Single crystal growth and structural characterization of ternary transition-metal uranium oxides: MnUO4, FeUO4, and NiU2O6

Single crystals of MnUO₄, FeUO₄, and NiU₂O₆ were grown for the first time. The use of chloride fluxes facilitated the crystal growth. MnUO₄, a hexavalent uranium compound, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Imma, with a = 6.6421(19) Å, b = 6.978(2) Å, and c = 6.748(2) Å, and exhibits typical uranyl, UO₂²⁺, coordination. FeUO₄ and NiU₂O₆ contain pentavalent uranium and are structurally related, exhibiting three-dimensional connectivity. FeUO₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbcn, with a = 4.8844(2) Å, b = 11.9328(5) Å, c = 5.1070(2) Å. NiU₂O₆ crystallizes in the trigonal space group, P321, with a = 9.0148(3) Å, c = 5.0144(3) Å.     

Synthesis,growth, structure and characterization of nickel(II)-doped hexaaquacobalt(II) dipotassium tetrahydrogen tetra-o-phthalate tetrahydrate crystals

Single crystals of K₂[Co_(1−x)Ni_x(H₂O)₆] (C₈H₅O₄)₄·4H₂O (x = 0.25) (PCNHP), a semiorganic black colored transparent crystal of size ∼20 × 13 × 4 mm³, are grown from an aqueous solution of potassium hydrogen phthalate enriched with cobalt chloride and nickel chloride by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. Structural analysis by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c and the cell parameters are a = 10.41(3) Å, b = 6.84(2) Å, c = 29.46(9) Å, Z = 4. Incorporation of both Co(II) and Ni(II) into the potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) crystal lattice is well confirmed by EDS and chemical tests. Powder XRD profiles indicate the crystallinity and FT-IR studies reveal the vibrational patterns. The UV–vis optical absorption spectrum of PCNHP shows the lower optical cut-off at ∼300 nm and the crystal was transparent in the entire visible region. The crystalline perfection of the grown crystal analysed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analysis reveals that the diffraction curve (DC) contains multi-peaks with low angular spread indicating the possibility of low angle structural grain boundaries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies indicate the structure defect centers. The dielectric, thermal and mechanical behaviors of the specimen were also investigated.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and magnetic properties of the oxometallates KBaMnO4 and KBaAsO4

Single crystals of KBaMnO₄ and KBaAsO₄ were grown using the hydroflux method and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 7.7795(4) Å, b = 5.8263(3) Å, and c = 10.2851(5) Å for the manganate and a = 7.7773(10) Å, b = 5.8891(8) Å, and c = 10.3104(13) Å for the arsenate. The materials exhibit a three-dimensional crystal structure consisting of isolated MnO₄³⁻ or AsO₄³⁻ tetrahedra, with the charge balance maintained by K⁺ and Ba²⁺. Each tetrahedron is surrounded by six K⁺ and five Ba²⁺, and shares its corner/edge with KO₁₀ polyhedra and corner/edge/face with BaO₉ polyhedra, respectively. The crystal growth, crystal structure and magnetic properties are discussed.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and optical properties of a new beryllium borate,CsBe4(BO3)3

A novel beryllium borate CsBe₄(BO₃)₃ has been grown in crystals by high-temperature flux method using spontaneous nucleation technique for the first time. The crystal structure of this compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with lattice parameters a = 8.3914(5) Å, b = 13.3674(7) Å, c = 6.4391(3) Å, Z = 4, V = 722.28(7) Å³. The crystal takes the same structure type as Rb analog based on the units of BO₃ triangles and BeO₄ tetrahedrons, displaying a three-dimensional tunnel structure with Cs atoms filling in the cages. The IR spectrum confirms the presence of BO₃ groups and the UV–vis–IR diffuse reflectance spectrum exhibits this compound has a short UV cut-off edge below 200 nm. Band structures and density of states were calculated.     

