The magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir3.30(1)Mg17.96(4)In0.74(4) and Ir3Mg17.1(1)In1.9(1)

Phase analytical investigations in the system magnesium-iridium-indium revealed the magnesium-rich intermetallics Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4) and Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). The samples were prepared from the elements via induction melting in glassy carbon crucibles in a water-cooled sample chamber and subsequent annealing. Both intermetallics were investigated by X-ray powder and single-crystal diffraction: C2/c, Z=4, a=979.1(1), b=2197.4(2), , β=105.79(1)°, wR₂=0.0434, 3076 F² values, 108 variables for Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), and a=983.39(8), b=2211.4(2), , β=105.757(6)°, wR₂=0.0487, 3893 F² values, and 115 variables for Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1). Both compounds show solid solutions. In Ir_3.30(1)Mg_17.96(4)In_0.74(4), the indium site shows an occupancy by 69.9(4)% In+30.1(4)% Ir, and one magnesium site has a small mixed occupancy with indium, while nine atomic sites in Ir₃Mg_17.1(1)In_1.9(1) show Mg/In mixing with indium occupancies between 1.2(3)% and 14.8(3)%. The relatively complex crystal structure is of a new type. It can be explained by a packing of coordination number 10 and 12 polyhedra around the iridium atoms. The crystal chemical peculiarities and chemical bonding in both intermetallics is briefly discussed.     

Complex three-dimensional platinum-indium networks in the ternary indides Dy2Pt7In16 and Tb6Pt12In23

Well crystallized samples of Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃ were synthesized by an indium flux technique. Arc-melted precursor alloys with the starting compositions ∼DyPt₃In₆ and ∼TbPtIn₄ were annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. Both indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Cmmm, a=1211.1(2), b=1997.8(3), c=439.50(6) pm, wR2=0.0518, 1138 F² values, 45 variable parameters for Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and C2/ma=2834.6(4), b=440.05(7), c=1477.1(3) pm, β=112.37(1)°, wR2=0.0753, 2543 F² values, 126 variable parameters for Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The platinum atoms in the terbium compound have a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination. In Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, trigonal and square prismatic coordination occur. The shortest interatomic distances are observed for Pt-In followed by In-In contacts. Considering these strong interactions, both structures can be described by complex three-dimensional [Pt₇In₁₆] and [Pt₁₂In₂₃] networks. The networks leave distorted pentagonal channels in Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, while pentagonal and hexagonal channels occur in Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of the two indides are briefly discussed.     

In3Ir3B, In3Rh3B and In5Ir9B4, the first indium platinum metal borides

The first indium platinum metal borides have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. In₃Ir₃B and In₃Rh₃B are isotypic. They crystallize with the hexagonal space group and Z=1. The lattice constants are , for In₃Ir₃B and , for In₃Rh₃B. The structure which is derived from the Fe₂P type is characterized by columns of boron centered triangular platinum metal prisms inserted in a three-dimensional indium matrix. The indium atoms are on split positions. In₅Ir₉B₄ (hexagonal, space group , , , Z=1) crystallizes with a structure derived from the CeCo₃B₂ type. The structure can be interpreted as a layer as well as a channel structure. In part the indium atoms are arranged at the vertices of a honeycomb net (Schlaefli symbol 6³) separating slabs consisting of double layers of triangular Ir₆B prisms, and in part they form a linear chain in a hexagonal channel formed by iridium prisms and indium atoms of the honeycomb lattice.     

Sr4PbPt4O11, the first platinum oxide containing Pt2 ions

We report the synthesis and crystal structure of the new compound Sr₄PbPt₄O₁₁, containing platinum in highly unusual square pyramidal coordination. The crystals were obtained in molten lead oxide. The structure was solved by X-ray single crystal diffraction techniques on a twinned sample, the final R factors are R=0.0260 and wR=0.0262. The symmetry is triclinic, space group P1¯, with , , , α=90.421(3)°, β=89.773(8)°, γ=90.140(9)° and Z=2. The structure is built from dumbell-shaped Pt₂O₉ entities formed by a dinuclear metal-metal bonded Pt₂⁶⁺ ion with asymmetric environments of the two Pt atoms, classical PtO₄ square plane and unusual PtO₅ square pyramid. Successive Pt₂O₉ entities deduced from 90° rotations are connected through the oxygens of the PtO₄ basal squares to form [Pt₄O₁₀⁸⁻]_∞ columns further connected through Pb²⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the peculiar platinum coordination environment.     

