Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of three new metal selenites Na2Co2(SeO3)3, Na2Co1.67Ni0.33(SeO3)3, and Na2Ni2(SeO3)3

Three new sodium cobalt (nickel) selenite compounds, namely, Na₂Co₂(SeO₃)₃, Na₂Co_1.67Ni_0.33(SeO₃)₃, and Na₂Ni₂(SeO₃)₃ have been hydro-/solvothermally synthesized in the mixed solvents of acetonitrile and water. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that these isostructural compounds belong to the orthorhombic Cmcm space group and their structures feature three-dimensional open frameworks constructed by the two-dimensional layers of [MSeO₃] pillared by the [SeO₃]²⁻ groups. The two different types of Na⁺ ions reside in the intersecting two-dimensional channels parallel to the a- and c-axes, respectively. Their thermal properties have been investigated via TGA-DSC. The magnetic measurements indicate the existence of the antiferromagnetic interactions in these compounds.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of new layered BaNaSc(BO3)2 and BaNaY(BO3)2 orthoborates

Crystals of two new layered BaNaSc(BO₃)₂ (I) and BaNaY(BO₃)₂ (II) orthoborates are grown from the melt-solution by the spontaneous crystallization onto the platinum loop. Single crystal X-ray analysis showed that the compounds are isostructural with the space group R3¯, a=5.23944(12) and 5.3338(2) Å, and c=34.5919(11) and 35.8303(19) Å for I and II, respectively, Z=6. The distinctive feature of the structure is the close-packed composite anion-cation (Ba,Na)(BO₃) layers. The layers are combined into the base building packages of two types: {M³⁺[Ba²⁺(BO₃)³⁻]₂}⁺ and {M³⁺[Na⁺(BO₃)³⁻]₂}⁻, where M is Sc or Y. Neutral-charge two-package (four-layer) blocks are stacked by the rhombohedral principle into twelve layers of the cubic packing.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of two new cobalt selenite halides: Co5(SeO3)4X2 (X=Cl, Br)

Two new isostructural cobalt selenite halides Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ have been synthesized. They crystallize in the triclinic system space group P−1 with the following lattice parameters for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂: a=6.4935(8) Å, b=7.7288(8) Å, c=7.7443(10) Å, α=66.051(11)°, β=73.610(11)°, γ=81.268(9)°, and Z=1. The crystal structures were solved from single-crystal X-ray data, R1=3.73 and 4.03 for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂, respectively. The new compounds are isostructural to Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂.Magnetic susceptibility measurements on oriented single-crystalline samples show anisotropic response in a broad temperature range. The anisotropic susceptibility is quantitatively interpreted within the zero-field splitting schemes for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. Sharp low-temperature susceptibility features, at T_N=18 and 20 K for Co₅(SeO₃)₄Cl₂ and Co₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂, respectively, are ascribed to antiferromagnetic ordering in a minority magnetic subsystem. In isostructural Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ magnetically ordered subsystem represents a majority fraction (T_N=46 K). Nevertheless, anisotropic susceptibility of Ni₅(SeO₃)₄Br₂ is dominated at low temperatures by a minority fraction, subject to single-ion anisotropy effects and increasing population of S_z=0 (singlet) ground state of octahedrally coordinated Ni²⁺.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical properties of the first strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides: Sr3(SeO3)(Se2O5)Cl2 and Sr4(Te3O8)Cl4

Two new quaternary strontium selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxychlorides, namely, Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ and Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄, have been prepared by solid-state reaction. Sr₃(SeO₃)(Se₂O₅)Cl₂ features a three-dimensional (3D) network structure constructed from strontium(II) interconnected by Cl⁻, SeO₃²⁻ as well as Se₂O₅²⁻ anions. The structure of Sr₄(Te₃O₈)Cl₄ features a 3D network in which the strontium tellurium oxide slabs are interconnected by bridging Cl⁻ anions. The diffuse reflectance spectrum measurements and results of the electronic band structure calculations indicate that both compounds are wide band-gap semiconductors.     