Single crystal growth and structural characterization of four complex uranium oxides: CaUO4, β-Ca3UO6, K4CaU3O12, and K4SrU3O12

Single crystals of complex uranium oxides, CaUO₄, β-Ca₃UO₆, K₄CaU₃O₁₂ and K₄SrU₃O₁₂ were grown from carbonate melts. The crystal structures of the four uranates were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. CaUO₄ crystallizes in the hexagonal space group R-3m, with lattice parameters a = 6.2570(7) Å and α = 36.04(2)°. The U⁶⁺ atom in CaUO₄ is 8-coordinate and exhibits hexagonal bipyramidal geometry with six long and two short U–O bonds, typical of a uranyl species. β-Ca₃UO₆ forms in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, with lattice parameters a = 5.728(1) Å, b = 5.956(1) Å, c = 8.298(2) Å, and β = 90.55(3)°, and adopts a distorted double perovskite structure. K₄CaU₃O₁₂ and K₄SrU₃O₁₂ crystallize in the cubic space group Im-3m with lattice parameters a = 8.483(1) Å and a = 8.582(1) Å, respectively. In all three perovskite-type oxides, the U(VI) cation is located in an octahedral coordination environment and exhibits typical uranyl geometry with four long and two short U–O bonds.     

A new 3D supramolecular Zn(II) compound: Crystal structure and important role in treatment of pulpitis

An innovative thermostable 2-D layered Zn(II) compound, chemical terms are written as [Zn(3-pysa)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (1, 3-Hpysa = 3-pyridinesulfonic acid), has been generated from the solvothermal reactions of 3-Hpysa and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O. Its single crystal analysis was implemented via the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis together with the powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal framework is of monoclinic P2₁/n space group and its crystal cell figures: a = 7.7499(5), b = 10.9923(6), c = 8.3430(5) Å, α = 90, β = 96.924(6), γ = 90°, V = 705.55(7) ų, Z = 4. The 2D layers were finally combined to a 3-D supramolecular conformation through intermolecular H-bonds existing between coordinated H₂O molecules and sulfonate oxygen atoms from adjacent layer. Its practical role in pulpitis treatment was estimated and the relevant mechanism was studied in the meantime.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new organically templated open-framework beryllium phosphite with 3, 4-connected networks

Employing diethylenetriamine (=dien) as a structure-directing agent, a new open-framework beryllium phosphite H₂dien·Be₃(HPO₃)₄ (1), has been synthesized hydrothermally and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 features a (3, 4)-connected framework with 8- and 12-ring channels, which is constructed from strictly alternating BeO₄ tetrahedra and HPO₃²⁻ pseudopyramids. The 3-D framework possesses a pcu topology when the heptameric [Be₃(HPO₃)₄] clusters are regarded as 6-connected secondary building units. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 8.7350(3) Å, b = 15.1704(6) Å, c = 13.0851(4) Å, β = 101.223(5)°, V = 1700.79(10) Å³, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0625, wR₂ = 0.1692.     

A series of open-framework tin(II) phosphates: A[Sn4(PO4)3] (A=Na,K, NH4)

A new series of isostructural open-framework tin(II) phosphates with general formula A[Sn₄(PO₄)₃], where A=Na, K, NH₄, has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods. The crystal structures of NaSn₄(PO₄)₃ (I) and KSn₄(PO₄)₃ (II) have been solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both phases crystallize in the trigonal space group R3c (#161) with Z=6 and cell parameters a=9.5508(13) Å, c=24.083(3) Å for I, and a=9.7124(11) Å, c=24.363(3) Å for II. The structure consists of a negatively charged [Sn₄(PO₄)₃]⁻ framework with channels running parallel to the a- and b-axes where the charge compensating A⁺ cations are located. An interesting feature is that half of the channels are empty due to the specific geometry of the SnO₃ units—the lone electron pair of the tin atoms “protrudes” in these channels thus preventing the insertion of A⁺. The new phases have also been characterized by infrared and thermogravimetric analyses.     