Synthesis and characteristics of a novel 3-D organic amine oxalate: (enH2)1.5[Bi3(C2O4)6(CO2CONHCH2CH2NH3)]·6.5H2O

A novel 3-D compound of (enH₂)_1.5[Bi₃(C₂O₄)₆(CO₂CONHCH₂CH₂NH₃)]·6.5H₂O has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection integral spectrum (UV-Vis DRIS), fluorescence spectra, TGA and single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with , , , β=112.419(3)°, , Z=8, R₁=0.0463 and wR₂=0.1393 for unique 7686 reflections I>2σ(I). In the title compound, the Bi atoms have eight-fold and nine-fold coordination with respect to the oxygen atoms, with the Bi atoms in distorted dodecahedron and monocapped square antiprism, respectively. The 3-D framework of the title compound contains channels and is composed of linkages between Bi atoms and oxalate units, forming honeycomb-like layers with two kinds of 6+6 membered aperture, and pillared by oxalate ligands and monamide groups. The channels have N-ethylamine oxalate monamide group ⁻CO₂CONHCH₂CH₂NH₃⁺, which is formed by the in situ reaction of en and oxalate acid. At room temperature, the complex exhibits intense blue luminescence with an emission peak at 445 nm.     

Crystal structure, electronic structure and physical properties of the new low-valent thallium silicon telluride Tl6Si2Te6 in comparison to Tl6Ge2Te6

The title compounds were prepared from the elements in the stoichiometric ratio at 800 °C under exclusion of air. Tl₆Si₂Te₆ crystallizes in the space group P1¯, isostructural with Tl₆Ge₂Te₆, with , , , α=89.158(2)°, β=96.544(2)°, γ=100.685(2)°, (Z=2). Its structure is composed of dimeric [Si₂Te₆]⁶⁻ units with a Si-Si single bond, while the Tl atoms are irregularly coordinated by five to six Te atoms. Numerous weakly bonding Tl-Tl contacts exist. Both title compounds are black semiconductors with small band gaps, calculated to be 0.9 eV for Tl₆Si₂Te₆ and 0.5 eV for Tl₆Ge₂Te₆. The Seebeck coefficients are +65 μV K⁻¹ in case of Tl₆Si₂Te₆ and +150 μV K⁻¹ in case of Tl₆Ge₂Te₆ at 300 K, and the electrical conductivities are 5.5 and 3 Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹, respectively.     

Synthesis and single crystal structures of ternary phosphides Li4SrP2 and AAeP (A=Li, Na; Ae=Sr, Ba)

Two new (NaSrP, Li₄SrP₂) and two known (LiSrP, LiBaP) ternary phosphides have been synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. NaSrP crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric hexagonal space group (#189, a=7.6357(3) Å, c=4.4698(3) Å, V=225.69(2) Å³, Z=3, and R/wR=0.0173/0.0268). NaSrP adopts an ordered Fe₂P structure type. PSr₆ trigonal prisms share trigonal (pinacoid) faces to form 1D chains. Those chains define large channels along the [001] direction through edge-sharing. The channels are filled by chains of PNa₆ face-sharing trigonal prisms. Li₄SrP₂ crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group (#166, a=4.2813(2) Å, c=23.437(2) Å, V=372.04(4) Å³, Z=3, and R/wR=0.0142/0.0222). In contrast to previous reports, LiSrP and LiBaP crystallize in the centrosymmetric hexagonal space group P6₃/mmc (#194, a=4.3674(3) Å, c=7.9802(11) Å, V=131.82(2) Å³, Z=2, and R/wR=0.0099/0.0217 for LiSrP; a=4.5003(2) Å, c=8.6049(7) Å, V=150.92(2) Å³, Z=2, and R/wR=0.0098/0.0210 for LiBaP). Li₄SrP₂, LiSrP, and LiBaP can be described as Li₃P derivatives. Li atoms and P atoms make a graphite-like hexagonal layer, . In LiSrP and LiBaP, Sr or Ba atoms reside between layers to substitute for two Li atoms of Li₃P, while in Li₄SrP₂, Sr substitutes only between every other layer.     

