Rare Earth-Rich Indides <Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis><Subscript>5</Subscript>Pt<Subscript>2</Subscript>In<Subscript>4</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis> = Sc,Y, La–Nd,Sm, Gd–Tm,Lu)

Summary. The isotypic indides RE ₅Pt₂In₄ (RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. They were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction. Small single crystals of Gd₅Pt₂In₄ were grown via slow cooling and the structure was refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 1819.2(9), b = 803.2(3), c = 367.6(2) pm, wR ² = 0.089, 893 F ² values and 36 parameters. The structure is an intergrowth variant of distorted trigonal and square prismatic slabs of compositions GdPt and GdIn. Together the platinum and indium atoms build up one-dimensional [Pt₂In₄] networks (292–333 pm Pt–In and 328–368 pm In–In) in an AA stacking sequence along the c axis. The gadolinium atoms fill distorted square and pentagonal prismatic cages between these networks with strong bonding to the platinum atoms.     

Rare Earth-Rich Indides RE 5Pt2In4 ( RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu)

The isotypic indides RE ₅Pt₂In₄ (RE = Sc, Y, La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. They were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction. Small single crystals of Gd₅Pt₂In₄ were grown via slow cooling and the structure was refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: Pbam, a = 1819.2(9), b = 803.2(3), c = 367.6(2) pm, wR ² = 0.089, 893 F ² values and 36 parameters. The structure is an intergrowth variant of distorted trigonal and square prismatic slabs of compositions GdPt and GdIn. Together the platinum and indium atoms build up one-dimensional [Pt₂In₄] networks (292–333 pm Pt–In and 328–368 pm In–In) in an AA stacking sequence along the c axis. The gadolinium atoms fill distorted square and pentagonal prismatic cages between these networks with strong bonding to the platinum atoms.     

Syntheses and Structure of Gd<Subscript>3</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>1.940(7)</Subscript>In<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Summary. The gadolinium–rhodium–indide Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ was prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing in a corundum crucible in a sealed silica tube. Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ adopts the hexagonal Lu₃Co_1.87In₄ type, space group , a = 781.4(5), c = 383.8(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0285, BASF = 0.375(1) (merohedric twinning via a twofold axis (xx0)), 648 F² values, 22 variables. The structure is derived from the well known ZrNiAl type through an ordering of rhodium and indium atoms on the Ni2 sites. The Rh/In ordering forces a reduction of the space group symmetry from to , leading to merohedric twinning for the investigated crystal. The Rh1 site has an occupancy of only 94.0(7)%. The investigated crystal had a composition Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄. The main geometrical motif are three types of centered, tricapped trigonal prisms, i.e., [Rh1In2₆Gd₃], [Rh2Gd₆In2₃], and [In1Gd₆In2₃]. The shortest interatomic distances occur for Rh–In (276–296 pm) followed by In–In (297 pm). Together, the rhodium and indium atoms build up a three-dimensional [Rh_1.940(7)In₄] network, in which the gadolinium atoms fill slightly distorted pentagonal channels. The crystal chemistry of Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ is discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme.     

Syntheses and Structure of Gd3Rh1.940(7)In4

The gadolinium–rhodium–indide Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ was prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing in a corundum crucible in a sealed silica tube. Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ adopts the hexagonal Lu₃Co_1.87In₄ type, space group P[`6]P{\bar 6} , a = 781.4(5), c = 383.8(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0285, BASF = 0.375(1) (merohedric twinning via a twofold axis (xx0)), 648 F<sup>2</sup> values, 22 variables. The structure is derived from the well known ZrNiAl type through an ordering of rhodium and indium atoms on the Ni2 sites. The Rh/In ordering forces a reduction of the space group symmetry from P[`6]62mP{\bar 6}62m to P[`6]P{\bar 6} , leading to merohedric twinning for the investigated crystal. The Rh1 site has an occupancy of only 94.0(7)%. The investigated crystal had a composition Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄. The main geometrical motif are three types of centered, tricapped trigonal prisms, i.e., [Rh1In2₆Gd₃], [Rh2Gd₆In2₃], and [In1Gd₆In2₃]. The shortest interatomic distances occur for Rh–In (276–296 pm) followed by In–In (297 pm). Together, the rhodium and indium atoms build up a three-dimensional [Rh_1.940(7)In₄] network, in which the gadolinium atoms fill slightly distorted pentagonal channels. The crystal chemistry of Gd₃Rh_1.940(7)In₄ is discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme.     

