K and Ba distribution in the structures of the clathrate compounds KxBa16−x(Ga,Sn)136 (x = 0.8, 4.4, and 12.9) and KxBa8−x(Ga,Sn)46 (x = 0.3)

Studies of the K–Ba–Ga–Sn system produced the clathrate compounds K_0.8(2)Ba_15.2(2)Ga_31.0(5)Sn_105.0(5) [a = 17.0178 (4) Å], K_4.3(3)Ba_11.7(3)Ga_27.4(4)Sn_108.6(4) [a = 17.0709 (6) Å] and K_12.9(2)Ba_3.1(2)Ga_19.5(4)Sn_116.5(4) [a = 17.1946 (8) Å], with the type‐II structure (cubic, space group Fdm), and K_7.7(1)Ba_0.3(1)Ga_8.3(4)Sn_37.7(4) [a = 11.9447 (4) Å], with the type‐I structure (cubic, space group Pmn). For the type‐II structures, only the smaller (Ga,Sn)₂₄ pentagonal dodecahedral cages are filled, while the (Ga,Sn)₂₈ hexakaidecahedral cages remain empty. The unit‐cell volume is directly correlated with the K:Ba ratio, since an increasing amount of monovalent K occupying the cages causes a decreasing substitution of the smaller Ga in the framework. All three formulae have an electron count that is in good agreement with the Zintl–Klemm rules. For the type‐I compound, all framework sites are occupied by a mixture of Ga and Sn atoms, with Ga showing a preference for Wyckoff site 6c. The (Ga,Sn)₂₀ pentagonal dodecahedral cages are occupied by statistically disordered K and Ba atoms, while the (Ga,Sn)₂₄ tetrakaidecahedral cages encapsulate only K atoms. Large anisotropic displacement parameters for K in the latter cages suggest an off‐centering of the guest atoms.     

Synthesis,Single Crystal Growth and Crystal Structure of Ta7Cu10Ga34 – a 8 × 4 × 2 Super Structure of CsCl

Single crystals of Ta₇Cu₁₀Ga₃₄ were grown from the elements in a Cu/Ga melt. Ta₇Cu₁₀Ga₃₄ represents the first ternary compound of the system Ta/Cu/Ga. The crystal structure (Cmmm, oC102, Z = 2, a = 23.803(1), b = 12.2087(4), c = 5.7487(2) Å, 1291 refl. 78 parameters, R₁ = 0.037, wR₂ = 0.070). The crystal structure is characterized by rods of pentagonal prisms MGa₁₀, which are alternatingly occupied by Ta and Cu. Four of these rods are connected to columns running in direction (001). These columns are linked by cubic units TaGa₈, CuGa₈, and GaGa₈. According to the characteristic structural elements and the size of the unit cell Ta₇Cu₁₀Ga₃₄ represents a 8 × 4 × 2 super structure of CsCl or bcc. With respect to the underlying CsCl structure the formula can be written as [Ta₇Cu₁₀Ga₂□₁₃]Ga₃₂, i.e. a cubic primitive packing of 32 Ga atoms with Ta, Cu, and Ga in cubic voids and 13 vacancies. The pentagonal‐prismatic coordination of Ta and Cu can formally be obtained from the cubic primitive packing of Ga atoms by a 45° rotation of a part of the Ga₈ cubes. There is a close similarity to the binary compounds Ta₈Ga₄₁ and Ta_2–xGa_5+x. The first one is also related to a CsCl‐like structure, the latter one contains rods of pentagonal prisms, which form the same columns. There are also relations to the ternaries V₂Cu₃Ga₈ and V₁₁Cu₉Ga₄₆, whose cubic structures are more or less complex variants of CsCl.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of the type‐I clathrates K8AlxSn46–x and Rb8AlxSn46–x (x ≃ 6.4–9.7)