The production of Cr(NH3)6 from the acid catalysed hydrolysis of Cr(NH3)5(NCO)

The rate of the reaction

has been investigated at 40–65°C with [HClO₄] varying from 0.04 to 0.6 M (μ = 0.6 M, NaClO₄). The observed rate law has the form: -d[Cr(NH₃)₅(NCO)²⁺]/dt = k_obs[Cr(NH₃)₅(NCO)²⁺] where k_obs = a[H+]²{1 + b[H⁺]²} and ^?1 at 55.0°C, a = 0.36 M^?1 s^?2 and b = 6.9 × 10^?3 M^?1 s^?1. The rate of loss of Cr(NH₃)₅(NCO)²⁺ increases with increasing acidity to a limiting value (at [H⁺] ～ 0.5 M) but the yield of Cr(NH₃)₆³⁺ decreases with increasing [H⁺] and increases with increasing temperature. In the kinetic studies the maximum yield of Cr(NH₃)₆³⁺ was 35% but a synthetic procedure has been developed to give a 60% yield.     

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.     

Syntheses, structures, and properties of Ag4(Mo2O5)(SeO4)2(SeO3) and Ag2(MoO3)3SeO3

Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) has been synthesized by reacting AgNO₃, MoO₃, and selenic acid under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure of this compound consists of cis-MoO₂²⁺ molybdenyl units that are bridged to neighboring molybdenyl moieties by selenate anions and by a bridging oxo anion. These dimeric units are joined by selenite anions to yield zigzag one-dimensional chains that extended down the c-axis. Individual chains are polar with the C₂ distortion of the Mo(VI) octahedra aligning on one side of each chain. However, the overall structure is centrosymmetric because neighboring chains have opposite alignment of the C₂ distortion. Upon heating Ag₄(Mo₂O₅)(SeO₄)₂(SeO₃) looses SeO₂ in two distinct steps to yield Ag₂MoO₄. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): orthorhombic, space group Pbcm, a=5.6557(3), b=15.8904(7), c=15.7938(7) Å, V=1419.41(12), Z=4, R(F)=2.72% for 121 parameters with 1829 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ was synthesized by reacting AgNO₃ with MoO₃, SeO₂, and HF under hydrothermal conditions. The structure of Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ consists of three crystallographically unique Mo(VI) centers that are in 2+2+2 coordination environments with two long, two intermediate, and two short bonds. These MoO₆ units are connected to form a molybdenyl ribbon that extends along the c-axis. These ribbons are further connected together through tridentate selenite anions to form two-dimensional layers in the [bc] plane. Crystallographic data: (193 K; MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=7.7034(5), b=11.1485(8), c=12.7500(9) Å, β=105.018(1) V=1002.7(2), Z=4, R(F)=3.45% for 164 parameters with 2454 reflections with I>2σ(I). Ag₂(MoO₃)₃SeO₃ decomposes to Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀ on heating above 550 °C.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and characterizations of BaZn(SeO3)2 and BaZn(TeO3)Cl2

Two new barium zinc selenite and tellurite, namely, BaZn(SeO₃)₂ and BaZn(TeO₃)Cl₂, have been synthesized by the solid state reaction. The structure of BaZn(SeO₃)₂ features double chains of [Zn(SeO₃)₂]²⁻ anions composed of four- and eight-member rings which are alternatively along a-axis. The double chains of [Zn₂(TeO₃)₂Cl₃]³⁻ anions in BaZn(TeO₃)Cl₂ are formed by Zn₃Te₃ rings in which each tellurite group connects with three ZnO₃Cl tetrahedra. BaZn(SeO₃)₂ and BaZn(TeO₃)Cl₂ are wide bandgap semiconductors based on optical diffuse reflectance spectrum measurements.     