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 Indide Er2.30(1)Ni1.84(1)In0.70(1) – A New Superstructure of the U3Si2 Family

Single crystals of the indide Er_2.30(1)Ni_1.84(1)In_0.70(1) were isolated from an arc-melted sample of the initial composition 5Er:2Ni:1In. Er_2.30Ni_1.84In_0.70 crystallizes with a new superstructure of the Mo₂FeB₂ type: P4/m, a = 738.6(2), c = 361.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0393, 487 F² values, 22 variables, BASF = 0.500(3) (meroedric twin matrix 010 100 00 [`(]1)\bar(1) ). The structure may be described as an intergrowth variant of slightly distorted AlB₂ and CsCl related slabs. Formation of the superstructure results in two crystallographically independent sites 1a and 1c that center the CsCl slab. These sites have different size and they are occupied by 90% In + 10% Er (1c) and 51% In + 49% Er (1a), respectively. The crystal chemical consequences are discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme.     

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.     

Sulfate und Hydrogensulfate des Erbiums: Er(HSO4)3-I,Er(HSO4)3-II,Er(SO4)(HSO4) und Er2(SO4)3

Sulfates and Hydrogensulfates of Erbium: Er(HSO₄)₃-I, Er(HSO₄)₃-II, Er(SO₄)(HSO₄), and Er₂(SO₄)₃ Rod shaped light pink crystals of Er(HSO₄)₃-I (orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 1195.0(1) pm, b = 949.30(7) pm, c = 1644.3(1) pm) grow from a solution of Er₂(SO₄)₃ in conc. H₂SO₄ at 250 °C. From slightly diluted solutions (85%) which contain Na₂SO₄, brick shaped light pink crystals of Er(HSO₄)₃-II (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 520.00(5) pm, b = 1357.8(1) pm, c = 1233.4(1) pm, β = 92.13(1)°) were obtained at 250 °C and crystals of the same colour of Er(SO₄)(HSO₄) (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 545.62(6) pm, b = 1075.6(1) pm, c = 1053.1(1) pm, β = 104.58(1)°) at 60 °C. In both hydrogensulfates, Er³⁺ is surrounded by eight oxygen atoms. In Er(HSO₄)₃-I layers of HSO₄^– groups are connected only via hydrogen bridges, while Er(HSO₄)₃-II consists of a threedimensional polyhedra network. In the crystal structure of Er(SO₄)(HSO₄) Er³⁺ is sevenfold coordinated by oxygen atoms, which belong to four SO₄^2–- and three HSO₄^–-tetrahedra, respectively. The anhydrous sulfate, Er₂(SO₄)₃, cannot be prepared from H₂SO₄ solutions but crystallizes from a NaCl-melt. The coordination number of Er³⁺ in Er₂(SO₄)₃ (orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 1270.9(1) pm, b = 913.01(7) pm, c = 921.67(7) pm) is six. The octahedral coordinationpolyhedra are connected via all vertices to the SO₄^2–-tetrahedra.     

The Indide Er2.30(1)Ni1.84(1)In0.70(1) – A New Superstructure of the U3Si2 Family

Summary. Single crystals of the indide Er_2.30(1)Ni_1.84(1)In_0.70(1) were isolated from an arc-melted sample of the initial composition 5Er:2Ni:1In. Er_2.30Ni_1.84In_0.70 crystallizes with a new superstructure of the Mo₂FeB₂ type: P4/m, a = 738.6(2), c = 361.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0393, 487 F² values, 22 variables, BASF = 0.500(3) (meroedric twin matrix 010 100 00 ). The structure may be described as an intergrowth variant of slightly distorted AlB₂ and CsCl related slabs. Formation of the superstructure results in two crystallographically independent sites 1a and 1c that center the CsCl slab. These sites have different size and they are occupied by 90% In + 10% Er (1c) and 51% In + 49% Er (1a), respectively. The crystal chemical consequences are discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme.     

