Subcell and Superstructure of a High‐Temperature (β‐) Modification of the Mercury(I) Dimolybdate(VI) Hg2Mo2O7

A new (β‐)modification of the mercury molybdate Hg₂Mo₂O₇, thermodynamically stable at temperatures above 390 ± 10 °C, was prepared by solid state reaction of HgO with MoO₂ in sealed silica tubes. Its crystal structure, determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data, has a very pronounced subcell: space group P2/c, a = 600.9(1) pm, b = 388.7(1) pm, c = 1428.4(2) pm, β = 105.88(1)°, Z = 2, R = 0.052 for 797 structure factors and 52 variable parameters. In the superstructure of this high‐temperature β‐modification the a and the b axes of the subcell are doubled: C2/c, a = 1201.9(2) pm, b = 777.3(1) pm, c = 1428.4(2) pm, β = 105.88(1)°, Z = 8, R = 0.040 for 1490 F values and 110 variables. Like the previously reported low‐temperature α‐modification, the β‐modification consists of two‐dimensionally infinite sheets of edge‐ and corner‐sharing MoO₆ octahedra. These sheets are linked by Hg₂ pairs. Thus, the structures of the two modifications (α and β) differ essentially only in the orientation of the Hg₂ pairs, which are located between the sheets of the MoO₆ octahedra. The superstructure of the β‐modification differs from the subcell‐structure by the puckering of the sheets of MoO₆ octahedra. A hypothetical displacive phase transition between the subcell‐structure (corresponding to the potential high‐temperature structure) and the superstructure of β‐Hg₂Mo₂O₇ is discussed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Two‐Dimensional Zinc Phosphite,Zn3(tren)(HPO3)3·xH2O (x ≈ 0.5; tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine)

A new zinc phosphite with the formula Zn₃(tren)(HPO₃)₃·xH₂O (x≈0.5) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and its fluorescent spectrum. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group (No.2), a = 10.1188(9) Å, b = 10.4194(9) Å, c = 10.5176(9) Å, α = 60.763(2)°, β = 70.6150(10)°, γ = 80.725(2)°, V = 912.77(14) ų, Z = 2. The structure consists of double crankshaft chains, which are linked by Zn‐O‐P bonds to form 8‐ and 12‐membered channels along the [100] direction. The claw‐like Zn‐centered complexes of Zn(N₄C₆H₁₈) as the supported templates, hang into the 12‐MR channels through Zn‐O‐P linkages with framework.     

Single crystals of the filled Ti2N‐type η‐phase Ti3Zn3Ox (x = 1.07 and 1.23) prepared using a Bi flux

Single crystals of the filled Ti₂Ni‐type Ti₃Zn₃O_x η‐phase (cubic, space group Fdm) having {111} facets were obtained by heating Ti, Zn and ZnO with a Bi flux. The lattice parameter of a single crystal prepared at 800°C was 11.4990 (2) Å, which is close to that of Ti₃Zn₃O_∼0.5 (a = 11.502 Å), as reported by Rogl & Nowotny [Monatsh. Chem. (1977), 108 , 1167–1180]. The occupancies of the O1 (16c) and O2 (8a) sites were 1 and 0.071 (12), respectively, and the composition of the crystal was determined to be Ti₃Zn₃O_1.04. A single crystal from the sample prepared at 650°C had the same structure type, with a lattice parameter of 11.5286 (2) Å. However, O atoms were situated at a new 32e site in addition to the original 16c and 8a sites, and the Zn‐atom positions were split in accordance with the new O‐atom site. The chemical formula Ti₃Zn₃O_1.27 determined by X‐ray diffraction occupancy refinement agreed with the chemical composition obtained for the cross section of the single crystal determined with an electron probe microanalyzer.     