Solvothermal synthesis of three new dimeric thiogermanates (enH)4Ge2S6, [Mn(en)3]2Ge2S6 and [Ni(en)3]2Ge2S6 from germanium dioxide and sulfur powder

Three new thiogermanates (enH)₄Ge₂S₆ (1) and [M(en)₃]₂Ge₂S₆ (M=Mn (2), Ni (3); en=ethylenediamine) were synthesized using GeO₂ and S₈ as starting materials in molar ratio of 1:0.5 under solvothermal conditions. These compounds suggest that the dimeric [Ge₂S₆]⁴⁻ anion is likely to be the main germanium-containing species in en system and it also might be preferred as counter anions by the transition metal complex cations in crystallization. The cations of [Mn(en)₃]²⁺ and [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ are even better mineralizers than the protonated amine of [enH]⁺. The crystal systems of [Ge₂S₆]⁴⁻ compounds are related to entities of cations and intermolecular reactions between cations and [Ge₂S₆]⁴⁻ anions. The compounds remove ethylenediamine and H₂S molecules in multi steps when being heated under nitrogen stream.     

Reactions of isonitriles with [Fe3(CO)12] and [Ru3(CO)12] monitored by electrospray mass spectrometry: structural characterisation of [Fe3(CO)10(CNPh)2] and [Ru4(CO)11(μ3-η-CNPh)2(CNPh)]

The reactions of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] or [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with RNC (R=Ph, C₆H₄OMe-p or CH₂SO₂C₆H₄Me-p) have been investigated using electrospray mass spectrometry. Species arising from substitution of up to six ligands were detected for [Fe₃(CO)₁₂], but the higher-substituted compounds were too unstable to be isolated. The crystal structure of [Fe₃(CO)₁₀(CNPh)₂] was determined at 150 and 298 K to show that both isonitrile ligands were trans to each other on the same Fe atom. For [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] substitution of up to three COs was found, together with the formation of higher-nuclearity clusters. [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(CNPh)₃] was structurally characterised and has a spiked-triangular Ru₄ core with two of the CNPh ligands coordinated in an unusual μ₃-η² mode.     

Na-Li-[V3O8] insertion electrodes: Structures and diffusion pathways

The potential insertion-electrode compounds Na_1.2[V₃O₈] (NaV) and Na_0.7Li_0.7[V₃O₈] (NaLiV) were synthesized from mixtures of Na₂CO₃, Li₂CO₃ and V₂O₅, which were melted at 750° and subsequently cooled to room temperature. The structures of NaV and LiV contain sheets of polymerized (VO_n) polyhedra, which are topologically identical to the sheet of polymerized polyhedra in Li_1.2[V₃O₈] (LiV). Vanadium occurs in three different coordination environments: [2+3] V(1), [2+2+2] V(2) and [1+4+1] V(3). Calculated bond-valence sums indicate that V⁴⁺ occurs preferentially at the V(3) site, which agrees with the general observation that [6]-coordinated V⁴⁺ prefers [1+4+1]-rather than [2+2+2]-coordination. The M-cations Na and Li occur at three distinct sites, M(1), M(2) and M(3) between the vanadate sheets. The M(1)-site is fully occupied and has octahedral coordination. The M(2) sites are partly occupied in NaV and NaLiV, in which they occur in [4]- and [6]-coordination, respectively. Li partly occupies the M(3) site in NaLiV, in which it occurs in [3]-coordination. The M(2) and M(3) sites in NaLiV occur closer to the vanadate sheets than the M(2) sites in NaV and LiV. The shift in these cation positions is a result of the larger distance between the vanadate sheets in NaLiV than in LiV, which forces interstitial Li to move toward one of the vanadate sheets to satisfy its coordination requirements. Bond-valence maps for the interstitial cations Na and Li are presented for NaV, NaLiV and LiV. These maps are used to determine other potential cation positions in the interlayer and to map the regions of the structure where the Na and Li have their bond-valence requirements satisfied. These regions are potential pathways for Na and Li diffusion in these structures, and are used to explain chemical diffusion properties of Na and Li in the Na-Li-[V₃O₈] compounds.     