Exploratory studies in the systems A–Al–Sn (A = K and Rb) yielded the clathrates K₈Al_xSn_46–x (potassium aluminium stannide) and Rb₈Al_xSn_46–x (rubidium aluminium stannide), both with the cubic type‐I structure (space group Pmn, No. 223; a ? 12.0 Å). The Al:Sn ratio is close to the idealized A₈Al₈Sn₃₈ composition and it is shown that it can be varied slightly, in the range of ca ±1.5, depending on the experimental conditions. Both the (Sn,Al)₂₀ and the (Sn,Al)₂₄ cages in the structure are fully occupied by the guest alkali metal atoms, i.e. K or Rb. The A₈Al₈Sn₃₈ formula has a valence electron count that obeys the valence rules and represents an intrinsic semiconductor, while the experimentally determined compositions A₈Al_8±xSn_38?x suggest the synthesized materials to be nearly charge‐balanced Zintl phases, i.e. they are likely to behave as heavily doped p‐ or n‐type semiconductors.     

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.     

The series RE5Li2Sn7 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd,Sm) revisited: crystal structure of RE5Li2−xSn7+x [0 ≤x≤ 0.03 (1)]

The series of RE₅Li₂Sn₇ (RE = Ce–Sm) compounds were synthesized by high‐temperature reactions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds are pentacerium dilithium heptastannide, Ce₅Li_1.97Sn_7.03, pentapreseodymium dilithium heptastannide, Pr₅Li_1.98Sn_7.02, pentaneodymium dilithium heptastannide, Nd₅Li_1.99Sn_7.01, and pentasamarium dilithium heptastannide, Sm₅Li₂Sn₇. All five compounds crystallize in the chiral orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), which is relatively uncommon among intermetallic phases. The structure belongs to the Ce₅Li₂Sn₇ structure type (Pearson symbol oP56), with 14 unique atoms in the asymmetric unit. Minor compositional variations exist, due to the mixed occupancy of Li and Sn atoms at one of the Li sites. The small occupational disorder is most evident for RE₅Li_2−xSn_7+x (RE = Ce, Pr; x≃ 0.03), while the structure of Nd₅Li₂Sn₇ and Sm₅Li₂Sn₇ show no apparent disorder.     

Tetrakis(μ2‐4‐aminobenzoato)di‐μ3‐oxido‐tetrakis[dibutyltin(IV)]

The molecule of the title compound, [Sn₄(C₄H₉)₈(C₇H₆NO₂)₄O₂], lies about an inversion centre and is a tetranuclear bis(tetrabutyldicarboxylatodistannoxane) complex containing a planar Sn₄O₂ core in which two μ₃‐oxide O atoms connect an Sn₂O₂ ring to two exocyclic Sn atoms. Each Sn atom has a highly distorted octahedral coordination. In the molecule, the carboxylate groups of two aminobenzoate ligands bridge the central and exocyclic Sn atoms, while two further aminobenzoate ligands have highly asymmetric bidentate chelation to the exocyclic Sn atoms plus long O...Sn interactions with the central Sn atoms. Each Sn atom is also coordinated by two pendant n‐butyl ligands, which extend roughly perpendicular to the plane of the Sn₄O₁₀ core. Only one of the four unique hydrogen‐bond donor sites is involved in a classic N—H...O hydrogen bond, and the resulting supramolecular hydrogen‐bonded structure is an extended two‐dimensional network which lies parallel to the (100) plane and consists of a checkerboard pattern of four‐connected molecular cores acting as nodes. The amine groups not involved in the hydrogen‐bonding interactions have significant N—H...π interactions with neighbouring aminobenzene rings.     

