Li3[ScN2]: the first nitridoscandate(III)-tetrahedral Sc coordination and unusual MX2 framework

Li(3)[ScN(2)] was prepared from Li(3)N with Sc or ScN in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1020 K as a light yellow powder with an optical band gap of about 2.9 eV. The crystal structure was refined based on X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data (Ia$\bar 3$, Z=16, X-ray diffraction: R(profile)=0.078, R(Bragg)=0.070; Neutron diffraction: R(profile)=0.077, R(Bragg)=0.074; Rietfeld: a=1003.940(8) pm, Guinier: a=1004.50(3) pm). Li(3)[ScN(2)] is an isotype of Li(3)[AlN(2)] and Li(3)[GaN(2)] and crystallizes in an ordered superstructure of the Li(2)O structure type, leading to a three-dimensional framework of all-vertex-sharing tetrahedra 3[infinity[ScN[4/2][3-]]. Li is displaced from the center of a tetrahedron of N atoms in the direction of one trigonal face. Li(3)[ScN(2)] decomposes above 1050 K to form ScN and Li(3)N. Calculations of the periodic nodal surface (PNS) and of the electron localization function (ELF) support the picture of a covalent Sc-N network separated from isolated Li cations, whereby scandium d orbitals are involved in the chemical bonding.     

Synthesis, structure, and bonding of Lu7Z2Te2 (Z = Ni, Pd, Ru). Linking typical tricapped trigonal prisms in metal-rich compounds

The syntheses and structures of and bonding in the title compounds are described and compared with those for the isostructural orthorhombic Er(7)Ni(2)Te(2) (Imm2) and other related phases. Single-crystal data are reported for Z = Ni, Pd. The condensation of tricapped trigonal prisms (TTP) into sheets and the bridging of these by separate Lu atoms into a 3D structure are described. The interlayer separation, the Lu-Lu bonding achieved, and the polar Lu-Te bonding therewith are all affected by the size and valence energies of Te. The two Te spacers also exist in capped centered Lu(6)Te trigonal prisms. In terms of extended Hückel band analyses, the overall bonding for both Lu-Ni and Lu-Te are optimized energetically, but not for Lu-Lu. The average Lu-Lu overlap populations about each Lu appropriately increase with a decrease in the number of its Te neighbors.     

La8Br7Ni4: ribbons of Ni hexagons in condensed La6 trigonal prisms

A ternary lanthanum bromide La 8Br 7Ni 4 was synthesized from La, LaBr 3, and Ni under an Ar atmosphere at 830 degrees C. It crystallizes in space group C2/ m (No. 12) with lattice constants a = 29.528(4) A, b = 4.0249(6), c = 8.708(1) A, and beta = 94.515(2) degrees . The structure features condensed Ni-centered La 6 trigonal prisms. The Ni atoms are bonded to each other to form ribbons of Ni hexagons. Band structure, bonding, and physical properties of the compound have been investigated.     

Seven-coordinate ruthenium atoms sequestered in praseodymium clusters in the chloride {RuPr3}Cl3

The first example for an endohedral transition-metal atom (Ru) sequestered in a seven-coordinate surrounding of rare-earth metal atoms (Pr) has been found for {RuPr3}Cl3. The monocapped trigonal prisms of Pr atoms share two rectangular faces, forming a zigzag chain with Ru-Ru distances of 308 pm. Intracluster bonding is dominated by Ru-Pr bonding with very little Ru-Ru bonding.     

Short Te …︁ Te bonding contacts in a new layered ternary telluride: Synthesis and crystal structure of 2D Nb3GexTe6 (x ≃ 0.9)