Phase relations in the Zn<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>-Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> system from room temperature to melting

Phase relations in the Zn₂V₂O₇-Cu₂V₂O₇ system were studied by high-temperature X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The major phase constituents of the system are solid solutions based on Zn₂V₂O₇ and Cu₂V₂O₇ polymorphs and their coexistence regions. The generation of α-Zn_{2 − 2x} Cu_2x V₂O₇ solid solution, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30, leaves almost unchanged the stabilization temperature of the high-temperature zinc pyrovanadate phase. The α-Cu_{2 − 2x} Zn_2x V₂O₇ homogeneity range is 5 mol % Zn₂V₂O₇. In the range 0.050 ≤ x ≤ 0.09 from 20 to ∼ 620°C, there is the two-phase field of α-Cu₂V₂O₇ and β-Cu₂V₂O₇ base solid solutions. At still higher temperatures, β-Zn_{2 − 2x} Cu_2x V₂O₇ and α-Cu_{2 − 2x} Zn_2x V₂O₇ coexist in the mixed-phase region. β-Zn_{2 − 2x} Cu_2x V₂O₇ solid solution, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.30, exists above 610 ± 5°C. The extent of the β′-Cu₂V₂O₇-base solid solution is 9 to 65 mol % Zn₂V₂O₇ at 615 ± 5°C, expanding to 0 mol % Zn₂V₂O₇ with rising temperature. Original Russian Text ￠ T.I. Krasnenko, M.V. Rotermel’, S.A. Petrova, R.G. Zakharov, O.V. Sivtsova, A.N. Chvanova, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 10, pp. 1755–1762.     

Thermodynamic Phase Transition Through Crystal‐to‐Crystal Process of Photochromic 1,2‐Bis(5‐phenyl‐2‐propyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene

A photochromic diarylethene, 1,2‐bis(5‐phenyl‐2‐propyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene ( 1a ), was found to have two polymorphic crystal forms, α‐ and β‐crystals. From X‐ray crystallographic analysis, the space groups of α‐ and β‐crystals were determined to be P2₁/c and C2/c, respectively. The difference between two crystal forms is ascribed to the orientation of two of four molecules in the unit cell. The thermodynamic phase transition from α‐ to β‐forms occurred via a crystal‐to‐crystal process, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry measurements, optical microscopic observations in the reflection mode and under crossed Nicols, and powder X‐ray diffraction measurements. The movement of the molecules in the crystal was evaluated by analyzing the change of face indices before and after the phase transition.     

A Bicapped α‐Keggin Unit‐Supported Transition Metal Complex: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of [Cu(en)2(H2O)]2[Cu(en)2]0.5[Mo8V7O42{Cu(en)2}]

A new metal‐oxo cluster supported transition metal complex, [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)]₂[Cu(en)₂]_0.5[Mo^VI₈V^IV₆V^VO₄₂{Cu(en)₂}], has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group (No. 2), a = 12.245(5), b = 12.669(5), c = 20.949(8) Å, α = 77.120(13), β = 78.107(17), γ = 65.560(14)°, V = 2860(2) ų, Z = 2. The metal‐oxo cluster contains a novel bicapped a‐Keggin structure unit and a [Cu(en)₂]²⁺ unit covalently bonded to the [Mo₈V₇O₄₂]^7? cluster.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Properties of Lead(II), ­Zinc(II), and Manganese(II) Complexes Constructed from 2, 3, 5, 6‐Tetraiodo‐1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylic Acid

Three new coordination compounds, [Pb(HBDC‐I₄)₂(DMF)₄]( 1 ) and [M(BDC‐I₄)(MeOH)₂(DMF)₂]_n (M = Zn^II for 2 and Mn^II for ( 3 ) (H₂BDC‐I₄ = 2, 3, 5, 6‐tetraiodo‐1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and has a discrete mononuclear structure, which is further assembled to form a two‐dimensional (2D) layer through intermolecular O–H ··· O and C–H ··· O hydrogen bonding interactions. The isostructural compounds 2 and 3 crystallize in the space group P2₁/c and have similar one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures that are extended into three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular networks by interchain C–H ··· π interactions. The Pb^II and Zn^II complexes 1 and 2 display similar emissions at 472 nm in the solid state, which essentially are intraligand transitions.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Spectral Properties of Two Manganese(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes with 3,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole

Two complexes, cis‐[MnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 1 ) and cis‐[ZnL₂(NCS)₂] ( 2 ) with asymmetrical substituted triazole ligands [L = 3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), powder XRD, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the complexes, each L molecule adopts a chelating bidentate mode by the nitrogen atoms of pyridyl and triazole. Both complexes have a similar distorted octahedral [MN₆] core (M = Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) with two NCS^– ions in the cis position.     

