457(3) Å, b = 4.34929(5) Å, c = 16.5479(2) Å, β = 124.592(2)°, R1 = 0.0358, wR2 = 0.0934) was determined by single crystal synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction from 2014 independent reflections with I > 2σ(I). Sm₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ extends the R ₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ (R = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) series of phases. The R ₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ and RNi₃In₆ (LaNi₃In₆ type; R = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) series have similar compositions. Their structures share similar fragments; in particular the rare earth atom coordination polyhedra are pentagonal prisms with additional atoms.      

A novel mixed-metal borate with large [B12O18(OH)6]6- motif: Synthesis,structure and property

A new mixed-metal polyborate, Na₅Li[B₁₂O₁₈(OH)₆]·2H₂O (1), has been synthesized using solvothermal method and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. It crystallizes in the trigonal space group R-3c (No. 167) with unit cell parameters of a = b = 9.6767(6) Å, c = 36.358(5) Å, and Z = 6. Its structure features unprecedented 3D framework constructed from novel honeycomb-shaped inorganic Na-O sheets with unique 12-MR sodium rings and supramolecular polyborate 2D layers of lithium-centered [B₁₂O₁₈(OH)₆]^6-. UV–Vis spectral characterization indicates that compound 1 is a wide-band-gap semiconductor.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic properties of coordination polymers Ni(NO2)2 and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO2)2

Two new coordination polymer frameworks Ni(NO₂)₂ (1) and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO₂)₂ (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction in formamide, and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurement. In compound 1, each Ni²⁺ ion is linked with four neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through μ_1,3-nitrito bridges forming 2D layered structure. In compound 2, each Ni²⁺ ion is bridged with six neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through four μ_1,3-nitrito groups and two 4,4′-bipy ligands forming 3D structure. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetism within framework of the two compounds with T_N = 19 K (1) and 21 K (2).     

Antiferromagnetic complexes with a metal—metal bond: VIII. Synthesis and structure of the antiferromagnetic heteronuclear cluster, “butterfly” (or “metal-chain”), (Cp4Cr2Ni2)(μ3-S)2(μ4-S)

By heating the mixture of solutions of (CpCrSCMe₃)₂S (I) in benzene and [CpNi(CO)]₂ in pentane followed by chromatography on alumina, dark cherry-red needles of the heteronuclear cluster (Cp₄Cr₂Ni₂)(μ³-S)₂(μ⁴-S) (II) were obtained, whose structure was established on the basis of a complete X-ray analysis. The crystals are rhombic, spatial group Pbca; a = 12.07(1), b = 18.50(2), c = 17.36(1) Å, Z = 8. The metallic skeleton of II has the “butterfly” or “metal-chain” structure with a direct CrCr bond (2.62(1) Å) and inequivalent CrNi bonds, 2.86(1) and 2.64(1) Å, while the Ni·Ni distance is nonbonding (4.34(1) Å). The NiCr₂ triangle planes produce a dihedral angle of 127°. The two μ³-bridged sulfur atoms locate under these triangles whereas the third sulfur atom is μ⁴-bridging coordinating all four metal atoms in the cluster with mean NiS and CrS distances of 2.29(1) and 2.25(1) Å, respectively. The Ni₂S₃ group is planar and almost perpendicular to the CrCr axis. Complex II is anti-ferromagnetic and its exchange parameter — 2J (418 cm^-1) is close to that found for the initial binuclear complex I (— 2J = 430 cm^-1 with a CrCr bond length of 2.689(8) Å). The role of the Ni coordination number in the generation of II is discussed.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic property of a new nickel selenite chloride: Ni5(SeO3)4Cl2

The new nickel selenite chloride, Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂, was obtained by high-temperature solid state reaction of NiCl₂, Ni₂O₃ and SeO₂ in a 1:2:4 molar ratio at 700 °C in an evacuated quartz tube. Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1 (No. 2) with cell parameters of a=8.076(2), b=9.288(2), c=9.376(2) Å, α=101.97(3), β=105.60(3), γ=91.83(3)° and Z=2. All nickel(II) ions in Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ are octahedrally coordinated by selenite oxygens or/and chloride anions (([Ni(1)O₅Cl], [Ni(2)O₄Cl₂], [Ni(3)O₅Cl], [Ni(4)O₆] and [Ni(5)O₄Cl]). The structure of the title compound features a condensed three-dimensional (3D) network built by Ni(II) ions interconnected by SeO₃²⁻ anions as well as Cl⁻ anions. Magnetic property measurements show strong antiferromagnetic interaction between nickel(II) ions.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structure and thermal property of a 2-dimensional network: sodium sulfate [Ni(H2O)6(NaSO4)2]