The new layered ternary compound Nb₃Ge_xTe₆ (x ? 0.90) was prepared by direct combination of the elements taken in the stoichiometric proportions 3 : 1 : 6, heated at 1 000 °C for 10 days in silica tubes and quenched to room temperature. The phase crystallizes in the orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pnma (#62), with the following single crystal refined parameters: a = 643.18(5) pm, b = 1391.98(11)pm and c = 1 154.07(5) pm, with Z = 4. The structure was refined to an R of 3.4% (R_w = 4.6%), with 1969 independent reflexions and 49 parameters. The structure is based on the close stacking of trigonal prismatic (TP) slabs in the AA/BB mode. The slabs can be seen as built up from face sharing biprisms, which are filled either by one or by two niobium cations situated in the middle of the trigonal prisms. The germanium is located in the middle of the common face of two prisms, leading to a rather unusual anionic square coordination. The refinements showed that this latter cation does not fill completely its square site. No cation was found in the van der Waals gap between the slabs. The mean d_{Ge? Te} distance (276.5 pm) is in agreement with Ge^II cations, while some Te …? Te distances (from 333.84 to 361.65pm) are too short for anions in a simple contact. These bonding distances, already mentionned in some MTe₂ compounds, are to be ascribed to charge transfer in the structure, with a partial oxidation state for the tellurium anions. Short Nb? Nb and Nb? Ge distances (292.0 and 281.3 pm, respectively) imply intercationic bonding within the slabs.     

Zur Chemie und Strukturchemie von Phosphiden und Polyphosphiden. 581) Tetrabariumtriphosphid,Ba4P3: Darstellung und Kristallstruktur

Chemistry and Structural Chemistry of Phosphides and Polyphosphides. 58. Tetrabariumtriphosphide, Ba₄P₃: Preparation and Crystal Structure Ba₄P₃ is obtained from the elements in the molar ratio 4:3 or by reaction of Ba₃P₂ and Ba₅P₄ in the molar ratio 1:1 (steel ampoules with inner corundum crucibles; 1 490 K). The greyish black, easily hydrolysing compound crystallizes in a new structure type oP56. The structure shows two crystallographically independent dumbbells P₂^4? (d(P? P) = 225 and 232 pm) and isolated ions P^3? corresponding to (Ba²⁺)₈(P₂^4?)₄(P^3?)₄. The partial structure of the Ba atoms forms a complex network of trigonal prisms with tetrahedral and square pyramidal holes, as well as polyhedra with 14 faces (CN 10) which are icosahedron derivatives. The P^3? anions center trigonal prisms and the 14 face polyhedron. The P-atoms of the P₂^4? dumbbells center neighboring trigonal prisms with common square faces. (Pbam (no. 55); a = 1 325.4(2) pm, b = 1 256.2(2) pm, c = 1 127.3 pm; Z = 8).     

New light on an old story: formation of melam during thermal condensation of melamine

We report on the existence and formation of the carbon nitride precursor melam (H(2)N)(2)(C(3)N(3))NH(C(3)N(3))(NH(2))(2), thereby clarifying one of the last unresolved issues posed by the complex thermal condensation of melamine C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3). Experimental proof is put forward that melam is a direct condensation product of melamine, but can be detected only in small amounts under special reaction conditions owing to its rapid transformation into melem. The coexistence of melamine and melem during thermal condensation yields two adduct phases with distinct compositions [C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)](2)[C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3)] and [C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)][C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3)](2). They may be considered as co-crystallizates of melamine and melem and can be isolated as intermediates between 590 and 650 K prior to the formation of single-phase melem C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3). Melam (C2/c, a=1811.0(4), b=1086.7(2), c=1398.4(3) pm, beta=96.31(3) degrees, V=2735.3(9)x10(6) pm(3), T=130 K) adopts a ditriazinylamine-type structure with a twisted conformation about the bridging NH moiety and transforms into melem around 640 K. Two compounds deriving from melam have been synthesized by solution and solid-state reactions. The salt melamium diperchlorate C(6)N(11)H(11)(ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O (C2/c, a=1747.8(4), b=1148.2(2), c=993.6(2) pm, beta=118.79(3) degrees, V=1747.4(6)x10(6) pm(3), T=130 K) crystallizes as a dihydrate and exhibits a doubly protonated, planar melam core. In the neutral complex Zn[C(6)N(11)H(9)]Cl(2) (P2(1)/c, a=743.00(15), b=2233.2(5), c=762.5(2) pm, beta=99.86(3) degrees, V=1246.5(4)x10(6) pm(3), T=200 K), melam acts as a symmetrically bent bidentate ligand, which is coordinated to the Lewis acid Zn-site through two ring nitrogen atoms.     