Phase Width and Site Preferences in the EuMgxGa4−x Series

A series of EuMg_xGa_4?x compounds were synthesized using high temperature, solid‐state methods and characterized by both powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. All compounds crystallize in the tetragonal BaAl₄‐type structure (space group I4/mmm, Z = 2, Pearson symbol tI10) with full occupancy of Ga at the apical atom (4e) site and mixed‐occupancy of Mg and Ga at the basal atom (4d) site. Six compositions were analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction: EuMg_0.21(1)Ga_3.79(1), EuMg_0.91(1)Ga_3.09(1), EuMg_1.22(1)Ga_2.78(1), EuMg_1.78(1)Ga_2.22(1), EuMg_1.84(1)Ga_2.16(1), and EuMg_1.94(1)Ga_2.06(1). As the larger Mg atoms increasingly replace Ga atoms at the basal site in EuMg_xGa_4?x, the a‐axis lengths at first decrease and then increase, while the c‐axis lengths increase monotonically along the series. The phase width of the BaAl₄‐type EuMg_xGa_4?x series is identified to be 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.94(1), a range which corresponds to 12.06(1)‐14 valence electrons per formula unit, and can be understood by their electronic structures using density of states (DOS) curves calculated by tight‐binding calculations. Mg substitution for Ga at the basal site is consistent with the site preferences for mixed metals on the three‐dimensional framework of the BaAl₄‐structure based on both electronegativities and sizes, and provides the rationale for the unusual behavior in lattice parameters. The observed site preference was also rationalized by total electronic energies calculated for two different coloring schemes.     

Phasenbeziehungen im System LiGa?Sn und die Kristallstrukturen der intermediären Phasen LiGaSn und Li2Ga2Sn

Phase Relations in the System LiGa? Sn and the Crystal Structures of the Intermediate Compounds LiGaSn and Li₂Ga₂Sn The quasibinary system LiGa? Sn contains the intermediate ternary phases Li₇Ga₇Sn₃, Li₂Ga₂Sn, Li₅Ga₅Sn₃, Li₃Ga₃Sn₂ and LiGaSn. Single crystals of LiGaSn (a = 632.9(4) pm, Fd3m, Z = 4), Li₃Ga₃Sn₂ (a = 445.4(3), c = 1 090.0(2) pm, hP*), Li₅Ga₅Sn₃ (a = 447.0(4), c = 4 220.0(9) pm, hP*) and Li₂Ga₂Sn (a = 441.1(2), c = 2 164.5(7) pm, P6₃/mmc, Z = 4) have been grown from the melt. The crystal structures of LiGaSn and Li₂Ga₂Sn have been determined by single crystal X-ray methods (R = 0.029 bzw. 0.107 respectively). The crystal structure of LiGaSn contains a sphalerite-type Ga/Sn-arrangement, the Ga/Sn-arrangement of Li₂Ga₂Sn corresponds to a stacking variant of the wurtzite- and sphalerite-type. The compounds can be classified in terms of the Zintl concept.     

Rare Earth Ruthenium Gallides with the Ideal Composition Ln2Ru3Ga5 (Ln = La–Nd,Sm) crystallizing with U2Mn3Si5 (Sc2Fe3Si5) Type Structure

The rare earth ruthenium gallides Ln₂Ru₃Ga₅ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were prepared by arc‐melting of cold‐pressed pellets of the elemental components. They crystallize with a tetragonal structure (P4/mnc, Z = 4) first reported for U₂Mn₃Si₅. The crystal structures of the cerium and samarium compounds were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data, resulting in significant deviations from the ideal compositions: Ce₂Ru_2.31(1)Ga_5.69(1), a = 1135.10(8) pm, c = 580.58(6) pm, R_F = 0.022 for 742 structure factors; Sm₂Ru_2.73(2)Ga_5.27(2), a = 1132.95(9) pm, c = 562.71(6) pm, R_F = 0.026 for 566 structure factors and 32 variable parameters each. The deviations from the ideal compositions 2:3:5 are discussed. A mixed Ru/Ga occupancy occurs only for one atomic site. The displacement parameters are relatively large for atoms with mixed occupancy within their coordination shell and small for atoms with no neighboring sites of mixed occupancy. Chemical bonding is analyzed on the basis of interatomic distances. Ln–Ga bonding is stronger than Ln–Ru bonding. Ru–Ga bonding is strong and Ru–Ru bonding is weak. The Ga–Ga interactions are of similar strength as in elemental gallium.     