Crystal growth, characterization and physical properties of PrNiSb3, NdNiSb3 and SmNiSb3

The crystal structures of three new intermetallic ternary compounds in the LnNiSb₃ (Ln=Pr, Nd and Sm) family have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. PrNiSb₃, NdNiSb₃ and SmNiSb₃ all crystallize in an orthorhombic space group, Pbcm (No. 57), Z=12, with , , , and ; , , , and ; and , , , and , for Ln=Pr, Nd and Sm, respectively. These compounds consist of rare-earth atoms located above and below layers of nearly square, buckled Sb nets, along with layers of highly distorted edge- and face-sharing NiSb₆ octahedra. Resistivity data indicate metallic behavior for all three compounds. Magnetization measurements show antiferromagnetic behavior with (PrNiSb₃), 4.6 K (NdNiSb₃), and 2.9 K (SmNiSb₃). Effective moments of 3.62 μ_B, 3.90 μ_B and 0.80 μ_B are found for PrNiSb₃, NdNiSb₃ and SmNiSb₃, respectively, and are consistent with Pr³⁺ (f ²), Nd³⁺ (f ³), and Sm³⁺ (f ⁴).     

Structural and conductivity studies of CsKSO4Te(OH)6 and Rb1.25K0.75SO4Te(OH)6 materials

The crystal structures of the title compounds were solved using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. At room temperature CsKSO₄Te(OH)₆ was found to crystallize in the monoclinic system with Pn space group and lattice parameters: ; ; ; β=106.53(2)°; ; Z=4 and . The structural refinement has led to a reliability factor of R₁=0.0284 (wR₂=0.064) for 7577 independent reflections. Rb_1.25K_0.75SO₄Te(OH)₆ material possesses a monoclinic structure with space group P2₁/a and cell parameters: ; ; ; β=106.860(10)°; ; Z=4 and . The residuals are R₁=0.0297 and wR₂=0.0776 for 3336 independent reflections. The main interest of these structures is the presence of two different and independent anionic groups (TeO₆⁶⁻ and SO₄²⁻) in the same crystal.Complex impedance measurements (Z^*=Z^′—iZ^″) have been undertaken in the frequency and temperature ranges 20-10⁶ Hz and 400-600 K, respectively. The dielectric relaxation is studied in the complex modulus formalism M^*.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of gallosilicate- and aluminogermanate tetrahydroborate sodalites Na8[GaSiO4]6(BH4)2 and Na8[AlGeO4]6(BH4)2

Tetrahydroborate enclathrated sodalites with gallosilicate and aluminogermanate host framework were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Crystal structures were refined in the space group P-43n from X-ray powder data using the Rietveld method. Na₈[GaSiO₄]₆(BH₄)₂: a=895.90(1) pm, V=0.71909(3)×10⁻⁶ nm³, R_P=0.074, R_B=0.022, Na₈[AlGeO₄]₆(BH₄)₂: a=905.89(2) pm, V=0.74340(6)×10⁻⁶ nm³, R_P=0.082, R_B=0.026. The tetrahedral framework T-atoms are completely ordered in each case and the boron atoms are located at the centre of the sodalite cages. The hydrogen atoms of the enclathrated anions were refined on x, x, x positions, restraining them to boron-hydrogen distances of 116.8 pm as found in NaBD₄.The IR-absorption spectra of the novel phases show the typical bands of the tetrahedral group as found in the spectrum of pure sodium boron hydride.The new sodalites are discussed as interesting -containing model compounds which could release pure hydrogen.     