Serendipitous syntheses of the series Cs3Ln7Te12 (Ln = Sm,Gd, Tb): Compounds with large tunnels

Single crystals of Cs₃Ln₇Te₁₂ (Ln = Sm, Gd, Tb) have been grown accidentally through the reaction of Ln and Te with a CsCl or Cs₂Te₃ flux at elevated temperatures. The crystal structures have been determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. These compounds, which are isostructural with Rb₃Yb₇Se₁₂, crystallize in space group Pnnm of the orthorhombic system with two molecules in the following cells: Cs₃Sm₇Te₁₂, a=13.750(6), b=28.332(7), c=4.473(3) Å, T=293 K; Cs₃Gd₇Te₁₂, a=13.6064(13), b=28.209(3), c=4.4324(4) Å, T=153 K; Cs₃Tb₇Te₁₂, a=13.5708(16), b=28.116(3), c=4.4147(5) Å, T=153 K.     

Structural and vibrational study a new potassium lithium dihydrogenphosphate KLi(H2PO4)2

The single crystal of potassium lithium dihydrogenphosphate KLi(H₂PO₄)₂ (notated as KLDP) was synthesized at room temperature and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound was found to crystallize in the monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c (No.14) and the following parameters a = 7.5197(6), b = 12.8943(10) and c = 7.3900(6) Å, β = 98.477(3) °, Z = 4. This feature structure consists of LiO₄ tetrahedra linked by corners with H₂PO₄ groups to form infinite layer running along the ab plane. In the interlayer, KO₈ polyhedra form layers parallel to the same plane. In addition, Raman and infrared spectra were measured at room temperature, which confirm the presence of H₂PO₄, LiO₄ groups and ABC bands in the unit cell. In fact, these fundamental vibrations were proposed by analogy with spectra of other phosphate-based hydrogen-bonded compounds.     

Crystal growth of a new series of non-centrosymmetric oxides,Ln3FeO6 (Ln = La,Nd, Sm,Eu and Gd)

Single crystals of Ln₃FeO₆ (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were grown out of a high temperature hydroxide melt. The crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These oxides crystallize in the polar space group Cmc2₁ where the orientations of the FeO₄ tetrahedra determine the polarity of the structure. The lanthanide atoms are located in a seven-fold, square face mono-capped trigonal prismatic coordination environment; these polyhedra are edge-shared to form zig-zag chains.     

Crystal structure,electronic structure and electrical conductivity of the antimony selenide BaLaSb2Se6

BaLaSb₂S₆ and BaLaSb₂Se₆ were prepared by heating the elements in the stoichiometric ratio under exclusion of air at 850 °C. Both chalcogenides adopt the KThSb₆Se₆ structure type, crystallizing in the space group P2₁/c (Z = 4) with a = 4.324(3) Å, b = 14.7057(16) Å, c = 15.910(2) Å, β = 92.741(3)°, Z = 4 for the sulfide and a = 4.4173(3) Å, b = 15.333(1) Å, c = 16.816(1) Å, β = 92.545(2)°, Z = 4 for the selenide. The structure of BaLaSb₂Se₆ is composed of ribbons of distorted SbSe₆ octahedra and Se₂^2? pairs. Electronic structure calculations show that the selenide is a semiconductor, in accord with the electrical conductivity measurement.     

Synthesis and structure of Cu3PO4[1,2,4-triazole]2OH with a hybrid layered structure: A new organically templated copper (II) hydroxyphosphate

A new layered copper hydroxyphosphate Cu₃PO₄(1,2,4-triazole)₂OH was synthesized by the mild hydrothermal route and the crystal structure was solved by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with: a = 10.1456(5) Å, b = 7.8756(4) Å, c = 12.9008(6) Å, β = 111.64(2)°, V = 960.86(8) Å³, Z = 4, D_x = 3.033 g cm^?3. The Cu(II) atoms are embedded in deformed square-pyramidal (Cu1 and Cu3) or octahedral (Cu2) sites made of N and O (or OH) atoms. Both Cu1 and Cu2 polyhedra form dimers connected one to each other, via OH groups, in ribbons which built a bidimensional (001) layer through PO₄ connections. The Cu3 polyhedra built a (001) double-sheet layer through triazol connections. These layers are bridged by triazole and PO₄ groups along the c-direction yielding a lamellar arrangement. Its structural analysis evidences a two-dimensional character for this copper hybrid material which could begin a new series of MOF compounds.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and physical properties of Yb11Bi10 − xSnx