Rare earth metal-rich indides RE 4IrIn ( RE = Gd–Er), RE 4IrInO0.25 ( RE = Gd, Er), and RE 4 T In1– x Mg x ( RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir)

The rare earth-transition metal-indides RE ₄IrIn (RE = Gd–Er) and the solid solutions RE ₄ TIn_1–x Mg _x (RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. The rare earth sesquioxides were used as oxygen source for the suboxides RE ₄IrInO_0.25 (RE = Gd, Er). Single crystals of the indides were grown via slowly cooling of the samples and they were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal diffractometer data: Gd₄RhIn type, F 3m, a = 1372.3(6) pm for Gd₄IrIn, a = 1365.3(6) pm for Tb₄IrIn, a = 1356.7(4) pm for Dy₄IrIn, a = 1353.9(4) pm for Ho₄IrIn, a = 1344.1(4) pm for Er₄IrIn, a = 1370.3(5) pm for Y₄RhIn_0.54Mg_0.46, a = 1375.6(5) pm for Gd₄IrIn_0.55Mg_0.45, a = 1373.0(3) pm for Gd₄IrInO_0.25, and a = 1345.1(4) pm for Er₄IrInO_0.25. The rhodium and iridium atoms have a trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the RhRE ₆ and IrRE ₆ prisms leads to three-dimensional networks which leave voids that are filled by regular In₄ or mixed In_4–x Mg _x tetrahedra. The indium (magnesium) atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3In(Mg) + 9RE) in icosahedral coordination. The rare earth atoms build up a three-dimensional, adamantane-like network of condensed, edge and face-sharing octahedra. For Gd₄IrInO_0.25 and Er₄IrInO_0.25 the RE1₆ octahedra are filled with oxygen. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these rare earth rich compounds are discussed. Correspondence: Rainer P?ttgen, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Westf?lische Wilhelms-Universit?t Münster, Germany.     

The Rare Earth Metal-Rich Indides <Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis><Subscript>4</Subscript>RhIn (<Emphasis Type="Italic">RE</Emphasis> = Gd–Tm,Lu)

Summary. The rare earth-transition metal-indides RE ₄RhIn (RE = Gd–Tm, Lu) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. Single crystals were grown via slowly cooling of the samples. The indides were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and several structures were refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: , a = 1370.7(9) pm, wR2 = 0.049, 428 F ² values for Gd₄RhIn, a = 1360.3(6) pm, wR2 = 0.028, 420 F ² values for Tb₄RhIn, a = 1354.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.041, 380 F ² values for Dy₄RhIn, a = 1349.2(3) pm, wR2 = 0.029, 410 F ² values for Ho₄RhIn, a = 1342.5(5) pm, wR2 = 0.037, 403 F ² values for Er₄RhIn, a = 1337.8(3) pm, wR2 = 0.038, 394 F ² values for Tm₄RhIn with 14 variable parameters per refinement, and a = 1329.7(3) pm for Lu₄RhIn. In this new structure type, the rhodium atoms have a trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the RhRE ₆ prisms leads to a three-dimensional network which leaves voids that are filled by regular In₄ tetrahedra (317 pm In–In distance) in Gd₄RhIn. The indium atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3 In + 9 RE) in icosahedral coordination. The gadolinium atoms build up a three-dimensional, adamantane-like network of condensed, face-sharing empty octahedra.     

The Rare Earth Metal-Rich Indides RE 4RhIn ( RE = Gd–Tm, Lu)

The rare earth-transition metal-indides RE ₄RhIn (RE = Gd–Tm, Lu) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. Single crystals were grown via slowly cooling of the samples. The indides were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and several structures were refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: F[`4]3mF{\bar 4}3m , a = 1370.7(9) pm, wR2 = 0.049, 428 F ² values for Gd₄RhIn, a = 1360.3(6) pm, wR2 = 0.028, 420 F ² values for Tb₄RhIn, a = 1354.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.041, 380 F ² values for Dy₄RhIn, a = 1349.2(3) pm, wR2 = 0.029, 410 F ² values for Ho₄RhIn, a = 1342.5(5) pm, wR2 = 0.037, 403 F ² values for Er₄RhIn, a = 1337.8(3) pm, wR2 = 0.038, 394 F ² values for Tm₄RhIn with 14 variable parameters per refinement, and a = 1329.7(3) pm for Lu₄RhIn. In this new structure type, the rhodium atoms have a trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the RhRE ₆ prisms leads to a three-dimensional network which leaves voids that are filled by regular In₄ tetrahedra (317 pm In–In distance) in Gd₄RhIn. The indium atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3 In + 9 RE) in icosahedral coordination. The gadolinium atoms build up a three-dimensional, adamantane-like network of condensed, face-sharing empty octahedra.     