The title compound of [Ni(H₂O)₆(NaSO₄)₂] has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in space group P2₁/c of the monoclinic system in a cell at 293.2 K of a=6.1820(12) Å, b=12.316(3) Å, c=9.0890(18) Å, β=106.03(3)°, and V=665.1(2) Å³. In the title compound, each SO₄ tetrahedron coordinates with three Na(I) ions and each Na(I) connects to three SO₄ tetrahedrons. Such a coordinate model makes up a two-dimensional network having two different kinds of rings and, in the bigger rings, the [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions are located. In the solid state, some hydrogen bonds connect the title compound to form three-dimensional networks, stabilizing the crystal structure. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that there are three steps of weight loss from the beginning of 110 °C and the residue may be the mixtures of NiO₂ and Na₂O.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the new metal-rich ternary borides Ni12AlB8, Ni12GaB8 and Ni10.6Ga0.4B6—examples for the first B5 zig-zag chain fragment

Single crystals of the new borides Ni₁₂AlB₈, and Ni_10.6Ga_0.4B₆ were synthesized from the elements and characterized by XRD and EDXS measurements. The crystal structures were refined on the basis of single crystal data. Ni₁₂AlB₈ (oC252, Cmce, a=10.527(2), b=14.527(2), c=14.554(2) Å, Z=12, 1350 reflections, 127 parameters, R₁(F)=0.0284, wR₂(F²)=0.0590) represents a new structure type with isolated B atoms and B₅ fragments of a B-B zig-zag chain. Because the pseudotetragonal metric crystals are usually twinned. Ni_10.6Ga_0.4B₆ (oP68, Pnma, a=12.305(2), b=2.9488(6), c=16.914(3) Å, Z=4, 1386 reflections, 86 parameters, R₁(F)=0.0394, wR₂(F²)=0.104) is closely related to binary Ni borides. The structure contains B-B zig-zag chains and isolated B atoms. Ni₁₂GaB₈ is isotypical to the Al-compound (a=10.569(4), b=14.527(4) and c=14.557(5) Å).     

On the magnetic structure of DyNiO3

The crystallographic structure of DyNiO₃ has been investigated at T=200, 100, and 2 K from high-resolution neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data. We show that the structure is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, from the metal-insulator transition temperature at T_MI=564 K down to 2 K. The Ni atoms occupy two different sites 2d (Ni1) and 2c (Ni2), whose valences, estimated from bond-valence consideration, are +2.43(1) and +3.44(1) at 2 K, respectively. This is interpreted as the result of a partial charge disproportionation of the type 2Ni³⁺→Ni1^(3−δ)++Ni2^(3+δ)+, with δ≈0.55 at T=2 K. The magnetic structure has been studied from a NPD pattern at T=2 K, well below the establishment of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at T_N=154 K, as well as from sequential data collected from 16 K down to 2 K. The magnetic order is defined by the propagation vector k=(1/2,0,1/2). Two possible magnetic structures are compatible with the magnetic intensities. In the second solution both Ni sublattices participate in the magnetic order, as well as Dy since it corresponds to a total disproportionation of Ni³⁺ to Ni²⁺ and Ni⁴⁺. In the second solution both Ni sublattices participate in the magnetic order, as well as Dy. The magnetic moments for Ni1 and Ni2 atoms at T=2 K are 1.8 (2) and 0.8 (2) μ_B, respectively. These values are also compatible with a partial charge disproportionation. Dy³⁺ ions exhibit long-range magnetic ordering below 8 K. An abrupt contraction of the unit-cell volume is observed at this temperature, due to a magnetoelastic coupling. The magnetic moment for Dy³⁺ at T=2 K is 7.87 (6) μ_B.     

Rare earth-nickel-indides Dy5Ni2In4 and RE4Ni11In20 (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy)

The new rare earth metal (RE)-nickel-indides Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Well-shaped single crystals were obtained by special annealing sequences. The four indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₅Ni₂In₄ type, Pbam, Z=2, a=1784.2(8), b=787.7(3), c=359.9(1) pm, wR₂=0.0458, 891 F² values, 36 variables for Dy₅Ni₂In₄, U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C2/m, a=2254.0(9), b=433.8(3), c=1658.5(8) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0794, 2154 F² values, 108 variables for Gd₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, a=2249.9(8), b=432.2(1), c=1657.9(5) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0417, 2147 F² values, 108 variables for Tb₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, and a=2252.2(5), b=430.6(1), c=1659.7(5) pm, β=124.58(2)°, wR₂=0.0550, 2003 F² values, 109 variables for Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The 2d site in the dysprosium compound shows mixed Ni/In occupancy. Most nickel atoms in both series of compounds exhibit trigonal prismatic coordination by indium and rare earth atoms. Additionally, in the RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ compounds one observes one-dimensional nickel clusters (259 pm Ni₁-Ni₆ in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20) that are embedded in an indium matrix. While only one short In₁-In₂ contact at 324 pm is observed in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, the more indium-rich Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20 structure exhibits a broader range in In-In interactions (291-364 pm). Together the nickel and indium atoms build up polyanionic networks, a two-dimensional one in Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and a complex three-dimensional network in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. These features have a clear consequence on the dysprosium coordination, i.e. a variety of short Dy-Dy contacts (338-379 pm) in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, while the dysprosium atoms are well separated (430 pm shortest Dy-Dy distance) within the distorted hexagonal channels of the [Ni_10.80In_20.20] polyanion of Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The crystal chemistry of both structure types is comparatively discussed.     