Li24[MnN3]3N2 and Li5[(Li1-xMnx)N]3, two intermediates in the decomposition path of Li7[MnN4] to Li2[(Li1-xMnx)N]: an experimental and theoretical study

The crystal structure of Li7[Mn(V)N4] was re-determined. Isolated tetrahedral [Mn(V)N4](7-) ions are arranged with lithium cations to form a superstructure of the CaF2 anti-type (P4bar3n, No. 218, a = 956.0(1) pm, Z = 8). According to measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, the manganese (tetrahedral coordination) is in a d(2) S = 1 state. Thermal treatment of Li7[Mn(V)N4] under argon in the presence of elemental lithium at various temperatures leads to Li24[Mn(III)N3]3N2, Li5[(Li1-xMnx)N]3, and Li2[(Li1-xMn(I)x)N], respectively. Li24[Mn(III)N3]3N2 (P3bar1c, No. 163, a = 582.58(6) pm, c = 1784.1(3) pm, Z = 4/3) crystallizes in a trigonal unit cell, containing slightly, but significantly nonplanar trigonal [MnN3](6-) units with C3v symmetry. Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility reveal a d(4) S = 1 spin-state for the manganese (trigonal coordination). Nonrelativistic spin-polarized DFT calculations with different molecular models lead to the conclusion that restrictions in the Li-N substructure are responsible for the distortion from planarity of the [Mn(III)N3](6-). Li5[(Li1-xMnx)N]3 (x = 0.59(1), P6bar2m, No. 189, a = 635.9(3) pm, c = 381.7(2) pm, Z = 1) is an isotype of Li5[(Li1-xNix)N]3 with manganese in an average oxidation state of about +1.6. The crystal structure is a defect variant of the alpha-Li3N structure type with the transition metal in linear coordination by nitrogen. Li2[(Li1-xMn(I)x)N] (x = 0.67(1), P6/mmm, No. 191, a = 371.25(4) pm, c = 382.12(6) pm, Z = 1) crystallizes in the alpha-Li3N = Li2[LiN] structure with partial substitution of the linearly nitrogen-coordinated Li-species by manganese(I). Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility are consistent with manganese (linear coordination) in a low-spin d(6) S = 1 state.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Layered Thorium Telluride CsTh(2)Te(6)

The compound CsTh(2)Te(6) has been synthesized at 800 degrees C by the reaction of Th with a Cs(2)Te(3)/Te melt as a reactive flux. The compound crystallizes in the space group -Cmcm of the orthorhombic system with two formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 4.367(2) ?, b = 25.119(10) ?, c = 6.140(3) ?, and V = 673.5(5) ?(3) at T = 113 K. The structure of CsTh(2)Te(6) has been determined from single-crystal X-ray data. The structure comprises infinite, two-dimensional double layers of ThTe(8)-bicapped trigonal prisms. The structural motif of the trigonal prisms resembles that found in UTe(2). Cs(+) cations, disordered equally over two crystallographically equivalent sites, separate the layers and are coordinated by eight Te atoms at the corners of a rectangular parallelepiped. Short Te-Te distances of 3.052(3) and 3.088(3) ? form linear, infinite, one-dimensional chains within the layers. Simple formalisms describe neither the Te-Te bonding in the chain nor the oxidation state of Th. The compound shows weak semiconducting behavior along the Th/Te layers perpendicular to the Te-Te chain.     

Platinum‐Indium Polyanions in the Structures of LaPtIn4 and LnPtIn3 (Ln = La,Ce, Pr,Nd, Sm) and Structure Refinement of Ce2Pt2In