Binäre Lanthan‐Stannide mit Sn:La‐Verhältnissen nahe 1:1 – Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, Chemische Bindung

Four binary lanthanum stannides close to the 1:1 ratio of Sn:La were synthesized from mixtures of the elements. The structures of the compounds have been determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray data. The low temperature (α) form of LaSn (CrB‐type, orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 476.33(6), b = 1191.1(2), c = 440.89(6) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0247), crystallizes with the CrB‐type. The structure exhibits planar tin zigzag chains with a Sn–Sn bond length of 299.1 pm. In contrast to the electron precise Zintl compounds of the alkaline earth elements, additional La–Sn bonding contributions become apparent from the results of band structure calculations. In the somewhat tin‐richer region, the new compound La₃Sn₄ (orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 451.45(4), b = 1190.44(9), c = 1583.8(2) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0674), crystallizing with the Er₃Ge₄ structure type, exhibits Sn₃ segments of the zigzag chains of α‐LaSn together with a further Sn atom in a square planar Sn coordination with increased Sn–Sn bond lengths. In the Lanthanum‐richer region, La₁₁Sn₁₀ (tetragonal, space group I4/mmm, a = 1208.98(5), c = 1816.60(9) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0325) forms the undistorted tetragonal Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type. Its structure, which contains isolated Sn atoms, [Sn₂] dumbbells and planar [Sn₄] rings is related to the high temperature (β) form of LaSn. The structure of β‐LaSn (space group Cmmm, a = 1766.97(6), b = 1768.28(5), c = 1194.32(3) pm, Z = 60, R1 = 0.0453), which forms a singular structure type, can be derived from that of La₁₁Sn₁₀ by the removal of thin slabs. Due to the different stacking of the remaining layers, planar [Sn₄] chain segments and linear [Sn–Sn–Sn] anions are formed as additional structural elements. The chemical bonding (Sn–Sn covalent bonding, Sn–La contributions) is discussed on the basis of the simple Zintl concept and the results of FP‐LAPW calculations (density of states, band structure, valence electron densities and electron localization function).     

Endohedrally Filled [Ni@Sn9]4− and [Co@Sn9]5− Clusters in the Neat Solids Na12Ni1−xSn17 and K13−xCo1−xSn17: Crystal Structure and 119Sn Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

A systematic approach to the formation of endohedrally filled atom clusters by a high‐temperature route instead of the more frequent multistep syntheses in solution is presented. Zintl phases Na₁₂Ni_1?xSn₁₇ and K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇, containing endohedrally filled intermetalloid clusters [Ni@Sn₉]^4? or [Co@Sn₉]^5? beside [Sn₄]^4?, are obtained from high‐temperature reactions. The arrangement of [Ni@Sn₉]^4? or [Co@Sn₉]^5? and [Sn₄]^4? clusters, which are present in the ratio 1:2, can be regarded as a hierarchical replacement variant of the hexagonal Laves phase MgZn₂ on the Mg and Zn positions, respectively. The alkali‐metal positions are considered for the first time in the hierarchical relationship, which leads to a comprehensive topological parallel and a better understanding of the composition of these compounds. The positions of the alkali‐metal atoms in the title compounds are related to the known inclusion of hydrogen atoms in the voids of Laves phases. The inclusion of Co atoms in the {Sn₉} cages correlates strongly with the number of K vacancies in K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇ and K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉, and consequently, all compounds correspond to diamagnetic valence compounds. Owing to their diamagnetism, K_13?xCo_1?xSn₁₇, and K_5?xCo_1?xSn₉, as well as the d‐block metal free binary compounds K₁₂Sn₁₇ and K₄Sn₉, were characterized for the first time by ¹¹⁹Sn solid‐state NMR spectroscopy.     