La4(Si5.2Ge2.8O18)(TeO3)4 and La2(Si6O13)(TeO3)2: Intergrowth of the lanthanum(III) tellurite layer with the XO4 (X=Si/Ge) tetrahedral layer

Two novel lanthanum(III) silicate tellurites, namely, La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ and La₂(Si₆O₁₃)(TeO₃)₂, have been synthesized by the solid state reactions and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ features a three-dimensional (3D) network composed of the [(Ge_2.82Si_5.18)O₁₈]⁴⁻ tetrahedral layers and the [La₄(TeO₃)₄]⁴⁺ layers that alternate along the b-axis. The germanate-silicate layer consists of corner-sharing XO₄ (X=Si/Ge) tetrahedra, forming four- and six-member rings. The structure of La₂(Si₆O₁₃)(TeO₃)₂ is a 3D network composed of the [Si₆O₁₃]²⁻ double layers and the [La₂(TeO₃)₂]²⁺ layers that alternate along the a-axis. The [Si₆O₁₃]²⁻ double layer is built by corner-sharing silicate tetrahedra, forming four-, five- and eight-member rings. The TeO₃²⁻ anions in both compounds are only involved in the coordination with La³⁺ ions to form a lanthanum(III) tellurite layer. La₄(Si_5.2Ge_2.8O₁₈)(TeO₃)₄ is a wide band-gap semiconductor.     

Sr10[(PO4)5.5(BO4)0.5](BO2): Growth and crystal structure of a strontium phosphate orthoborate metaborate closely related to the apatite-type crystal structure

Single crystals of the strontium phosphate orthoborate metaborate, Sr₁₀[(PO₄)_5.5(BO₄)_0.5](BO₂), were grown from the melt and investigated by X-ray diffraction (space group , No. 147; a=9.7973(8) Å, c=7.3056(8) Å, V=607.29(10) Å³, Z=1). The crystal structure is closely related to apatite and contains linear metaborate groups, [BO₂]⁻ (point group D_∞h, B-O=1.284(11) Å) taking positions within the channels running along the three-fold inversion axis. Strontium sites are found to be fully occupied while [PO₄]³⁻ tetrahedra are partially replaced by [BO₄]⁵⁻ groups.     

Two new octahedral/pyramidal frameworks containing both cation channels and lone-pair channels: syntheses and structures of Ba2MnMn2(SeO3)6 and PbFe2(SeO3)4

The hydrothermal syntheses, single crystal structures, and some properties of Ba₂Mn^IIMn₂^III(SeO₃)₆ and PbFe₂(SeO₃)₄ are reported. These related phases contain three-dimensional frameworks of vertex (FeO₆) and vertex/edge linked (MnO₆) octahedra and SeO₃ pyramids. In each case, the MO₆/SeO₃ framework encloses two types of 8 ring channels, one of which encapsulates the extra-framework cations and one of which provides space for the Se^IV lone pairs. Crystal data: Ba₂Mn₃(SeO₃)₆, M_r=1201.22, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a=5.4717 (3) Å, b=9.0636 (4) Å, c=17.6586 (9) Å, β=94.519 (1)°, V=873.03 (8) Å³, Z=2, R(F)=0.031, wR(F²)=0.070; PbFe₂(SeO₃)₄, M_r=826.73, triclinic, (No. 2), a=5.2318 (5) Å, b=6.7925 (6) Å, c=7.6445 (7) Å, α=94.300 (2)°, β=90.613 (2)°, γ=95.224 (2)°, V=269.73 (4) Å³, Z=1, R(F)=0.051, wR(F²)=0.131.     

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.     

