Mg substitution effect on the hydrogenation behaviour, thermodynamic and structural properties of the La2Ni7-H(D)2 system

The present work is focused on studies of the influence of magnesium on the hydrogenation behaviour of the (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ alloys. Substitution of La in La₂Ni₇ by Mg to form La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇ preserves the initial Ce₂Ni₇ type of the hexagonal P6₃/mmc structure and leads to contraction of the unit cell. The system La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇-H₂ (D₂) was studied using in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction in H₂/D₂ gas and pressure-composition-temperature measurements. La replacement by Mg was found to proceed in an ordered way, only within the Laves-type parts of the hybrid crystal structure, yielding formation of LaMgNi₄ slabs with statistic and equal occupation of one site by La and Mg atoms. Mg alters structural features of the hydrogenation process. Instead of a strong unilateral anisotropic expansion which takes place on hydrogenation of La₂Ni₇, the unit cell of La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇D_9.1 is formed by nearly equal hydrogen-induced expansions proceeding in the basal plane (Δa/a=7.37%) and along [001] (Δc/c=9.67%). In contrast with La₂Ni₇D_6.5 where only LaNi₂ layers absorb hydrogen atoms, in La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇D_9.1 both LaNi₅ and LaMgNi₄ layers become occupied. Nine types of sites were found to be filled by D in total, including tetrahedral (La,Mg)₂Ni₂, (La,Mg)Ni₃, Ni₄, tetragonal pyramidal La₂Ni₃ and trigonal bipyramidal (La,Mg)₃Ni₂ interstices. The hydrogen sublattice around the La/Mg site shows formation of two co-ordination spheres of D atoms: an octahedron MgD₆ and a 16-vertex polyhedron LaD₁₆ around La. The interatomic distances are in the following ranges: La-D (2.28-2.71), Mg-D (2.02-2.08), Ni-D (1.48-1.86 Å). All D-D distances exceed 1.9 Å. Thermodynamic PCT studies yielded the following values for the ΔH and ΔS of hydrogenation/decomposition; ΔH_H=−15.7±0.9 kJ (mol_H)⁻¹ and ΔS_H=−46.0±3.7 J (K mol_H)⁻¹ for H₂ absorption, and ΔH_H=16.8±0.4 kJ (mol_H)⁻¹ and ΔS_H=48.1±1.5 J (K mol_H)⁻¹ for H₂ desorption.     

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

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

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Na2Ni(HPO3)2

Na₂Ni(HPO₃)₂, obtained as light yellow-green crystals under mild hydrothermal conditions, crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space-group with lattice parameters: a=11.9886(3), b=5.3671(2), c=9.0764(3) Å, V=584.01 Å³, Z=4. The structure consists of zig-zag chains of NiO₆ octahedra bridged by two HPO₃²⁻ and the chains are further connected through HPO₃²⁻ to four nearest chains to form a three dimensional framework, delimiting intersecting tunnels in which the sodium ions are located. The Na cations reside in the irregular Na(1)O₅, Na-O of 2.276-2.745 Å, and Na(2)O₉, Na-O of 2.342-2.376 Å, environments. The presence of the phosphite monoanion has been further confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Due to the 3D framework of Ni connected by O-P-O bridges, the magnetic susceptibility behaves as a paramagnet above 100 K (C=1.49(2) emu K mol⁻¹, μ_eff=3.45 μ_B, Θ=−39(2) K) and below 6 K, it orders antiferromagnetically as confirmed the sharp drop and the non-Brillouin behavior of the isothermal magnetization at 2 K.     

K2Re(NCS)6: A weak ferromagnet

The preparation of the potassium salt of hexathiocyanate Re(IV) as a pure and crystalline solid is described. The crystal structure for [{K(H₂O)₂}₂{Re(NCS)₆}] (P2₁/c, a = 8.29132(8) Å, b = 15.0296(2) Å, c = 8.5249(1) Å, β = 90.885(1)°, V = 1062.21(2) Å³) revealed the formation of a 3-D coordination polymer based on K-S linkages. This organization leads to rather short intermolecular S···S contacts. The magnetic behavior for the compound is characterized by substantial antiferromagnetic interactions (with Curie-Weiss parameters C = 1.93 cm³mol⁻¹ and θ = −171 K) that in turn lead to a weak ferromagnet with T_C = 13 K.     