Rare earth metal-rich indides RE 4IrIn ( RE = Gd–Er), RE 4IrInO0.25 ( RE = Gd, Er), and RE 4 T In1– x Mg x ( RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir)

The rare earth-transition metal-indides RE ₄IrIn (RE = Gd–Er) and the solid solutions RE ₄ TIn_1–x Mg _x (RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. The rare earth sesquioxides were used as oxygen source for the suboxides RE ₄IrInO_0.25 (RE = Gd, Er). Single crystals of the indides were grown via slowly cooling of the samples and they were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal diffractometer data: Gd₄RhIn type, F [`4]\bar 4 3m, a = 1372.3(6) pm for Gd₄IrIn, a = 1365.3(6) pm for Tb₄IrIn, a = 1356.7(4) pm for Dy₄IrIn, a = 1353.9(4) pm for Ho₄IrIn, a = 1344.1(4) pm for Er₄IrIn, a = 1370.3(5) pm for Y₄RhIn_0.54Mg_0.46, a = 1375.6(5) pm for Gd₄IrIn_0.55Mg_0.45, a = 1373.0(3) pm for Gd₄IrInO_0.25, and a = 1345.1(4) pm for Er₄IrInO_0.25. The rhodium and iridium atoms have a trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the RhRE ₆ and IrRE ₆ prisms leads to three-dimensional networks which leave voids that are filled by regular In₄ or mixed In_4–x Mg _x tetrahedra. The indium (magnesium) atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3In(Mg) + 9RE) in icosahedral coordination. The rare earth atoms build up a three-dimensional, adamantane-like network of condensed, edge and face-sharing octahedra. For Gd₄IrInO_0.25 and Er₄IrInO_0.25 the RE1₆ octahedra are filled with oxygen. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these rare earth rich compounds are discussed.     

Ca3Ni8In4—An Ordered Noncentrosymmetric Variant of the BaLi4 Type

The title compound was synthesized by reacting the elements in an arc-melting apparatus under purified argon and subsequent annealing at 870 K. Ca₃Ni₈In₄ was investigated using X-ray diffraction on both powders and single crystals: P6₃mc, a=898.9(1) pm, c=752.2(2) pm, wR2=0.0591, 327 F² values, and 35 parameters. This structure is an ordered, noncentrosymmetric variant of the BaLi₄ type. The nickel and indium atoms build a complex three-dimensional [Ni₈In₄] polyanion in which the calcium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. To a first approximation the formula may be written as (3 Ca²⁺)⁶⁺ [Ni₈In₄]⁶⁻. Within the polyanion the Ni1, Ni3, and Ni4 atoms form one-dimensional cluster units which extend in the c direction while the Ni2 atoms have only indium neighbors in a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The Ni–Ni distances in the cluster range from 241 to 266 pm. The cluster units are surrounded and interconnected by indium atoms. The group– subgroup relation from centrosymmetric BaLi₄ to noncentrosymmetric Ca₃Ni₈In₄ is presented. Chemical bonding in Ca₃Ni₈In₄ and the structural relation with Lu₃Co_7.77Sn₄, Ca₃Au_6.61Ga_4.39, and Co₂Al₅ is briefly discussed.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Raman Spectrum of Hydrazinium(+2) Fluoroarsenate(III) Fluoride,N<Subscript>2</Subscript>H<Subscript>6</Subscript>AsF<Subscript>4</Subscript>F