The title compounds were prepared by reacting the elements in an arc‐melting furnace and subsequent annealing. The LaRuSn₃ type structure of the new compounds LnPtIn₃ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) was refined from single crystal X‐ray data for LaPtIn₃: Pm3n, a = 980.4(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0271, 399 F² values, 15 variables. Striking structural motifs of LaPtIn₃ are condensed distorted trigonal [PtIn₆] prisms with Pt–In distances of 269 pm. The lanthanum atoms occupy large cavities within the polyhedral network. Besides Pt–In bonding In–In bonding also plays an important role in LaPtIn₃ with In–In distances of 299 and 327 pm. The La1 position is occupied only to 91%, resulting in a composition La_0.98(1)PtIn₃. The La1 atoms show an extremely large displacement parameter indicating a rattling of these atoms in the In₁₂ cages. The so far most indium rich compound in the ternary system lanthanum‐platinum‐indium is LaPtIn₄ which was characterized on the basis of Guinier powder data: YNiAl₄‐type, Cmcm, a = 455.1(2) pm, b = 1687.5(5) pm, and c = 738.3(2) pm. The platinum atoms in LaPtIn₄ center trigonal prisms with the composition [La₂In₄]. Together with the indium atoms the platinum atoms form a complex three‐dimensional [PtIn₄] polyanion in which the lanthanum atoms occupy large hexagonal tubes. The structure of Ce₂Pt₂In is confirmed: Mo₂FeB₂‐type, P4/mbm, a = 779.8(1) pm, c = 388.5(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0466, 433 F² values, 12 parameters. It is built up from CsCl and AlB₂ related slabs with the compositions CeIn and CePt₂, respectively. Chemical bonding in the [PtIn₃] and [PtIn₄] polyanions of LaPtIn₃ and LaPtIn₄ is discussed.     

Clustering of zirconium atoms in Zr5Te6: a novel NiAs-type-related telluride with ordered vacancies

Zr5Te6 has been synthesized and its structure determined by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction to be trigonal, P3m1, Z=3, Pearson symbol hP33, a = 1172.8(2) pm, c = 707.0(1) pm. Zr5Te6 adopts a metal-deficient, vacancy-ordered 3a x 3a x 1c superstructure of the NiAs type structure. In the Zr atom layers, alternately one and two out of nine Zr atoms are missing. The less densely populated layers (7/9) consist of star-shaped Zr7 clusters with intracluster contacts of 351.1 pm; the shortest Zr-Zr intercluster distance is 470.5 pm. In the more densely populated Zr atom layers (8/9), three quarters of the Zr atoms are arranged to pairs (326.4 pm). The distinctive distribution of the vacancies affords a topologically uniform fivefold Zr coordination (283.5 - 302.6 pm) for all three crystallographically inequivalent Te atoms. They are shifted towards the vacancies in the Zr atom layers. The associated corrugation of the Te atom layers is characterized by an amplitude of 28 pm. The Te-Te contacts are > or =368.1 pm. According to extended Hückel calculations, the defects in the Zr atom layers lead to a reduction in overall Zr-Te bonding interactions relative to ZrTe (NiAs). However, through the clustering the total attractive intralayer Zr-Zr interactions increase considerably, thus providing decisive stabilization of the structure. As revealed by thermal analyses, Zr5Te6 undergoes a reversible phase transition at 1,513 +/- 5 K. On the Zr-rich side, Zr5Te6 coexists with ZrTe (WC), and, above 1,438 +/- 5 K with the hitherto unknown ZrTe (MnP). Zr5Te6 exhibits temperature independent paramagnetic properties (chimol = 0.7 x 10(-3) cm3 mol(-1)) that are typical for a metallic conductor. An abrupt increase in the magnitude of the diamagnetic susceptibility below 2.2 K in a weak magnetic field indicates a superconducting transition.     

Cobalt Centered Trigonal RE6 Prisms and Mg4 Clusters as Basic Structural Units in RE4CoMg (RE = Y,La, Pr,Nd, Sm,Gd–Tm)

The new rare earth metal rich intermetallic compounds RE₄CoMg (RE = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm) were prepared via melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. The compounds were investigated by X‐ray diffraction of powders and single crystals: Gd₄RhIn type, , a = 1428.38(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0638, 680 F² values, 20 variables for La₄CoMg, a = 1399.5(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0584, 589 F² values, 20 variables for Pr₄CoMg, a = 1390.2(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0513, 634 F² values, 20 variables for Nd_3.90CoMg_1.10, a = 1381.0(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 618 F² values, 22 variables for Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08, a = 1373.1(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0586, 611 F² values, 20 variables for Gd_3.92CoMg_1.08, a = 1362.1(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0576, 590 F² values, 20 variables for Tb_3.77CoMg_1.23, a = 1344.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0683, 511 F² values, 20 variables for Dy_3.27CoMg_1.73, and a = 1343.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0560, 542 F² values, 20 variables for Er_3.72CoMg_1.28. The cobalt atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the CoRE₆ prisms leads to a three‐dimensional network which leaves larger voids that are filled by regular Mg₄ tetrahedra at a Mg–Mg distance of 316 pm in La₄CoMg. The magnesium atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3 Mg + 9 RE) in icosahedral coordination. In the structures with Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er, the RE1 positions which are not involved in the trigonal prismatic network reveal some RE1/Mg mixing and the Sm_3.92Co_0.93Mg_1.08 structure shows small cobalt defects. Considering La₄CoMg as representative of all studied systems an analysis of the chemical bonding within density functional theory closely reproduces the crystal chemistry scheme and shows the role played by the valence states of the different constituents in the electronic band structure. Strong bonding interactions were observed between the lanthanum and cobalt atoms within the trigonal prismatic network.     