Ba3V2S4O3: A Mott Insulating Frustrated Quasi‐One‐Dimensional S=1 Magnet

Through a solid‐state reaction, a practically phase pure powder of Ba₃V₂S₄O₃ was obtained. The crystal structure was confirmed by X‐ray single‐crystal and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction (P6₃, a=10.1620(2), c=5.93212(1) Å). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in conjunction with multiplet calculations, clearly describes the vanadium in charge‐disproportionated V^IIIS₆ and V^VSO₃ coordinations. The compound is shown to be a strongly correlated Mott insulator, which contradicts previous predictions. Magnetic and specific heat measurements suggest dominant antiferromagnetic spin interactions concomitant with a weak residual ferromagnetic component, and that intrinsic geometric frustration prevents long‐range order from evolving.     

In1.08Gd0.92Ge2O7: a new member of the thortveitite family

Indium gadolinium digermanium heptaoxide, In_1.08Gd_0.92Ge₂­O₇, with a thortveitite‐type structure, has been prepared as a polycrystalline powder material by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. As in the mineral thortveitite, the crystal structure belongs to the monoclinic system, with space group C2/m (No. 12). The precise structural parameters were obtained by applying the Rietveld method of refinement to the X‐ray powder diffraction data. This layered structure presents, on one side, a honeycomb‐like arrangement of the unique octahedral site, which is occupied randomly by In and Gd atoms, and, on the other side, sheets of isolated Ge₂O₇ diortho‐groups made up of double tetrahedra sharing a common vertex and displaying C_2h point symmetry. This compound showed a remarkable photoluminescence effect when it was irradiated with the X‐ray beam during the X‐ray diffraction measurements, and with the α beam during the Rutherford back‐scattering spectrometry experiments employed to analyze the chemical stoichiometry.     

In‐situ Electrochemical X‐ray Diffraction: A Rigorous Method to Navigate within Phase Diagrams Reveals β‐Fe1+xSe as Superconductor for All x

We report the precise postsynthetic control of the composition of β‐Fe_1+xSe by electrochemistry with simultaneous tracking of the associated structural changes via in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. We access the full phase width of 0.01<x<0.04 and identify the superconducting state below 8 K, which in contrast to earlier reports is independent of the composition. However, in a second set of in situ X‐ray diffraction experiments, we demonstrate that β‐Fe_1+xSe forms a new phase in the presence of oxygen above a 100 °C which has the same anti‐PbO type structure but is not superconducting down to 1.8 K. The latter process can be reversed electrochemically to reinstate the superconducting state. These observations exploit the exquisite control afforded by electrochemistry in contrast with classical approaches of chemical synthesis.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of RE7Zn21+xSi2–x [RE = Ce,Pr, and Nd; 0.09 (1) < x < 0.95 (1)]

The focus of this paper is on the synthesis and crystal structures of three Zn‐rich compounds with the general formula RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x, where RE = Ce [x = 0.95 (1); heptacerium docosazinc silicon], Pr [x = 0.09 (1); heptapraseodymium henicosazinc disilicon], and Nd [x = 0.53 (1); heptaneodymium docosazinc silicon]. The compounds were obtained by high‐temperature reactions, using the respective elements as starting materials. The structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The title compounds crystalize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam (No. 55, Pearson symbol oP60) and are isostructural with about a dozen RE₇Zn_21+xTt_2−x (RE = La–Nd; Tt = Ge, Sn, and Pb) compounds previously reported by our group. The results from the present refinements confirm the previously published data on RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x (RE = La and Ce; x≃ 1.45) [Malik et al. (2013). Intermetallics, 36 , 118–126]. Additionally, magnetic susceptibility measurements on the corresponding bulk samples show Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behavior from 5 to 300 K, consistent with RE³⁺ ground states and local‐moment magnetism due to the core 4f electrons.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridinium dioxido(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ3O2,N,O6)vanadate(V) and its conversion to nanostructured V2O5

2‐Amino‐3‐hydroxypyridinium dioxido(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ³O²,N,O⁶)vanadate(V), (C₅H₇N₂O)[V(C₇H₃NO₄)O₂] or [H(amino‐3‐OH‐py)][VO₂(dipic)], (I), was prepared by the reaction of VCl₃ with dipicolinic acid (dipicH₂) and 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxypyridine (amino‐3‐OH‐py) in water. The compound was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X‐ray structure analysis, and consists of an anionic [VO₂(dipic)]⁻ complex and an H(amino‐3‐OH‐py)⁺ counter‐cation. The V^V ion is five‐coordinated by one O,N,O′‐tridentate dipic dianionic ligand and by two oxide ligands. Thermal decomposition of (I) in the presence of polyethylene glycol led to the formation of nanoparticles of V₂O₅. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized powder.     