Synthesis and structure of three manganese oxalates: MnC2O4·2H2O, [C4H8(NH2)2][Mn2(C2O4)3] and Mn2(C2O4)(OH)2

Three manganese oxalates have been hydrothermally synthesized, and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. MnC₂O₄·2H₂O (I) is orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, , , , , Z=4, final R, R_w=0.0832, 0.1017 for 561 observed data (I>3σ(I)). The one-dimensional structure consists of chains of oxalate-bridged manganese centers. [C₄H₈(NH₂)₂][Mn₂(C₂O₄)₃] (II) is triclinic, , , , , α=81.489(2)°, β=81.045(2)°, γ=86.076(2)°, , Z=1, final R, R_w=0.0467, 0.0596 for 1773 observed data (I > 3σ (I)). The three-dimensional framework is constructed from seven coordinate manganese and oxalate anions. The material contains extra-framework diprotonated piperazine cations. Mn₂(C₂O₄)(OH)₂ (III) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, , , , β=91.10(3)°, , Z=1, final R₁, wR2=0.0710, 0.1378 for 268 observed data (I>2σ (I)). The structure is also three dimensional, with layers of MnO₆ octahedra pillared by oxalate anions. The hydroxide group is found bonded to three manganese centers resulting in a four coordinate oxygen.     

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

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

Preparation, structures, and band gaps of RbInS2 and RbInSe2

The two compounds RbInS₂ and RbInSe₂ have been synthesized at 773 K by means of the reactive flux method. These isostructural compounds crystallize in space group C2/c of the monoclinic system with 16 formula units in a cell at 153 K of dimensions , , , and β=100.244(1)° for RbInS₂, and , , , and β=100.16(2)° for RbInSe₂. The In atoms are four-coordinated. The structure consists of two-dimensional (Q=S, Se) layers perpendicular to [001] separated from the Rb⁺ cations. Adamantane-like In₄Q₁₀ units are connected by common corners to form the layers. Band structure calculations indicate that these compounds are direct band-gap semiconductors with the smallest band gap at the Γ point. The calculated band gaps are 2.8 eV for RbInS₂ and 2.0 eV for RbInSe₂, values that are consistent with the colors of the compounds.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of an indium phosphate K3In3P4O16

An alkali-metal indium phosphate crystal, K₃In₃P₄O₁₆, has been synthesized by a high-temperature solution reaction and exhibits a new structure in the family of the alkali-metal indium phosphates system. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows the structure to be monoclinic with space group P2₁/n, and the following cell parameters: a=9.7003(18), b=9.8065(18), c=15.855(3) Å, β=90.346(3)°, V=1508.2(5) Å³, Z=4, R=0.0254. It possesses three-dimensional anionic frameworks with tunnels occupied by K⁺ cations running along the a-axis. The emission and absorption spectra of the compound have been investigated. Additionally, the calculations of energy band structure, density of states, dielectric constants and refractive indexes have been performed with the density functional theory method. Also, the two-photon absorption spectrum is simulated by two-band model. The obtained results tend to support the experimental data.     

Single crystal structure and Raman spectrum of Ba3Na2(CN2)4

The synthesis, single crystal structure determination, and Raman spectrum are reported for colorless transparent tribarium disodium tetracyanamide, Ba₃Na₂(CN₂)₄. The title compound crystallizes in the space group C_2h⁵-P2₁/c (#14, , , , β=110.454(4)°, , Z=4, R/wR=0.0266/0.0543). Each sodium atom is surrounded by six nitrogen atoms in octahedral geometry. Sodium centered nitrogen octahedra are linked through face-sharing along the [100] direction to form one-dimensional (1D) chains. These chains are connected to each other through the carbon atoms of cyanamide and make a three-dimensional (3D) network with 1D channels along the [100] direction. Barium atoms and additional cyanamide anions reside in the channels. Each barium atom is irregularly coordinated with nitrogen and carbon from the cyanamide anions. The Raman spectrum shows symmetric vibrations of [NCN]²⁻ corresponding to ν_sym (1241.5 cm⁻¹) and 2δ (1356.4 cm⁻¹).     