Structure,Chemical Bonding,and Properties of Sc2Ni2In

Sc₂Ni₂In was prepared by a reaction of the elemental components in an are furnace and subsequent annealing at 1070 K. Sc₂Ni₂In is a Pauli paramagnet and a poor metallic conductor with a specific resistivity of 224 mΩcm at room temperature. Its crystal structure was refined from X-ray powder data: P4/mbm, a = 716.79(1) pm, c = 333.154(8) pm, Z = 2, R_wp = 0.040, and R_B(I) = 0.026. Sc₂Ni₂In crystallizes with a ternary ordered version of the U₃Si₂-type structure. The nickel and indium atoms occupy [NiSc₆] trigonal prisms and [InSc₈] square prisms, respectively. These structural fragments are derived from the AlB₂ and CsCl-type structures. Semi-empirical band structure calculations reveal Sc₂Ni₂In to be a nickelide, and the strongest bonding interactions are found for the Sc? Ni contacts, followed by Sc? In and Ni? In. A rigidband model suggests the existence of the isotypic phase Sc₂Ni₂Sb.     

Bi12,86Ni4Br6 und Bi12,86Ni4I6: Subhalogenide mit intermetallischen und salzartigen Schichtpaketen in alternierender Abfolge

Bi_12.86Ni₄Br₆ and Bi_12.86Ni₄I₆: Subhalides with Alternating Intermetallic and Salt‐like Layers The reaction of bismuth and nickel with bromine or iodine at 730 K yields black, air insensitive, needle shaped crystals of the ternary subhalides Bi_12.86Ni₄X₆ (X = Br, I). The isotypic compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space groups Immm with a = 405.69(6) pm, b = 874.00(8) pm, c = 3744.7(4) pm for X = Br, and a = 410.05(5) pm, b = 912.84(7) pm, c = 3826.7(3) pm for X = I. The crystal structures contain characteristic fragments of the intermetallic phase Bi₃Ni: chains consisting of face‐sharing mono‐capped trigonal prisms of bismuth atoms with a nickel atom in the center of each prism. The chains form corrugated layers which are separated by halogen atoms and oligomeric [Bi_nX_4n+2] units of varying length. The halogenobismutate(III) units consist of trans‐edge‐sharing [BiX₆] octahedra. They are disordered within the crystal structures. The non‐integer stoichiometric coefficients of Bi_12.86Ni₄X₆ are due to the metric adjustment between the ionic and intermetallic parts of the structure. Extended Hückel calculations indicate, that the partial oxidation of the intermetallic phase causes a strengthening of the chemical bonding within the Bi₃Ni chains. The subiodide Bi_12.86Ni₄I₆ is paramagnetic and shows ferromagnetic ordering below 25 K.     

Two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates: (NC12H8(NH)2)[Ln(N3C12H8)4] with Ln = Y,Tb, Yb,and [Ln(N3C12H8)2(N3C12H9)2][Ln(N3C12H8)4](N3C12H9)2 with Ln = La,Sm, Eu