Structure of two new borates YCa3(AlO)3(BO3)4 and YCa3(GaO)3(BO3)4

By replacing Mn in YCa₃(MnO)₃(BO₃)₄ with trivalent Al and Ga, two new borates with the compositions of YCa₃(MO)₃(BO₃)₄ (M=Al, Ga) were prepared by solid-state reaction. Structure refinements from X-ray powder diffraction data revealed that both of them are isostructural to gaudefroyite with a hexagonal space group P6₃/m. Cell parameters of a=10.38775(13)Å, c=5.69198(10)Å for the Al-containing compound and a=10.5167(3)Å, c=5.8146(2)Å for the Ga analog were obtained from the refinements. The structure is constituted of AlO₆ or GaO₆ octahedral chains interconnected by BO₃ groups in the ab plane to form a Kagomé-type lattice, leaving trigonal and apatite-like tunnels. It is found that most rare-earth and Cr, Mn ions can be substituted into the Y³⁺ and M³⁺ sites, respectively, and the preference of rare-earth ions to locate in the trigonal tunnel is correlated to the sizes of the M³⁺ ions.     

New thallium iodates—Synthesis, characterization, and calculations of Tl(IO3)3 and Tl4(IO3)6, [Tl3Tl(IO3)6]

Two new thallium iodates have been synthesized, Tl(IO₃)₃ and Tl₄(IO₃)₆ [Tl⁺₃Tl³⁺(IO₃)₆], and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both materials were synthesized as phase-pure compounds through hydrothermal techniques using Tl₂CO₃ and HIO₃ as reagents. The materials crystallize in space groups R-3 (Tl(IO₃)₃) and P-1 (Tl₄(IO₃)₆). Although lone-pairs are observed for both I⁵⁺ and Tl⁺, electronic structure calculations indicate the lone-pair on I⁵⁺ is stereo-active, whereas the lone-pair on Tl⁺ is inert.     

Syntheses and structures of three new scandium selenites: Sc2(SeO3)3·H2O, Sc2 (SeO3)3·3H2O and CsSc3(SeO3)4 (HSeO3)2·2H2O

Three new hydrated scandium selenites have been hydrothermally synthesized as single crystals and structurally and physically characterized. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O crystallizes as a new structure type containing novel ScO₇ pentagonal bipyramidal and ScO₆₊₁ capped octahedral coordination polyhedra. Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O contains typical ScO₆ octahedra and is isostructural with its M₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O (M=Al, Cr, Fe, Ga) congeners. CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O contains near-regular ScO₆ octahedra and has essentially the same structure as its indium-containing analogue. All three phases contain the expected pyramidal [SeO₃]^2- selenite groups. Crystal data: Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·3H₂O, M_r=524.85, trigonal, R3c (No. 161), , , , Z=6, R(F)=0.018, wR(F²)=0.036; Sc₂(SeO₃)₃·H₂O, M_r=488.82, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.051, wR(F²)=0.086; CsSc₃(SeO₃)₄(HSeO₃)₂·2H₂O, M_r=1067.60, orthorhombic, Pnma (No. 62), , , , , Z=4, R(F)=0.035, wR(F²)=0.070.     

The stereochemistry of Tutton's salts X2[M(H2O)6](YO4)2

Neutron structure determinations have been made of Tutton's salts, X₂[M(H₂O)₆] (YO₄)₂, where Y = Se, X = K⁺, M = Cu²⁺; Y = S, X = K⁺, M = Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺; X = Rb⁺, Cs⁺, M = Cu²⁺. This work has shown that there are extensive hydrogen networks with almost linear hydrogen bonds from [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ to (YO₄)^2?. The (H … O) distance increases in the Cu²⁺ series for X = K⁺ to Cs⁺ but there is no difference for the potassium copper salts when Y = Se or S. Three different distorted [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ octahedra were found in the series (orthorhombic, tetragonal with two long and four short, or four long and two short bonds). The interatomic distances from X⁺ to the neighboring O in a distorted XO₈⁺ dodecahedron increases with increased cation size, implying that the X⁺ polyhedron is maintaining its shape.