The intermetallic phase Yb₁₁Bi_{10 − x}Sn_x (x = 0 and 4.8) crystallizing in the Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (no.139), Pearson code tI84, Z = 4, a = 12.2043(4) Å, c = 17.7227(9) Å, and V = 2639.7(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.040, 763 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, and a = 12.0183(5) Å, c = 17.413(1) Å, and V = 2515.1(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.027, 762 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8. The crystal structure of Yb₁₁Bi₁₀ contains three discrete anionic moieties: isolated Bi³⁻ anions, Bi₂⁴⁻ dimers and Bi₄⁴⁻ squares. In Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8, the square units are formed solely by Sn, and the structure shows a mixed Bi/Sn occupancy at the 8i and 16m Wyckoff sites. Magnetization measurements show that the title phase contains ytterbium exclusively in the 4f¹⁴ configuration up to 400 K. The Yb-L_III X-ray absorption spectrum attests also the presence of Yb with a 4f¹⁴ (Yb²⁺) configuration for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, while the average valence of ytterbium was found to be 2.09 for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8.     

Synthesis,structures, and ligating ability of 4-tert-butylcalix[n]arene (iso)nicotinoylate

4-tert-Butylcalix[n]arenes react with an excess of (iso)nicotinoyl chloride, yielding selectively n-2 acylated products, calix[n]-(nico)_n?2(OH)₂, (calix = 4-tert-butylcalix[n]arene; n = 4, 6, and 8; nico = (iso)nicotinoylate) of alternate conformations. Their structures were determined by X-ray single crystallography and NMR spectra. The UV–vis spectra indicated that a new absorption band of the complexes appears upon the addition of cobalt(II) dichloride, and its crystal structure was resolved.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and vibrational spectra of MVO(SO4)2 (M = Rb, Cs, or Tl)

A series of MVO(SO₄)₂ vanadium complexes, where M = Rb, Cs, or Tl, were prepared, and their crystal structures and physicochemical properties studied. The rubidium and thallium compounds of this series were found to be isostructural to each other and to crystallize, like KVO(SO₄)₂ and NH₄VO(SO₄)₂, in orthorhombic system (space group P2₁2₁2₁, No. 19, Z = 4) with the unit cell parameters a = 4.9735(2) Å, b=8.7894(4) Å, c = 16.6968(8) Å, V = 729.88 ų (Rb); and a = 4.9636(1) Å, b = 8.7399(2) Å, c = 16.8598(4) Å, V = 731.39 ų (Tl). The cesium compound was found to crystallize in monoclinic system (space group P2₁/a, No. 14-2, Z = 4): a = 10.0968(6) Å, b = 8.9131(4) Å, c = 9.8675(5) Å, β = 114.640(2)°, V = 807.16 ų. The MVO(SO₄)₂ crystal structure is built of VO₆ octahedra, which are linked into layers by bridging SO₄ groups. At the apex of each VO₆ octahedron, there is a short V-O terminal bond having a length of 1.54(1) Å (Rb), 1.57(2) Å (Tl), and 1.52(4) Å (Cs).     

Crystal growth and structure of three new neodymium containing silicates: Na0.50Nd4.50(SiO4)3O,Na0.63Nd4.37(SiO4)3O0.74F0.26 and Na4.74Nd4.26(O0.52F0.48)[SiO4]4