Multianvil high-pressure/high-temperature preparation, crystal structure, and properties of the new oxoborates Dy4B6O14(OH)2 and Ho4B6O14(OH)2

This paper reports about two new hydrogen-containing rare-earth oxoborates RE₄B₆O₁₄(OH)₂ (RE=Dy, Ho) synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions from the corresponding rare-earth oxides, boron oxide, and water using a Walker-type multianvil equipment at 8 GPa and 880 °C. The single crystal structure determination of Dy₄B₆O₁₄(OH)₂ showed: Pbcn, a=1292.7(2), b=437.1(2), , Z=2, R1=0.0190, and wR2=0.0349 (all data). The isotypic holmium species revealed: Pbcn, a=1292.8(2), b=436.2(2), , Z=2, R1=0.0206, and wR2=0.0406 (all data). The compounds exhibit a new type of structure, which is built up from layers of condensed BO₄-tetrahedra. Between the layers, the rare-earth cations are coordinated by 7+2 oxygen atoms. Furthermore, we report about temperature-resolved in situ powder diffraction measurements, DTA/TG, and IR-spectroscopic investigations into RE₄B₆O₁₄(OH)₂ (RE=Dy, Ho).     

Synthesis and characteristics of a new three-dimensional molybdoantimonate Na4Sb12Mo5O35

A novel three-dimensional compound of Na₄Sb₁₂Mo₅O₃₅ has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the triclinic system space group with , , , α=94.59(3)°, β=112.68(3)°, γ=92.97(3)°, , Z=2, R₁=0.0275, wR₂=0.0984 for 7364 unique reflections with I>2σ(I). The molecular structure is built up of Mo₆O₂₁, MoO₄ units, and cage-like units that contain 12 Sb atoms. IR, UV-Vis DRIS (Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflection Integral Spectrum), fluorescent spectra, and the thermogravimetric analysis of this compound were investigated.     

A novel organically templated three-dimensional open framework vanadium tellurite: (NH3CH2CH2NH3)2V2Te6O18

A novel organically templated vanadium tellurite (NH₃CH₂CH₂NH₃)₂V₂Te₆O₁₈ (1) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, thermal stability analysis, magnetic susceptibilities and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n, , , , β=94.789(4)°, , Z=2, R₁[I>2σ(I)]=0.0187, wR₂[I>2σ(I)]=0.0482. Compound 1 exhibits a novel three-dimensional (3D) vanadium tellurite anion framework composed of vanadium, tellurium, and oxygen atoms through covalent bonds, with the [NH₃CH₂CH₂NH₃]²⁺ cations residing in the channels.     

Synthesis and characterization of two new open-framework zinc phosphites [M(C6N4H18)][Zn3(HPO3)4] (M=Ni, Co) with multi-directional intersecting 12-membered ring channels

Two new open-framework zinc phosphites, [M(C₆N₄H₁₈)][Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] (M=Ni, Co), have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that [Ni(C₆N₄H₁₈)][Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] (1) and [Co(C₆N₄H₁₈)][Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] (2) are isostructural and both crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c with , , , β=109.83(3)°, Z=4, R₁=0.0408 (I>2σ(I)), and wR₂=0.1104 (all data) for 1, and , , , β=109.328(2)°, Z=4, R₁=0.0380 (I>2σ(I)), and wR₂=0.1093 (all data) for 2. The structures of 1 and 2 are built up from strictly alternating ZnO₄ tetrahedra and HPO₃ pseudo-pyramids linked through oxygen vertices to form the three-dimensional (3-D) open-frameworks with multi-directional intersecting 12-membered ring (12-MR) channels. The M(TETA) (M=Ni, Co) complexes self-assembled under hydrothermal system connect with the inorganic host via M-O-P linkages and interact with inorganic framework through weak H-bonds. The two compounds show intense photoluminescence upon photoexcitation at 235 nm.