The compounds (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y, Tb, Yb, and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), with Ln = La, Sm, Eu, were obtained by reactions of the group 3 metals yttrium and lanthanum as well as the lanthanides europium, samarium, terbium, and ytterbium with 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole. The reactions were carried out in melts of the amine without any solvent and led to two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates. The trivalent rare earth atoms have an eightfold nitrogen coordination of four chelating pyridylbenzimidazolates giving an ionic structure with either pyridylbenzimidazolium or [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)](+) counterions. With Y, Eu, Sm, and Yb, single crystals were obtained whereas the La- and Tb-containing compounds were identified by powder methods. The products were investigated by X-ray single crystal or powder diffraction and MIR and far-IR spectroscopy, and with DTA/TG regarding their thermal behavior. They are another good proof of the value of solid-state reaction methods for the formation of homoleptic pnicogenides of the lanthanides. Despite their difference in the chemical formula, both types (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y (1), Tb (2), Yb (3), and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), Ln = La (4), Sm (5), Eu (6), crystallize isotypic in the tetragonal space group I4(1). Crystal data for (1): T = 170(2) K, a = 1684.9(1) pm, c = 3735.0(3) pm, V = 10603.5(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.053, wR2 = 0.113. Crystal data for (3): T = 170(2) K, a = 1683.03(7) pm, c = 3724.3(2) pm, V = 10549.4(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.047, wR2 = 0.129. Crystal data for (5): T = 103(2) K, a = 1690.1(2) pm, c = 3759.5(4) pm, V = 10739(2) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.050, wR2 = 0.117. Crystal data for (6): T = 170(2) K, a = 1685.89(9) pm, c = 3760.0(3) pm, V = 10686.9(11) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.060, wR2 = 0.144.     

Synthese,Struktur und Eigenschaften der Tetraarsenidometallate(V) M7[TAs4] (M = K,Rb; T = Nb,Ta)

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of the Tetraarsenidometallates(V) M₇[TAs₄] (M = K, Rb; T = Nb, Ta) The tetraarsenidometallates(V) M₇[TAs₄] (M = K, Rb; T = Nb, Ta) have been prepared from RbAs, KAs, Rb₃As, K₃As, and Nb or Ta in sealed Nb(Ta) ampoules at T = 1100 K. They crystallize in a new structure type oP24 (Pmn2₁, no. 31); K₇[NbAs₄]: a = 1019.2(2) pm, b = 916.2(2) pm, c = 830.6(1) pm; K₇[TaAs₄]: a = 1017.3(2) pm, b = 915.5(2) pm, c = 830.5(2) pm; Rb₇[NbAs₄]: a = 1059.2(4) pm, b = 952.8(4) pm, c = 860.4(4) pm; Z = 2 formula units per unit cell). The compounds form dark red crystals and they are sensitive against air and moisture. They are semiconductors with E_g = 1.80 eV. The thermal decomposition in dynamical vacuum gives evidence for the existance of K₄TAs₃ and K₂TAs₂ (T = Nb, Ta). Main structural units are polar oriented tetrahedra [TAs₄] with d (T – As) = 252.2(1) pm; 251.3(1) pm; 253.0(4) pm, respectively. The As atoms are trigonal prismatically coordinated by M and T atoms. These trigonal prisms form anionic and cationic layers [M₄As₂]^2? and _∞²[M₃TAs₂]²⁺ alternating along the b axis. The structure is comparable with that of Co₂P and can be described as a stuffed shear variant of the Na₆□ZnO₄ type of structure.     

Über Alkali-hexachlorochromate(III): Na3CrCl6

Alkali-hexachlorochromates(III): Na₃CrCl₆ X-ray investigations on single crystals yielded for Na₃CrCl₆ a trigonal structure: space group P3 1c; a = 682.0(3) pm; c = 1203.4(5) pm; Z = 2. In a hexagonal-close arrangement of Cl^? ions, 2/3 of the octahedral holes are occupied orderly by Na⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions. The Na compounds of V³⁺ and Mo³⁺ are isotypic. The chlorochromates with K and Rb are crystallizing with the K₃MoCl₆ structure according to X-ray photos of powders. The alkali metal ions habe the C.N. 8 or 11 related to the chloride ions. These compounds and elpasolithes A₂BCrCl₆ (A = Cs? K; B = Rb? Na) can be treated in the same way with the concept of tolerance factors as it is known for the chloro-perovskites AMCl₃. For all compounds the temperatures of phase transitions were determined by DTA. Some structures could be solved from high-temperature-Guinier-patterns, by comparing them with patterns of substances with known structures.     

Sn5Ir6B2 und Sn4Ir7B3: Zinn-Iridiumboride mit eindimensionalen Ir/B-Verbänden

Sn₅Ir₆B₂ and Sn₄Ir₇B₃: Tin Iridiumborides with Onedimensional Ir/B Structural Elements Sn₅Ir₆B₂ (hexagonal, P6 2m, a = 658.97(5) pm, c = 559.19(3) pm, Z = 1, 391 reflexions, 16 parameters, R = 0.037) and Sn₄Ir₇B₃ (hexagonal, P6₃/m, a = 926.63(5) pm, c = 563.19(3) pm, Z = 2, 323 reflexions, 24 parameters, R = 0.045) were prepared by reaction of the elements. Their structures were determined by means of single crystal X-ray methods. The structure of Sn₅Ir₆B₂ may be derived from the Fe₂P type and contains columns of boron centered trigonal Ir prisms sharing their triangular faces. In the structure of Sn₄Ir₇B₃ six of these columns are connected to form a large column with hexagonal cross section. Only every second prism therein is occupied by a boron atom. In both structures these onedimensional Ir/B structural elements are embedded in a matrix of tin atoms composed of Sn-centered Sn₆ prisms twice as long as the Ir₆ prisms.     

EuIrIn4 with LaCoAl4 Type Structure – Synthesis,Magnetic Properties,and 151Eu Mössbauer Spectroscopy

LaCoAl₄ type EuIrIn₄ was synthesized by induction-melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum ampoule, followed by annealing of the sample in a high-frequency or in a muffle furnace. The EuIrIn₄ structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: Pmma, a = 860.65(3), b = 430.33(6), c = 757.65(7) pm, wR = 0.0748, 633 F² values and 24 variables. The striking building units are iridium-centered trigonal prisms of indium atoms, distorted bcc indium cubes and a pentagonal prismatic indium coordination of the europium atoms. Within the three-dimensional [IrIn₄]^2– polyanionic network the Ir–In and In–In distances range from 260–288 pm and 306–332 pm, respectively. The divalent ground state of europium was manifested through magnetic [7.96(1) μ_B / Eu atom, T_N = 7.9(1) K] and ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic data [δ = –10.54(2) mm · s^–1; B_hf = 19.1(1) T at 6 K].     

Neutron powder diffraction with (nat)Sm: crystal structures and magnetism of a binary samarium deuteride and a ternary samarium magnesium deuteride

Binary SmH(3) (trigonal, a=656.7(3), c=680.1(3) pm, P$\bar 3$c1, Z=6), ternary SmMg2H7 (tetragonal, a=626.47(6), c=937.2(2) pm, P4(1)2(1)2, Z=4) and the corresponding deuterides SmD3 (a=653.9(1)m, c=676.7(2) pm) and SmMg2D7 (a=624.10(1), c=934.81(2) pm) have been prepared by hydrogenation (deuteration) of elemental samarium and the Laves phase SmMg2, respectively, and investigated by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction and SQUID and vibration magnetometry. The problem of the enormous neutron absorption of the natural isotopic mixture (natSm) is circumvented by carefully choosing the neutron wavelength (approximately 50 pm) and the use of double-walled cylindrical sample holders and a high-intensity neutron diffractometer (D4c at ILL). SmD3 crystallises with a tysonite-type structure and has three independently ordered deuterium atom sites with trigonal-planar, trigonal-pyramidal and tetrahedral metal environments and Sm--D bond lengths in the range 220(1)-258(1) pm (average: 235 pm). SmMg2D7 is a new deuteride that crystallises with an LaMg2D7-type structure. It displays four fully occupied deuterium sites having triangular and tetrahedral metal environments and Sm--D bond lengths in the range 227.6(5)-246.8(8) pm (average: 239 pm). These are the first samarium-deuterium bond lengths to be reported. Both deuterides are paramagnetic down to 2 K (SmD3: mueff=0.63(1) muB, thetap approximately -4 K; SmMg2D7: mueff=0.57(2) muB, thetap approximately -4 K). Their crystal structures and chemical and physical properties suggest mainly ionic bonding according to the limiting ionic formulae Sm3+(H-)3 and Sm3+(Mg2+)2(H-)7.