Site Preference of Cations and Structural Variation in MgAl2–xGaxO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) Spinel Solid Solution

The crystal structures of MgAl_2–xGa_xO₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) spinel solid solutions (x = 0.00, 0.38, 0.76, 0.96, 1.52, 2.00) were refined using ²⁷Al MAS NMR measurements and single crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. Site preferences of cations were investigated. The inversion parameter (i) of MgAl₂O₄ (i = 0.206) is slightly larger than given in previous studies. It is considered that the difference of inversion parameter is caused by not only the difference of heat treatment time but also some influence of melting with a flux. The distribution of Ga³⁺ is little affected by a change of the temperature from 1473 K to 973 K. The degree of order‐disorder of Mg²⁺ or Al³⁺ between the fourfold‐ and sixfold‐coordinated sites is almost constant against Ga³⁺ content (x) in the solid solution. A compositional variable of the Ga/(Mg + Ga) ratio in the sixfold‐coordinated site has a constant value through the whole compositional range: the ratio is not influenced by the occupancy of Al³⁺. The occupancy of Al³⁺ is independent of the occupancy of Ga³⁺, though it depends on the occupancy of Mg²⁺ according to thermal history. The local bond lengths were estimated from the refined data of solid solutions. The local bond length between specific cation and oxygen corresponds with that expected from the effective ionic radii except local Al–O bond length in the fourfold‐coordinated site and local Mg–O bond length in the sixfold‐coordinated site. The local Al–O bond length in the fourfold‐coordinated site (1.92 Å) is about 0.15 Å longer than the expected bond length. This difference is induced by a difference in site symmetry of the fourfold‐coordinated site. The nature that Al³⁺ in spinel structure occupies mainly the sixfold‐coordinated site arises from the character of Al³⁺ itself. The local Mg–O bond length in the sixfold‐coordinated site (2.03 Å) is about 0.07 Å shorter than the expected one. Difference Fourier synthesis for MgGa₂O₄ shows a residual electron density peak of about 0.17 e/ų in height on the center of (Ga_0.59 Mg_0.41)–O bond. This peak indicates the covalent bonding nature of Ga–O bond on the sixfold‐coordinated site in the spinel structure.     

Neue Zinn‐reiche Stannide der Systeme AII‐Al‐Sn (AII = Ca,Sr, Ba)

New Tin‐rich Stannides of the Systems A^II‐Al‐Sn (A^II = Ca, Sr, Ba) Four new tin‐rich intermetallics of the ternary systems Ca/Sr/Ba‐Al‐Sn were synthesized from stoichiometric amounts of the elements at maximum temperatures of 1200 °C. Their crystal structures, representing two new types, have been determined using single crystal x‐ray diffraction. Close to the 1:1 composition, the structures of the two isotypic compounds A₁₈[Al₄(Al/Sn)₂Sn₄][Sn₄][Sn]₂ (overall composition A₉M₈; A = Sr/Ba, tetragonal, space group P4/mbm, a = 1325.9(1)/1378.6(1), c = 1272.8(2)/1305.4(1) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0430/0.0293) contain three different anionic Sn/Al building units: Isolated Sn atoms (motif I) coordinated by the alkaline earth cations only (comparable to Ca₂Sn), linear Sn chains (II), which are comparable to the anions in trielides related to the W₅Si₃ structure type and finally octahedral clusters [Al₄M₂Sn₄] (III), composed of four Al atoms forming the center plane, two statistically occupied Al/Sn atoms at the apexes and four exohedral Sn attached to Al. Close to the AM₂ composition, two isotypic tin‐rich intermetallics A₉[Al₃Sn₂][(Sn/Al)₄]Sn₆ (overall composition A₉M₁₅; A = Ca/Sr; space group C2/m, a = 2175.2(1)/2231.0(2), b = 1210.8(1)/1247.0(1), c = 1007.4(1)/1042.0(2) pm, β = 103.38(1)/103.42(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0541/0.0378) are formed. Their structure is best described as a complex three‐dimensional network, that can be considered to consist of the building units of the binary border phases too, i.e. linear zig‐zag chains of Sn (motif I) like in CaSn, ladders of four‐bonded Sn/Al atoms (II) like in SrAl₂ and trigonal‐bipyramidal clusters [Al₃Sn₂] (III) also present in Ba₃Al₅. Despite the complex structures, some statistically occupied Al/Sn positions and the small disorder of one building unit, the bonding in both structure types can be interpreted using the Zintl concept and Wade's electron counting rules when taking partial Sn‐Sn bonds into account.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Bicyclic [Sn4Se11]6– Anion in Na6Sn4Se11 · 22 H2O

Na₆Sn₄Se₁₁ · 22 H₂O can be crystallised at –8 °C as yellow‐orange needles from the 1 : 2 H₂O/CH₃OH mother liquor of a superheated reaction mixture of NaOH(s), Sn and Se. The bicyclic [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– anion exhibits crystallographic C₂ symmetry and is composed of corner‐bridged SnSe₄ tetrahedra. Two opposite tin atoms of an Sn₄Se₄ 8‐membered ring are linked by a common Se atom, thereby affording two 6‐membered boat‐shaped Sn₃Se₃ rings with a shared Sn–Se–Sn bridging unit. [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– thus represents the immediate precursor of the well‐known adamantane‐like [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4– anion.     

K6Sn23Bi2 und K6Sn25 – zwei Phasen mit chiraler Clathrat-Struktur und ihr Verhalten gegenüber Ethylendiamin

K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ and K₆Sn₂₅ – Two Phases with Chiral Clathrate Structure and their Reactivity towards Ethylenediamine K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ was prepared from the elements in a sealed niobium tube at 620 °C. A single crystal of the composition K₆Sn₂₅ could be isolated from the reaction of a solidified melt of nominal composition ”︁K₄Sn₉”︁”︁ and 18crown6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) at 45 °C. K₆Sn₂₃Bi₂ and K₆Sn₂₅ are isotypic and adopt the chiral cubic clathrate structure type cP124. Both crystal structures were determined from single crystal X-ray data: space group P4₃32, a = 16,300(2) and 16,202(2) Å, respectively, Z = 4. The structures contain one kind of a distorted pentagonal dodecahedron of the elements Sn/Bi and Sn, respectively, as the only building block. The pentagonal dodecahedron is centered with potassium and linked by three pentagonal faces and one external bond to four others. Thus leading to a three-dimensional, chiral zeolite-like network. The resulting voids and channels are occupied by potassium. There are 17 four- and 8 three-connected atoms out of every 25 framework atoms. The reactions of the title compounds as well as of solidified melts of the compositions K : Sn = =x : 25 (x = 4; 5; 8; 11 and 22) with ethylenediamine are discussed.     

Unravelling Local Atomic Order of the Anionic Sublattice in M(Al1−xGax)4 with M=Sr and Ba by Using NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanical Modelling

The quasibinary section of the intermetallic phases MAl₄ and MGa₄ with M=Sr and Ba have been characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies and differential thermal analysis. The binary phases show complete miscibility and form solid solutions M(Al_1?xGa_x)₄ with M=Sr and Ba. These structures crystallise in the BaAl₄ structure type with four‐ and five‐bonded Al and/or Ga atoms (denoted as Al(4b), Al(5b), Ga(4b), and Ga(5b), respectively) that form a polyanionic Al/Ga sublattice. Solid state ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopic analysis and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations were applied to study the bonding of the Al centres and the influence of Al/Ga substitution, especially in the regimes with low degrees of substitution. M(Al_1?xGa_x)₄ with M=Sr and Ba and 0.925≤x≤0.975 can be described as a matrix of the binary majority compound in which a low amount of the Ga atoms has been substituted by Al atoms. In good agreement with the QM calculations, ²⁷Al NMR investigations and single crystal XRD studies prove a preferred occupancy of Al(4b) for these substitution regimes. Furthermore, two different local Al environments were found, namely isolated Al(4b1) atoms and Al(4b2), due to the formation of Al(4b)–Al(4b) pairs besides isolated Al(4b) atoms within the polyanionic sublattice. QM calculations of the electric field gradient (EFG) using superlattice structures under periodic boundary conditions are in good agreement with the NMR spectroscopic results.     

Yb6Ir5Ga7 – A MgZn2 Superstructure

The gallide Yb₆Ir₅Ga₇ was synthesized by high‐frequency melting of the elements in a sealed niobium ampoule. The structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: Nb_6.4Ir₄Al_7.6 type, P6₃/mcm, a = 930.4(1), c = 843.0(1) pm, wR₂ = 0.0597, 379 F² values and 22 variables. Yb₆Ir₅Ga₇ adopts a superstructure of the MgZn₂ Laves phase by a complete ordering of the iridium and gallium atoms on the zinc substructure, i.e. the network consists of ordered and condensed Ir₃Ga and IrGa₃ tetrahedra with Ir–Ga distances ranging from 260 to 265 pm. The crystal chemical details and the underlying group‐subgroup scheme are discussed.     

Tetra­butyl­bis(N‐phthaloyl­glycinato)­distannoxane dimer

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Sn₄(C₄H₉)₈(C₁₀H₆NO₄)₄O₂], contains centrosymmetric dimers. It contains a central Sn₂O₂ core with the O atoms bonded to two di­butyl­bis(N‐phthaloyl­glycinato)­tin units. The Sn atoms of the core are six‐coordinate in a skew trapezoidal bipyramidal geometry, while the exocyclic Sn atoms are essentially five‐coordinate in a distorted trigonal geometry. The Sn—C distances lie in a narrow range of 2.120 (5)–2.138 (4) Å.     

Ni5‐δSn4Zn (δ ∼ 0.25) from single‐crystal data

Work on the ternary Ni–Sn–Zn phase diagram revealed the existence of the title compound pentanickel tetratin zinc, Ni_3.17Sn_2.67Zn_0.67 [Schmetterer et al. (2012). Intermetallics, doi:10.1016/j.intermet.2011.05.025]. It crystallizes in the Ni₅Ga₃Ge₂ structure type (orthorhombic, Cmcm) and is related to the InNi₂ type (hexagonal, P6₃/mmc) of the neighbouring Ni₃Sn₂ high‐temperature (HT) phase, but is not a superstructure. The crystal structure was determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Its homogeneity range was characterized using electron microprobe analysis. Phase analysis at various temperatures indicated that the phase decomposes between 1073 and 1173 K, where a more extended ternary solid solution of the Ni₃Sn₂ HT phase was found instead.     

Sn3N4, ein Zinn(IV)-nitrid – Synthese und erste Strukturbestimmung einer binären Zinn–Stickstoff-Verbindung

Sn₃N₄, a Tin(IV) Nitride – Syntheses and the First Crystal Structure Determination of a Binary Tin-Nitrogen Compound By reaction of SnI₄ with KNH₂ in liquid ammonia at 243 K a white product mixture was obtained. After evaporation of ammonia the solid residue was annealed in vacuum for 2–5 d at 573 K. Subsequently collected x-ray powder diffraction patterns exhibited reflections of KI and a new compound Sn₃N₄. Analogous reactions of SnBr₂ and KNH₂ led to KBr and dark brown microcrystalline Sn₃N₄ but also to metallic tin. The structure of tin(IV)-nitride was determined from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data: Space group Fd 3 m, Z = 8, a = 9.037(3) Å. Sn₃N₄ crystallizes in a spinel type structure. Both metal atom positions are occupied by tin atoms of oxidation state plus four.