The Sialons MLn[Si4−xAlxOxN7−x] with M = Eu,Sr, Ba and Ln = Ho‐Yb – Twelve Substitution Variants with the MYb[Si4N7] Structure Type

The oxonitridoalumosilicates (so‐called sialons) MLn[Si_4?xAl_xO_xN_7?x] with M = Eu, Sr, Ba and Ln =Ho, Er, Tm, Yb were obtained by the reaction of the respective lanthanoid metal, the alkaline earth carbonates or europium carbonate, resp., AlN, “Si(NH)₂” and MCl₂ as a flux in a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures around 2100 °C. The compounds MLn[Si_4?xAl_xO_xN_7?x] are relevant for the investigation of substitutional effects on the materials properties due to their ability of tolerating a comparatively large phase width up to x ≈ 2.0(5). The crystal structures of the twelve compounds were refined from X‐ray single crystal data and X‐ray powder data and are found to be isotypic to the MYb[Si₄N₇] structure type. The compounds crystallize in space group P6₃mc (no. 186, hexagonal) and are made up of chains of so‐called starlike units [N^[4](SiN₃)₄] or [N^[4]((Si,Al)(O,N)₃)₄], respectively. These units are formed by four (Si,Al)(N/O)₄ tetrahedra sharing a common central nitrogen atom. The structure refinement was performed utilizing an O/N‐distribution model according to Paulings rules, i.e. nitrogen was positioned on the four‐fold bridging site and nitrogen and oxygen were distributed equally on both of the two‐fold bridging sites, resulting in charge neutrality of the compound. The Si and Al atoms were distributed equally on their two crystallographic sites, referring to their elemental proportion in the compound, due to being poorly distinguishable by X‐ray methods. The chemical compositions of the compounds were derived from electron probe micro analyses (EPMA).     

Flexible V7O16 Layers as the Common Structural Element of Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes and a New Crystalline Vanadate

The walls of vanadium oxide nanotubes (VO_x‐NTs) are built up by vanadate layers between which the structure‐directing template, either a primary amine or a diamine with long alkyl chain, is located. The feasibility of various exchange reactions under preservation of the tubular morphology indicates a high structural flexibility of the VO_x‐NTs. The structure of the vanadate layers appears to be the same in all tubular vanadates, as revealed by the similarity of the diffraction patterns. Plate‐like crystals of a new crystalline phase, structurally closely related to the nanotubes, have now been prepared with ethylene diamine, applying a route that is analogous to the VO_x‐NT synthesis. The single crystal X‐ray structure determination showed that this new phase has the composition (en)V₇O₁₆ and crystallizes with triclinic symmetry. The structure is composed of V₇O₁₆ layers between which ethylene diamine mo le cules are embedded. The V₇O₁₆ layers comprise two sheets of square VO₅ pyramids and VO₄ tetrahedra that connect these sheets. The available experimental data establish that this V₇O₁₆ layer also is the basic element of the VO_x‐NT wall structure. The simulated X‐ray powder diffraction pattern calculated with a corresponding structural mode for VO_x‐NTs agrees well with the observed one.     

Visualization of the Heterogeneity of Cerium Oxidation States in Single Pt/Ce2Zr2Ox Catalyst Particles by Nano‐XAFS

The cerium oxidation states in single catalyst particles of Pt/Ce₂Zr₂O_x (x=7 to 8) were investigated by spatially resolved nano X‐ray absorption fine structure (nano‐XAFS) using an X‐ray nanobeam. Differences in the distribution of the Ce oxidation states between Pt/Ce₂Zr₂O_x single particles of different oxygen compositions x were visualized in the obtained two‐dimensional X‐ray fluorescent (XRF) mapping images and the Ce L_III‐edge nano X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (nano‐XANES) spectra.     

In1.06Ho0.94Ge2O7: a thortveitite‐type compound

A new indium holmium digermanate, In_1.06Ho_0.94Ge₂O₇, with a thortveitite‐type structure, has been prepared as a polycrystalline powder material by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. This new compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group C2/c, No. 15). The structure was characterized by Rietveld refinement of powder laboratory X‐ray diffraction data. The In³⁺ and Ho³⁺ cations occupy the same octahedral site, forming a hexagonal arrangement on the ab plane. In their turn, the hexagonal arrangements of (In/Ho)O₆ octahedral layers are held together by sheets of isolated diortho groups comprised of double tetrahedra sharing a common vertex. In this compound, the Ge₂O₇ diortho groups lose the ideal D_3d point symmetry and also the C_2h point symmetry present in the thortveitite diortho groups. The Ge—O—Ge angle bridging the diortho groups is 160.2 (3)°, compared with 180.0° for Si—O—Si in thortveitite (Sc₂Si₂O₇). The characteristic mirror plane in the thortveitite space group (C2/m, No. 12) is not present in this new thortveitite‐type compound and the diortho groups lose the C_2h point symmetry, reducing to C₂.     

Crystal Chemistry of the M11+,2+–M22+,3+–(H)‐Arsenites: the First Cadmium(II) Arsenite,Na4Cd7(AsO3)6

The crystal structures among M1–M2–(H)‐arsenites (M1 = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺; M2 = Mg²⁺, Mn^2+,3+, Fe^2+,3+, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) are less investigated. Up to now, only the structure of Pb₃Mn(AsO₃)₂(AsO₂OH) was described. The crystal structure of hydrothermally synthesized Na₄Cd₇(AsO₃)₆ was solved from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Its trigonal crystal structure [space group R$\bar{3}$ , a = 9.5229(13), c = 19.258(4) Å, γ = 120°, V = 1512.5(5) ų, Z = 3] represents a new structure type. The As atoms are arranged in monomeric (AsO₃)^3– units. The surroundings of the two crystallographically unique sodium atoms show trigonal antiprismatic coordination, and two mixed Cd/Na sites are remarkably unequal showing tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations. Despite the 3D connection of the AsO₃ pyramids, (Cd,Na)O_x polyhedra and NaO₆ antiprisms, a layer‐like arrangement of the Na atoms positioned in the hexagonal channels formed by CdO₄ deformed tetrahedra and AsO₃ pyramids in z = 0, 1/3, 2/3 is to be mentioned. These pseudo layers are interconnected to the 3D network by (Cd,Na)O₆ octahedra. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of isolated AsO₃ pyramids.     

A synchrotron X‐ray study of triclinic LiCa2Nb3O10 with perovskite‐type slabs

The triclinic superstructure of a small crystal of LiCa₂Nb₃O₁₀, lithium dicalcium triniobium decaoxide, has been investigated by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The unit cell is an almost rectangular parallelepiped, although there is a 0.245° offset from orthogonality for β. The structure essentially belongs to a homologous series of Li[Na_n?3Ca₂Nb_nO_3n+1] with n = 3, where the moiety in square brackets has a perovskite‐type slab structure. The superstructure has a doubled unit‐cell volume with respect to the tetragonal aristotype. The NbO₆ octahedra are rotated about axes parallel to [110] by approximately 10°. Adjacent slabs are connected by Li atoms and are geo­metrically related by 4₂ pseudosymmetry lying parallel to c . There are twice as many sites as Li atoms, providing a variation of population at these Li sites.     

Achieving High‐Temperature Stability of Metastable α‐MoC1‐x by Suppressing Phase Transformation with Mounted Atoms for Lithium Storage Performance

Despite a significant advancement in preparing metastable materials, one common problem is the strict and precious reaction conditions due to their metastable structures. Herein, we achieved the preparation of high‐temperature stabilized metastable α‐MoC_1?x by mounting zinc atoms into its lattice structure. Such a structural construction could suppress the phase transformation from α‐MoC_1?x to β‐Mo₂C through restricting the displacement of Mo atoms upon increased temperature. The resultant metastable α‐MoC_1?x can be stabilized up to 1000 °C and this stability temperature is the highest for the metastable α‐MoC_1?x so far. Synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the structure of Zn‐mounted α‐MoC_1?x. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the introduction of the Zn atoms in the lattice structure of α‐MoC_1?x could significantly decrease the energy difference (ΔE) between α‐MoC_1?x and β‐Mo₂C, thus effectively suppressing the phase transformation from α‐MoC_1?x to β‐Mo₂C and accordingly maintaining the high‐temperature stability of α‐MoC_1?x. This novel strategy can be used as a universal method to be extended to synthesize metastable α‐MoC_1?x from different precursors or other mounted elements. Moreover, the optimal product exhibits excellent lithium storage performances in terms of the cycling stability and rate performance.