The crystallographic and magnetic structure of Ni2O3H

A nickel oxide hydroxide, nominally Ni₂O₃H, has been synthesized using hydrothermal techniques. The crystallographic and magnetic structures of the material have been determined at 4.5 K from powder neutron diffraction data. The material, which is nonstoichiometric with respect to Ni and H, contains Ni²⁺ and Ni⁴⁺ rather than Ni³⁺ and is orthorhombic (space group Pnmn; a = 5.084(1) Å, b = 2.9103(6) Å, c = 13.954(3) Å). Magnetic moments are aligned along the c axis with antiferromagnetic order. Powder neutron diffraction data collected above the Néel temperature, at 298 and 473 K, revealed no significant changes to the structure or localized electron model.     

Synthesis and structure of Cu3PO4[1,2,4-triazole]2OH with a hybrid layered structure: A new organically templated copper (II) hydroxyphosphate

A new layered copper hydroxyphosphate Cu₃PO₄(1,2,4-triazole)₂OH was synthesized by the mild hydrothermal route and the crystal structure was solved by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with: a = 10.1456(5) Å, b = 7.8756(4) Å, c = 12.9008(6) Å, β = 111.64(2)°, V = 960.86(8) Å³, Z = 4, D_x = 3.033 g cm^?3. The Cu(II) atoms are embedded in deformed square-pyramidal (Cu1 and Cu3) or octahedral (Cu2) sites made of N and O (or OH) atoms. Both Cu1 and Cu2 polyhedra form dimers connected one to each other, via OH groups, in ribbons which built a bidimensional (001) layer through PO₄ connections. The Cu3 polyhedra built a (001) double-sheet layer through triazol connections. These layers are bridged by triazole and PO₄ groups along the c-direction yielding a lamellar arrangement. Its structural analysis evidences a two-dimensional character for this copper hybrid material which could begin a new series of MOF compounds.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of new vanadium(IV) oxyphosphates M(VO)2(PO4)2 with M = Co,Ni

We have extended our research interest on titanium oxyphosphates (M^II(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂, with M^II = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) to vanadium oxyphosphates M^II(V^IVO)₂(PO₄)₂ (M^II = Co, Ni). For each compound two phases, named α and β according to synthesis conditions, have been stabilized at room temperature, then characterized. The four crystal structures M(VO)₂(PO₄)₂ (α and β for M = Co, Ni) have been determined in monoclinic P2₁/c space group using X-ray single crystals diffraction data. Structure of the α phase is derived from the Li(TiO)(PO₄) (orthorhombic Pnma) and LiNi_0.50(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂ (monoclinic P2₁/c) types, with cell parameters: a = 6.310(1) Å, b = 7.273(1) Å, c = 7.432(1) Å, β = 90.43(1)° for M = Co, and a = 6.297(2) Å, b = 7.230(2) Å, c = 7.421(2) Å, β = 90.36(2)° for M = Ni. Structure of the β phase is derived from the Ni(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂-type (monoclinic P2₁/c) with cell parameters: a = 7.2742(2) Å, b = 7.2802(2) Å, c = 7.4550(2) Å, β = 120.171(2)° for M = Co, and a = 7.2691(2) Å, b = 7.2366(2) Å, c = 7.4453(2) Å, β = 120.231(2)° for M = Ni. All these structures consist of a three dimensional (3D) framework built up of infinite chains of tilted corner-sharing [VO₆] octahedra, cross-linked by corner-sharing [PO₄] tetrahedra. The M²⁺ ion (M = Co, Ni) is located in a triangular based antiprism which shares faces with two [VO₆] octahedra. Structural filiation is discussed based on a common structural unit, a sheet where divalent cations M²⁺ (M = Co, Ni) are inserted. A thermal study of the α ? β transition is also presented.     

Crystal structure,electronic structure and electrical conductivity of the antimony selenide BaLaSb2Se6

BaLaSb₂S₆ and BaLaSb₂Se₆ were prepared by heating the elements in the stoichiometric ratio under exclusion of air at 850 °C. Both chalcogenides adopt the KThSb₆Se₆ structure type, crystallizing in the space group P2₁/c (Z = 4) with a = 4.324(3) Å, b = 14.7057(16) Å, c = 15.910(2) Å, β = 92.741(3)°, Z = 4 for the sulfide and a = 4.4173(3) Å, b = 15.333(1) Å, c = 16.816(1) Å, β = 92.545(2)°, Z = 4 for the selenide. The structure of BaLaSb₂Se₆ is composed of ribbons of distorted SbSe₆ octahedra and Se₂^2? pairs. Electronic structure calculations show that the selenide is a semiconductor, in accord with the electrical conductivity measurement.