Single crystals of Na_0.50Nd_4.50(SiO₄)₃O, Na_0.63Nd_4.37(SiO₄)₃O_0.74F_0.26, and Na_4.74Nd_4.26(O_0.52F_0.48)[SiO₄]₄ were synthesized via flux growth using a NaF/KF eutectic flux and the crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Na_0.50Nd_4.50(SiO₄)₃O and Na_0.63Nd_4.37(SiO₄)₃O_0.74F_0.26 adopt the apatite structure and crystallize in the hexagonal space group P6₃/m, while Na_4.74Nd_4.26(O_0.52F_0.48)[SiO₄]₄ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I-4 and exhibits rare-earth mixing on the sodium site. The unit cells of the crystals are a = 9.5400(3) Å and c = 7.0331(5) Å for Na_0.50Nd_4.50(SiO₄)₃O, a = 9.5533(3) Å and c = 7.0510(4) Å for Na_0.63Nd_4.37(SiO₄)₃O_0.74F_0.26, and a = 12.1255(3) Å and c = 5.4656(2) Å for Na_4.74Nd_4.26(O_0.52F_0.48)[SiO₄]₄. These three compounds exhibit three-dimensional crystal structures that are discussed in detail in this paper.     

Crystal structure and transport properties of Pd5HgSe

The Pd₅HgSe compound was synthesised by heating of stoichiometric mixture of elements at 400 °C by means of the evacuated silica glass tube technique. Its crystal structure was refined by Rietveld method from powder X-ray diffraction data. Pd₅HgSe adopts tetragonal symmetry, space group P4/mmm, unit cell parameters a = 4.0128(2) Å, c = 7.0378(6) Å, V = 113.33(2) Å³, Z = 1. The crystal structure of Pd₅HgSe is composed of alternating slabs of the AuCu₃-type cuboctahedra [HgPd₁₂] and the PtHg₂-type rectangular prisms [SePd₈]. The title compound crystallizes in the Pd₅TlAs structure type. The electric resistivity as well as the Seebeck coefficient measurements suggests semimetallic behaviour.     

Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid,C6H2N2O4S2, and its coordination polymers

Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, C₆H₂N₂O₄S₂, was isolated as a polycrystalline material, and its crystal structure was determined by ab-initio X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods. This species, upon deprotonation, was subsequently used in preparing the new coordination polymers Ag₂(C₆N₂O₄S₂), Mn(C₆N₂O₄S₂)(H₂O)₂, Co(C₆N₂O₄S₂)(H₂O)₂, Cu(C₆N₂O₄S₂)(H₂O) and Zn(C₆N₂O₄S₂)(H₂O)₂, fully characterized by analytical, thermal and XRPD structural methods – including in situ thermodiffractometry and simultaneous TGA and DSC. In the first-row transition metal derivatives, the [C₆N₂O₄S₂]^2? anion systematically prefers the N,O-chelating, vs. the expected O,O′-bridging, coordination mode, not allowing the formation of porous 3D frameworks. Indeed, these species are dense 1D coordination polymers. At variance, the silver derivative possesses a complex, dense 3D framework, due to the presence of μ₆-[C₆N₂O₄S₂]^2? ligands showing two μ₂-bridging carboxylates and two monohapto N-donor sites. When dehydration is viable, materials of E_n(C₆N₂O₄S₂) formulation are irreversibly recovered (n = 1 for E = Mn, Co, Zn, Cu; n = 2, for E = H).     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and physical properties of a new boride Ga2Ni21B20 with a modified Zn2Ni21B20-type structure

A ternary boride Ga₂Ni₂₁B₂₀, with modified Zn₂Ni₂₁B₂₀-type structure (space group I4/mmm, and lattice parameters a = 7.2164(1) Å, c = 14.2715(4) Å), was synthesized from the constituent elements. Single crystal diffraction data reveal Ni at 8f site splitting into 16m position with nearly half occupancy. In this structure, [Ni₆B₂₀] cages share ligand boron atoms with [Ga₂B₄Ni₉] hexa-capped square prisms, forming two dimensional layers. Layers are interconnected via Ga−Ni interactions and build up a three-dimensional framework. Quasi-two-dimensional infinite planar nets formed by intercrossed Ni atoms are embedded. Ga₂Ni₂₁B₂₀ is a metallic Pauli paramagnet, in agreement with electronic structure calculations, resulting in 8.2 states eV⁻¹ f.u⁻¹ at the Fermi level.