Summary.  Hydrazinium(+2) fluoroarsenate(III) fluoride was prepared by the reaction of hydrazinium(+2) fluoride and liquid arsenic trifluoride. N₂H₆AsF₄F is stable at 273 K, but decomposes slowly at room temperature. N₂H₆AsF₄F crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnn2 with a = 774.0(2) pm, b = 1629.2(4) pm and c = 436.6(1) pm; V = 0.5506(3) nm³, Z = 4 and d _c  = 2.461 g cm⁻³. The structure consists of N₂H₆ ²⁺ cations, AsF₄ ⁻ anions, and F⁻ anions and is interconnected by a hydrogen bonding network. Distorted trigonal-bipyramidal AsF₄ ⁻ units are very weakly interconnected and form chains along the b axis. Bands in the Raman spectrum are assigned to the vibrations of N₂H₆ ⁺² cations and AsF₄ ⁻ anions. Corresponding author. E-mail: adolf.jesih@ijs.si Received April 18, 2002; accepted July 15, 2002     

Phase equilibria in the Er-Co-In system and crystal structure of Er8CoIn3 compound

Isothermal section of the Er-Co-In system at T = 870 K was constructed by means of X-ray powder diffraction, microstructure, and EDX-analyses. Twelve ternary compounds, namely ErCoIn₅ (HoCoGa₅-type), Er₆Co_17.92In₁₄ (Lu₆Co_17.92In₁₄-type), ErCo₄In (MgCu₄Sn-type), Er₂CoIn₈ (Ho₂CoGa₈-type), Er₁₀Co₉In₂₀ (Ho₁₀Ni₉In₂₀-type), Er₃Co_1.87In₄ (Lu₃Co_1.87In₄-type), ErCoIn, Er₁₁Co₄In₉ (Nd₁₁Pd₄In₉-type), Er₁₁Co₃In₆, Er₈CoIn₃ (Pr₈CoGa₃-type), Er₆Co_2.19In_0.81 (Ho₆Co₂Ga-type), and Er_13.83Co_2.88In_3.10 (Lu₁₄Co₂In₃-type) exist in the Er-Co-In system at this temperature. The crystal structure of the Er₈CoIn₃ compound was determined by means of X-ray powder method (Pr₈CoGa₃-type, P6₃ mc space group, a = 1.02374(2) nm, c = 0.68759(2) nm). Almost none of the binary compounds dissolve the third component. The exception is the existence of the solid solution based on ErCo₃ binary compound, which dissolves up to 8 at.% of In.      

Transition Metal Centered Trigonal Prisms as Building Units in Various Rare Earth–Transition Metal-Indides

Summary. The rare earth–transition metal-indides GdPdIn, ErPdIn, YbPdIn, YPtIn, TmPtIn, Dy₄Pd₁₀In₂₁, PrPt₂In₂, and Tb₂Pt₇In₁₆ were prepared by arc-melting of the elements or by induction melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a water-cooled sample chamber of a high-frequency furnace. Single crystals of Dy₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ and Tb₂Pt₇In₁₆ were grown through special annealing procedures. The indides were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and all structures were refined from X-ray single crystal diffractometer data: ZrNiAl type, , a = 767.8(3), c = 390.7(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0722, 356 F² values for GdPdIn; a = 766.7(3), c = 376.7(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0433, 348 F² values for ErPdIn; a = 757.2(2), c = 393.59(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0388, 434 F² values for YbPdIn; a = 758.2(2), c = 384.95(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0643, 353 F² values for YPtIn; and a = 753.4(1), c = 376.71(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0844, 310 F² values for TmPtIn, with 14 variable parameters per refinement. Dy₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ crystallizes with the monoclinic Ho₄Ni₁₀Ga₂₁ structure: C2/m, a = 2284.5(8), b = 441.0(2), c = 1931.4(7) pm, β = 132.74(2)°, wR2 = 0.0419, 1690 F² values, 112 variable parameters. PrPt₂In₂ adopts the CePt₂In₂ type: P2₁/m, a = 1013.2(3), b = 447.2(3), c = 1019.5(3) pm, β = 116.69(2)°, wR2 = 0.0607, 1259 F² values, 63 variable parameters. Tb₂Pt₇In₁₆ is the second representative of the orthorhombic Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ type: Cmmm, a = 1211.6(2), b = 1997.1(4), c = 440.52(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0787, 1341 F² values, 45 variable parameters. The common structural motif of the four different structure types are transition metal centered trigonal prisms formed by the rare earth metal and indium atoms. These prisms are condensed via common corners or via In–In bonds. The crystal chemistry of the four different structure types is discussed.     