Ternary rare-earth titanium antimonides: Phase equilibria in the RE-Ti-Sb (RE=La, Er) systems and crystal structures of RE2Ti7Sb12 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) and RETi3(SnxSb1-x)4 (RE=Nd, Sm)

Investigations on phase relationships and crystal structures have been conducted on several ternary rare-earth titanium antimonide systems. The isothermal cross-sections of the ternary RE-Ti-Sb systems containing a representative early (RE=La) and late rare-earth element (RE=Er) have been constructed at 800 °C. In the La-Ti-Sb system, the previously known compound La₃TiSb₅ was confirmed and the new compound La₂Ti₇Sb₁₂ (own type, Cmmm, Z=2, a=10.5446(10) Å, b=20.768(2) Å, and c=4.4344(4) Å) was discovered. In the Er-Ti-Sb system, no ternary compounds were found. The structure of La₂Ti₇Sb₁₂ consists of a complex arrangement of TiSb₆ octahedra and disordered fragments of homoatomic Sb assemblies, generating a three-dimensional framework in which La atoms reside. Other early rare-earth elements (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd) can be substituted in this structure type. Attempts to prepare crystals in these systems through use of a tin flux resulted in the discovery of a new Sn-containing pseudoternary phase RETi₃(Sn_xSb_1−x)₄ for RE=Nd, Sm (own type, Fmmm, Z=8; a=5.7806(4) Å, b=10.0846(7) Å, and c=24.2260(16) Å for NdTi₃(Sn_0.1Sb_0.9)₄; a=5.7590(4) Å, b=10.0686(6) Å, and c=24.1167(14) Å for SmTi₃(Sn_0.1Sb_0.9)₄). Its structure consists of double-layer slabs of Ti-centred octahedra stacked alternately with nets of the RE atoms; the Ti atoms are arranged in kagome nets.     

A new triclinic modification of the pyrochlore-type KOs2O6 superconductor

A new modification of KOs₂O₆, the representative of a new structural type (Pearson symbol aP18, a=5.5668(1) Å, b=6.4519(2) Å, c=7.2356(2) Å, α=65.377(3)°, β=70.572(3)°, γ=75.613(2)° space group P−1, no. 2 was synthesized employing high pressure technique. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure can be described as two OsO₆ octahedral chains relating to each other through inversion and forming big voids with K atoms inside. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on the novel compound and structurally related cubic compound. High-pressure X-ray study showed that cubic KOs₂O₆ phase was stable up to 32.5(2) GPa at room temperature.     

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.     

Transition metal tetramolybdate dihydrates MMo4O13·2H2O (M=Co,Ni) having a novel pillared layer structure

Hydrothermal synthesis in the M/Mo/O (M=Co,Ni) system was investigated. Novel transition metal tetramolybdate dihydrates MMo₄O₁₃·2H₂O (M=Co,Ni), having an interesting pillared layer structure, were found. The molybdates crystallize in the triclinic system with space group P−1, Z=1 with unit cell parameters of a=5.525(3) Å, b=7.058(4) Å, c=7.551(5) Å, α=90.019(10)°, β=105.230(10)°, γ=90.286(10)° for CoMo₄O₁₃·2H₂O, and a=5.508(2) Å, b=7.017(3) Å, c=7.533(3) Å, α=90.152(6)°, β=105.216(6)°, γ=90.161(6)° for NiMo₄O₁₃·2H₂O The structure is composed of two-dimensional molybdenum-oxide (2D Mo-O) sheets pillared with CoO₆ octahedra. The 2D Mo-O sheet is made up of infinite straight ribbons built up by corner-sharing of four molybdenum octahedra (two MoO₆ and two MoO₅OH₂) sharing edges. These infinite ribbons are similar to the straight ones in triclinic-K₂Mo₄O₁₃ having 1D chain structure, but are linked one after another by corner-sharing to form a 2D sheet structure, like the twisted ribbons in BaMo₄O₁₃·2H₂O (or in orthorhombic-K₂Mo₄O₁₃) are.     

Thermodynamic properties of hydrated sodium l-threonate Na(C4H7O5)·H2O(s)

Low-temperature heat capacities of the compound Na(C₄H₇O₅)·H₂O(s) have been measured with an automated adiabatic calorimeter. A solid-solid phase transition and dehydration occur at 290-318 K and 367-373 K, respectively. The enthalpy and entropy of the solid-solid transition are Δ_transH_m = (5.75 ± 0.01) kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_transS_m = (18.47 ± 0.02) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. The enthalpy and entropy of the dehydration are Δ_dH_m = (15.35 ± 0.03) kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_dS_m = (41.35 ± 0.08) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. Experimental values of heat capacities for the solids (I and II) and the solid-liquid mixture (III) have been fitted to polynomial equations.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical spectroscopy of Ln2(SO4)3·8H2O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and Pr2(SO4)3·4H2O

The lanthanide sulphate octahydrates Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and the respective tetrahydrate Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O were obtained by evaporation of aqueous reaction mixtures of trivalent rare earth oxides and sulphuric acid at 300 K. Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) crystallise in space group C2/c (Z=4, a_Ho=13.4421(4) Å, b_Ho=6.6745(2) Å, c_Ho=18.1642(5) Å, β_Ho=102.006(1) Å³ and a_Tm=13.4118(14) Å, b_Tm=6.6402(6) Å, c_Tm=18.1040(16) Å, β_Tm=101.980(8) Å³), Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O adopts space group P2₁/n (a=13.051(3) Å, b=7.2047(14) Å, c=13.316(3) Å, β=92.55(3) Å³). The vibrational and optical spectra of Ho₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O and Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O are also reported.     

Two isotypic diphosphates LiM2H3(P2O7)2 (M=Ni, Co) containing ferromagnetic zigzag MO6 chains

Two new isotypic phosphates LiNi₂H₃(P₂O₇)₂ (1) and LiCo₂H₃(P₂O₇)₂ (2) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. They crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c with the lattice: a=10.925(2) Å, b=12.774(3) Å, c=8.8833(18) Å, β=123.20(3)° for 1 and a=10.999(2) Å, b=12.863(3) Å, c=8.9419(18) Å, β=123.00(3)° for 2. The transition metal atoms are octahedrally coordinated, whereas the lithium and phosphorus atoms are all tetrahedrally coordinated. As the lithium-induced derivatives of MH₂P₂O₇ (M=Ni, Co), 1 and 2 possess the same structure with MH₂P₂O₇ in terms of topology, comprising the MO₆ zigzag chains and P₂O₇ as the interchain groups. The magnetisms of 1 and 2 could be interpreted by adopting a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chain model as that in their parent compounds: both 1 and 2 have ferromagnetic (FM) NiO₆/CoO₆ chains; 1 shows a FM cluster glass behavior at low temperatures, which is originated from the possible antiferromagnetic (AFM) next-nearest-neighbour intrachain interactions; 2 shows a AFM ordering at T_N=2.6 K and a metamagnetic transition at H_C=4.2 kOe at 1.8 K.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and physico-chemical properties of the new quaternary oxide Sr5BiNi2O9.6

A new black quaternary oxide Sr₅BiNi₂O_9.6 was synthesized by solid state reaction at 1200 °C. Its structure was solved by electron crystallography and X-ray powder refinement, yielding a tetragonal structure with space group I4/mmm, a=5.3637 (2) Å, c=17.5541(5) Å, Z=4. The structure can be described as a stacking of (Bi,Sr)-O rocksalt slabs and SrNiO_3−δ perovskite slabs. The initial nickel valence is close to +3.1. Thermogravimetry and high-temperature oxygen coulometry showed that this compound has variable oxygen content as a function of temperature and oxygen pressure, and ultimately decomposes when heated in low oxygen pressure above 800 °C. It is a metallic conductor with n-type conduction. Its thermoelectric power was determined and found to be −20 and −38 μV/K at 300 and 650 °C, respectively. Magnetic measurements confirm the nickel valence close to +3 and show evidence of magnetic ordering at 20 K.     

New members of ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides containing finite boron-carbon chains: RE25B14C26 (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd25B12C28

New ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ were synthesized by co-melting the elements. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ is stable up to 1440 K. RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) exist above 1270 K. The crystal structures were investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: space group P, a=8.3209(7) Å, b=8.3231(6) Å, c=29.888(2) Å, α=83.730(9)°, β=83.294(9)°, γ=89.764(9)°. Pr₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: space group P2₁/c, a=8.4243(5) Å, b=8.4095(6) Å, c=30.828(1) Å, β=105.879(4)°, V=2100.6(2) Å³, (R1=0.048 (wR2=0.088) from 2961 reflections with I_o>2σ(I_o)); for Nd₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ space group P2₁/c, Z=2, a=8.3404(6) Å, b=8.3096(6) Å, c=30.599(2) Å, β=106.065(1)°. Their structures consist of a three-dimensional framework of rare-earth metal atoms resulting from the stacking of slightly corrugated and distorted square nets, leading to cavities filled with cumulene-like molecules [B₂C₄]⁶⁻ and [B₃C₃]⁷⁻, nearly linear [BC₂]⁵⁻ and bent [BC₂]⁷⁻ units and isolated carbon atoms. Structural and theoretical analysis suggests the ionic formulation for RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: (RE³⁺)₂₅[B₂C₄]⁶⁻([B₃C₃]⁷⁻)₂([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·5e⁻ and for Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: (Nd³⁺)₂₅([B₂C₄]⁶⁻)₃([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·7e⁻. Accordingly, extended Hückel tight-binding calculations indicate that the compounds are metallic in character.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two new hydrated borates, Zn8[(BO3)3O2(OH)3] and Pb[B5O8(OH)]·1.5H2O

Two new hydrated borates, Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O, have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions at 170 °C. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses showed that Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group R32 with a=8.006(2) Å, c=17.751(2) Å, Z=3 and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=6.656(2) Å, b=6.714(2) Å, c=10.701(2) Å, α=99.07(2)°, β=93.67(2)°, γ=118.87(1)°, Z=2. Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] represents a new structure type in which Zn-centered tetrahedra are connected via common vertices leading to helical ribbons _∞¹[Zn₈O₁₅(OH)₃]¹⁷⁻ that pack side by side and are further condensed through sharing oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional _∞³[Zn₈O₁₁(OH)₃]⁹⁻ framework. The boron atoms are incorporated into the channels in the framework to complete the final structure. Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O is a layered compound containing double ring [B₅O₈(OH)]²⁻ building units that share exocyclic oxygen atoms to form a two-dimensional layer. Symmetry-center-related layers are stacked along the c-axis and held together by interlayer Pb²⁺ ions and water molecules via electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The IR spectra further confirmed the existence of both triangular BO₃ and OH groups in Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃], and BO₃, BO₄, OH groups as well as guest water molecules in Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O.     

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of hybrid materials: [Ce(H2O)]2[O2C(CH2)2CO2]3 and [Sm(H2O)]2[O2C(CH2)2CO2]3·H2O

The rare-earth dicarboxylate hybrid materials [Ce(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃ ([Ce(Suc)]) and [Sm(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃·H₂O ([Sm(Suc)]) have been hydrothermally synthesized (200°C, 3 days) under autogenus pressure. [Ce(Suc)] is triclinic, a=7.961 (3) Å, b=8.176 (5) Å, c=14.32 (2) Å, α=97.07° (7), β=96.75° (8), γ=103.73° (6), and z=2. The crystal structure of this compound has been determined using 3120 unique single crystal data. The final refinements let the agreement factors R₁ and wR₂(F²) converge to 0.0138 and 0.0363, respectively. [Ce(Suc)] is built up from infinite chains of edge-sharing nine-fold coordinated cerium atoms running along [100]. These chains are interconnected by the carbon atoms of the succinate anions, leading to a three-dimensional hybrid framework. The cell constants of [Sm(Suc)], isotypic with monoclinic C2/c [Pr(H₂O)]₂[O₂C(CH₂)₂CO₂]₃·H₂O ([Pr(Suc)]), were refined starting from X-ray powder data: a=20.275 (3) Å, b=7.919 (6) Å, c=14.130 (3) Å, and β=121.45° (1). Despite its lower symmetry, [Ce(Suc)] presents an important structural filiation with [Sm(Suc)]     

Ba14Zn5−xAl22+x: a new polar intermetallic compound with a novel 2D network

A new ternary, intermetallic compound, Ba₁₄Zn_5−xAl_22+x, was synthesized by heating the pure elements at 900°C. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/m, Z=2, with a=10.474(2) Å, b=6.0834(14) Å, c=34.697(8) Å and β=90.814(4)°. The crystal structure of Ba₁₄Zn_5−xAl_22+x consists of [Zn_5−xAl_22+x] slabs that are built with a novel, two-dimensional (2D) network of Zn and Al atoms involving eight-membered rings sandwiched between two layers of trigonal bipyramids interconnected by three-center bonding. Tight-binding, linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO-ASA) calculations have been performed to understand the relationship between composition and orbital interactions in the electronegative element framework. This new structure is closely related to the high-pressure, cubic Laves-type structure of BaAl₂ as well as the ambient pressure binary compound, Ba₇Al₁₃. The degree of valence electron charge transfer from the electropositive Ba atoms is related to the Al:Ba molar ratio in the Ba-Zn-Al system.     

Ab initio structure determination of new compound Li4CaB2O6

A new compound, Li₄CaB₂O₆, has been synthesized by solid-state reaction and its structure has been determined from powder X-ray diffraction data by direct methods. The refinement was carried out using the Rietveld methods and the final refinement converged with R_p=10.4%, R_wp=14.2%, R_exp=4.97%. This compound belongs to the orthorhombic space group Pnnm, with lattice parameters a=9.24036(9) Å, b=8.09482(7) Å, and c=3.48162(4) Å. Fundamental building units are isolated [BO₃]³⁻ anionic groups, which are all parallel to the a-b plane stacked along the c-axis. The Ca atoms are six-coordinated by the O atoms to form octahedral coordination polyhedra, which are joined together through edges along the c-axis, forming infinitely long three-dimensional chains. The Li atoms have a four-fold and a five-fold coordination with O atoms that lead to complex Li-O-Li chains that also extend along the c-axis. The infrared spectrum of Li₄CaB₂O₆ was also studied, which is consistent with the crystallographic study.     

K2Li(NH2)3 and K2Na(NH2)3—synthesis and crystal structure of two crystal-chemically isotypic mixed-cationic amides

K₂Li(NH₂)₃ (1) was the only crystalline product obtained from the reaction of potassium with dilithium decahydro-closo-decaborate Li₂B₁₀H₁₀ in liquid ammonia at −38 °C. The compound crystallizes in the space group P4₂/m with Z=4, a=6.8720(5) Å, c=11.706(1) Å and V=552.81(7) Å³. The investigated crystal-chemically isotypic sodium compound K₂Na(NH₂)₃ (2) was merohedrally twinned and crystallized from a reaction mixture containing potassium and disodium decahydro-closo-decaborate Na₂B₁₀H₁₀ in liquid ammonia with a=7.0044(5) Å, c=12.362(1) Å and V=606.48(9) Å³. The compounds contain pairs of edge sharing tetraamidolithium or tetraamidosodium tetrahedra which are interconnected by potassium ions forming three-dimensional infinite networks.     

Sm2NiSn4: The intermediate structure type between ZrSi2 and CeNiSi2

A new rare earth nickel stannide, Sm₂NiSn₄, has been prepared by reacting the pure elements at high temperature in welded tantalum tubes. Its crystal structure was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Sm₂NiSn₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with cell parameters of a=16.878(2) Å, b=4.4490(7) Å, c=8.915(1) Å, and Z=4. Its structure can be viewed as the intermediate type between ZrSi₂ and CeNiSi₂. Sm₂NiSn₄ features two-dimensional (2D) corrugated [NiSn₄]⁶⁻ layers in which the 1D Sn zigzag chains and the 2D Sn square sheets are bridged by Ni atoms. The Sm³⁺ cations are located at the interlayer space. Results of both resistivity measurements and extended-Hückel tight-binding band structure calculations indicate that Sm₂NiSn₄ is metallic.     

Formation and structural refinements of tunneled intergrowth phases in the Ga2O3-In2O3-SnO2-TiO2 system

Over 100 samples were prepared as (Ga,In)₄(Sn,Ti)_n−4O_2n−2, n=6, 7, and 9 by solid-state reaction at 1400 °C and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Nominally phase-pure beta-gallia-rutile intergrowths were observed in samples prepared with n=9 (0.17?x?0.35 and 0?y?0.4) as well as in a few samples prepared with n=6 and 7. Rietveld analysis of neutron time-of-flight powder diffraction data were conducted for three phase-pure samples. The n=6 phase Ga_3.24In_0.76Sn_1.6Ti_0.4O₁₀ is monoclinic, P2/m, with Z=2 and a=11.5934(3) Å, b=3.12529(9) Å, c=10.6549(3) Å, β=99.146(1)°. The n=7 phase Ga_3.24In_0.76Sn_2.4Ti_0.6O₁₂ is monoclinic, C2/m, with Z=2 and a=14.2644(1) Å, b=3.12751(2) Å, c=10.6251(8) Å, β=108.405(1)°. The n=9 phase Ga_3.16In_0.84Sn₄TiO₁₆ is monoclinic, C2/m, with Z=2 a=18.1754(2) Å, b=3.13388(3) Å, c=10.60671(9) Å, β=102.657(1)°. All of the structures are similar in that they possess distorted hexagonal tunnels parallel to the [010] vector.