Two Novel Er-Cr Ion-Pair Complexeswith Hydrogen Bonding Network: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Summary.  Two novel Er-Cr ion-pair complexes ([Er(DMA)₃(H₂O)₄][Cr(CN)₆] and [Er(MPL)₄(H₂O)₃][Cr(CN)₆]·2H₂O; DMA = dimethylacetamide, MPL = 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone) have been synthesized. [Er(DMA)₃(H₂O)₄][Cr(CN)₆] crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P _c ) with a = 9.789(2), b = 11.263(2), c = 13.997(3)?, β = 105.66(3)°, V = 1485.9(5)?³, Z = 2; [Er(MPL)₄(H₂O)₃][Cr(CN)₆]·2H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P2₁) with a = 9.447(2), b = 13.881(3), c = 14.673(3)?, β = 101.85(3), V = 1883.1(7)?³, Z = 2. X-Ray crystal diffraction analyses reveal that the two complexes form a hydrogen bonding network structure through the CN group and H₂O molecules. Variable temperature susceptibilities for the two complexes indicate that weak antiferromagnetic interactions exist between cation and anion pairs through this hydrogen bonding network.     

Crystal Structure and Characterisation of Mercury(II) Dichromate(VI)

Summary. Dark-red single crystals of HgCr₂O₇ were grown by reacting HgO and CrO₃ in excess at 200°C for four days. The crystal structure (space group P3₂, Z = 3, a = 7.2389(10), c = 9.461(2) ?, 1363 structure factors, 57 parameters, R[F ²>2σ(F ²)] = 0.0369, wR(F ² all) = 0.0693) was determined from a crystal twinned by merohedry according to (110). It consists of nearly linear HgO₂ units ( (Hg–O) = 2.02 ?) and dichromate units that are linked into infinite chains ‘O₃Cr–O–CrO₃–Hg–O₃Cr–O–CrO₃’ running parallel to the c-axis. Six additional Hg–O contacts between 2.73 and 2.96 ? stabilise the structural arrangement. The dichromate anion exhibits a staggered conformation with a bent Cr–O–Cr bridging angle of 140.7(6)°. Upon heating above 300°C, HgCr₂O₇ decomposes in a two-step mechanism to Cr₂O₃. The title compound was additionally characterised by vibrational spectroscopy.     

Rare earth metal-rich indides RE14Rh3−xIn3 (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu)

The rare earth (RE) metal-rich indides RE₁₄Rh_3-xIn₃ (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) can be synthesized from the elements by arc-melting or induction melting in tantalum crucibles. They were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₁₄Co₃In₃ type, space group P4₂/nmc, Z=4, a=961.7(1), c=2335.5(5) pm, wR2=0.052, 2047 F² values, 62 variables for Y₁₄Rh₃In₃, a=956.8(1), c=2322.5(5) pm, wR2=0.068, 1730 F² values, 63 variables for Dy₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, a=952.4(1), c=2309.2(5) pm, wR2=0.041, 1706 F² values, 63 variables for Ho₁₄Rh_2.85(1)In₃, a=948.6(1), c=2302.8(5) pm, wR2=0.053, 1977 F² values, 63 variables for Er₁₄Rh_2.86(1)In₃, a=943.8(1), c=2291.5(5) pm, wR2=0.065, 1936 F² values, 63 variables for Tm₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, and a=937.8(1), c=2276.5(5) pm, wR2=0.050, 1637 F² values, 63 variables for Lu₁₄Rh_2.74(1)In₃. Except Yb₁₄Rh₃In₃, the 8g Rh1 sites show small defects. Striking structural motifs are rhodium-centered trigonal prisms formed by the RE atoms with comparatively short Rh-RE distances (271-284 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃). These prisms are condensed via common corners and edges building two-dimensional polyhedral units. Both crystallographically independent indium sites show distorted icosahedral coordination. The icosahedra around In2 are interpenetrating, leading to In2-In2 pairs (309 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃).