Synthesis, crystal structure, spectrum properties, and electronic structure of a novel non-centrosymmetric borate, BiCd3(AlO)3(BO3)4

A novel non-centrosymmetric borate, BiCd₃(AlO)₃(BO₃)₄, has been prepared by solid state reaction methods below 750 °C. Single-crystal XRD analysis showed that it crystallizes in the hexagonal group P6₃ with a=10.3919(15) Å, c=5.7215(11) Å, Z=2. In its structure, AlO₆ octahedra share edges to form 1D chains that are bridged by BO₃ groups through sharing O atoms to form the 3D framework. The 3D framework affords two kinds of channels that are occupied by Bi³⁺/Cd²⁺ atoms only or by Bi³⁺/Cd²⁺ atoms together with BO₃ groups. The IR spectrum further confirmed the presence of BO₃ groups. Second-harmonic-generation measurements displayed a response of about 0.5×KDP (KH₂PO₄). UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum showed a band gap of about 3.19 eV. Solid-state fluorescence spectrum exhibited the maximum emission peak at around 390.6 nm. Band structure calculations indicated that it is an indirect semiconductor.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of new layered BaNaSc(BO3)2 and BaNaY(BO3)2 orthoborates

Crystals of two new layered BaNaSc(BO₃)₂ (I) and BaNaY(BO₃)₂ (II) orthoborates are grown from the melt-solution by the spontaneous crystallization onto the platinum loop. Single crystal X-ray analysis showed that the compounds are isostructural with the space group R3¯, a=5.23944(12) and 5.3338(2) Å, and c=34.5919(11) and 35.8303(19) Å for I and II, respectively, Z=6. The distinctive feature of the structure is the close-packed composite anion-cation (Ba,Na)(BO₃) layers. The layers are combined into the base building packages of two types: {M³⁺[Ba²⁺(BO₃)³⁻]₂}⁺ and {M³⁺[Na⁺(BO₃)³⁻]₂}⁻, where M is Sc or Y. Neutral-charge two-package (four-layer) blocks are stacked by the rhombohedral principle into twelve layers of the cubic packing.     

Crystal structure and cation transport properties of the layered monodiphosphates Rb6Bi4(PO4)2(P2O7)3

Single crystals of the new Bi(III) phosphates, Rb₆Bi₄(PO₄)₂(P₂O₇)₃, have been isolated and their structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a=9.077(1)Å, b=9.268(2)Å, c=36.418(6)Å, β=95.75(1)° and Z=8. The crystal structure is made up of BiO₅ and BiO₆ polyhedra sharing the corners with PO₄ tetrahedra and P₂O₇ diphosphate groups. The structure can be described as infinite anionic layers with composition [Bi₄(PO₄)₂(P₂O₇)₃]_∞⁶⁻ parallel to the [301] plane, connected via P-O-Bi bridges to form a three-dimensional open framework. This framework delimits tunnels running along [100] and [010] directions, where the rubidium ions reside. This compound exhibits a rubidium ion conduction but with rather low conductivity value at 640 K.     

[Zn(H2PO4)4] clusters and ∞[Zn2(HPO4)3(H2PO4)2] layers in two new zinc phosphates templated by [H2(4-amino-2.2.6.6-tetramethylpiperidine)] cations

Two zinc phosphates (ZnPO), [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]·[Zn(H₂PO₄)₄] (I) and [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]₂·[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]·H₂O (II), are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions using 4-amino-2.2.6.6-tetramethylpiperidine as organic template. I crystallizes in space group with , , , α=92.57(1)°, β=89.76(1)°, γ=102.16(2)°, and Z=2. Its structure, refined to R=0.029 and R_w=0.076 for 4279 independent reflections, consists of [Zn(H₂PO₄)₄]²⁻ clusters held together through strong hydrogen bonds to form pseudo-layers between which the doubly protonated amine molecules are inserted. II is monoclinic, C2, with , , , β=103.72(5)°, and Z=4 (R=0.079, R_w=0.268, 2477 independent reflections). The structure of II consists of _∞[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]⁴⁻ inorganic (2D) layers built up from vertex-sharing [ZnO₄] and [(H₂/H)PO₄] tetrahedra. Organic cations and water molecules ensure the connection between these layers via hydrogen bonds. It is shown that numerous (1D), (2D), e.g., [H₂(N₂C₉H₂₀)]₂·[Zn₂(HPO₄)₃(H₂PO₄)₂]·H₂O, and (3D) (ZnPO) result from the condensation of the [Zn(H₂PO₄)₄]²⁻ clusters.     

Combinatorial topology of uranyl molybdate sheets: syntheses and crystal structures of (C6H14N2)3[(UO2)5(MoO4)8](H2O)4 and (C2H10N2)[(UO2)(MoO4)2]

Two new mixed organic-inorganic uranyl molybdates, (C₆H₁₄N₂)₃[(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈](H₂O)₄ (1) and (C₂H₁₀N₂)[(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂] (2), have been obtained by hydrothermal methods. The structure of 1 [triclinic, , Z=1, a=11.8557(9), b=11.8702(9), c=12.6746(9) Å, α=96.734(2)°, β=91.107(2)°, γ=110.193(2)°, V=1659.1(2) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.058, which was calculated for the 5642 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl square bipyramids, uranyl pentagonal bipyramids, and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)₅(MoO₄)₈]⁶⁻, that are parallel to (−101). H₂O groups and 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. The structure of 2 [triclinic, , Z=2, a=8.4004(4), b=11.2600(5), c=13.1239(6) Å, α=86.112(1)°, β=86.434(1)°, γ=76.544(1)°, V=1203.14(10) Å] has been solved by direct methods and refined on the basis of F² for all unique reflections to R1=0.043, which was calculated for 5491 unique observed reflections (|F_o|?4σ_F). The structure contains topologically novel sheets of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and MoO₄ tetrahedra, with composition [(UO₂)(MoO₄)₂]²⁻, that are parallel to (110). Ethylenediamine molecules are located in the interlayer, where they provide linkage of the sheets. All known topologies of uranyl molybdate sheets of corner-sharing U and Mo polyhedra can be described by their nodal representations (representations as graphs in which U and Mo polyhedra are given as black and white vertices, respectively). Each topology can be derived from a simple black-and-white graph of six-connected black vertices and three-connected white vertices by deleting some of its segments and white vertices.     

Synthesis, structure and characterisation of Fe0.50Ti2(PO4)3: A new material with Nasicon-like structure

A new iron titanyl phosphate Fe_0.50Ti₂(PO₄)₃ was synthesized by both solid-state reaction and Cu²⁺-Fe²⁺ ion exchange method. The material was then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer, magnetic susceptibility measurements and optical absorption. The crystal structure of the compound was refined, using X-ray powder diffraction data, by the Rietveld profile method; it crystallizes in the rhombohedral system, space group , with a=8.511(1) Å and c=20.985(3) Å, V=1316.45(3) Å³ and Z=6. The structure, which is compared to that of Mn_0.50Ti₂(PO₄)₃ is built up from [TiO₆] octahedra and [PO₄] tetrahedra which are linked by corner sharing along the c-axis. Fe²⁺ cations are located in half of the antiprism M_I sites and are orderly distributed with vacancies within the two possible positions of the M_I sites of . These results were supported by the Mössbauer studies that showed the presence of one Fe²⁺ site in the high spin state (t_2g⁴e_g²). The Curie-Weiss-type behavior is observed in the magnetic susceptibility. Diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates the presence of octahedrally coordinated Fe²⁺ ions.     

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.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of two organically templated zincophosphites with three-dimensional frameworks, (C6H14N2)·[Zn3(HPO3)4] and (C4H12N2)·[Zn3(HPO3)4]

Two organically templated zincophosphites, (C₆H₁₄N₂)·[Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] and (C₄H₁₄N₂)·[Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. (C₆H₁₄N₂)·[Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] crystallizes in the triclinic space group , with cell parameters, a=9.363(4) Å, b=10.051(4) Å, c=10.051(4) Å, α=85.777(13)°, β=82.091(9)°, and γ=79.783(9)°. (C₄H₁₄N₂)·[Zn₃(HPO₃)₄] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c, with cell parameters, a=9.9512(3) Å, b=10.1508(3) Å, c=17.8105(5) Å, and β=95.6510(10)°. Although the two structures are different, they have the same anionic framework compositions of [Zn₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻. Their frameworks are built up from strictly alternating ZnO₄ tetrahedra and HPO₃ pseudo pyramids by sharing vertexes. There exist channels with an eight-membered ring window along the a- and c-axis. Powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, ³¹P MAS solid-state NMR, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were also carried out.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of (H4APPIP)[V3(C2O4)2(HPO4)3(PO4)(H2O)]·6H2O (APPIP=1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine), a layered vanadium oxalatophosphate containing double 6-ring units

A new vanadium(III) oxalatophosphate has been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. It crystallizes in the triclinic space group with a=11.604(2) Å, b=12.391(2) Å, c=15.220(3) Å, α=71.090(3)°, β=82.630(3)°, γ=62.979(3)°, V=1843.8(5) Å³ and Z=2. The structure consists of V₆(HPO₄)₆ double 6-ring (D6R) units connected by coordinating C₂O₄²⁻ and PO₄³⁻ anions to form anionic sheets in the ab plane with charge-compensating quadruply protonated 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazinium cations and water molecules between the sheets. It is one of the few compounds with 2D layer structures and the second example containing D6R units in the system of metal oxalatophosphates. The iron analogue was also synthesized.     

Crystal structure and phase transformations of calcium yttrium orthophosphate, Ca3Y(PO4)3

Crystal structure and phase transformations of calcium yttrium orthophosphate Ca₃Y(PO₄)₃ were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The high-temperature phase is isostructural with eulytite, cubic (space group ) with a=0.983320(5) nm, V=0.950790(8) nm³, Z=4 and D_x=3.45 Mg m⁻³. The crystal structure was refined with a split-atom model, in which the oxygen atoms are distributed over two partially occupied sites. Below the stable temperature range of eulytite, the crystal underwent a martensitic transformation, which is accompanied by the formation of platelike surface reliefs. The inverted crystal is triclinic (space group P1) with a=1.5726(1) nm, b=0.84267(9) nm, c=0.81244(8) nm, α=109.739(4)°, β=90.119(5)°, γ=89.908(7)°, V=1.0134(1) nm³, Z=4 and D_x=3.24 Mg m⁻³. The crystal grains were composed of pseudo-merohedral twins. The adjacent twin domains were related by the pseudo-symmetry mirror planes parallel to with the composition surface . When the eulytite was cooled relatively slowly from the stable temperature range, the decomposition reaction of Ca₃Y(PO₄)₃→β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂+YPO₄ occurred.     

A new structure type of phosphate: Crystal structure of Na2Zn5(PO4)4

A new compound, Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄, was identified in the system ZnONa₂OP₂O₅ and high-quality crystal was obtained by the melt method. The crystal structure of this compound was solved by direct method from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure was then refined anisotropically using a full-matrix least square refinement on F² and the refinement converged to R₁=0.0233 and wR₂=0.0544. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with space group Pbcn, lattice parameters a=10.381(2) Å, b=8.507(1) Å, c=16.568(3) Å and Z=4. The structure is made up of 3D [Zn₅P₄O₁₆]_n²ⁿ⁻ covalent framework consisting of [Zn₄P₄O₁₆]_n⁴ⁿ⁻ layers. The powder diffraction pattern of Na₉Zn₂₁(PO₄)₁₇ is explained by simulating a theoretical pattern with NaZnPO₄ and Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ in the molar ratio of 1:4 and then by Rietveld refinement of experimental pattern. Na₂Zn₅(PO₄)₄ melts congruently at 855 °C and its conductivity is 5.63×10⁻⁹ S/cm.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of new uranyl tungstates M2(UO2)(W2O8) (M=Na, K), M2(UO2)2(WO5)O (M=K, Rb), and Na10(UO2)8(W5O20)O8

The solid-state reactions of UO₃ and WO₃ with M₂CO₃ (M=Na, K, Rb) at 650°C for 5 days result, accordingly the starting stoichiometry, in the formation of M₂(UO₂)(W₂O₈) (M=Na (1), K (2)), M₂(UO₂)₂(WO₅)O (M=K (3), Rb (4)), and Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈ (5). The crystal structures of compounds 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using Mo(Kα) radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structures were solved by direct methods and Fourier difference techniques, and refined by a least-squares method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections. For (1), unit-cell parameters were determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, a=12.736(4) Å, b=7.531(3) Å, c=8.493(3) Å, β=93.96(2)°, ρ_cal=6.62(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.64(1) g/cm³, Z=4; 2, orthorhombic, space group Pmcn, a=7.5884(16) Å, b=8.6157(18) Å, c=13.946(3) Å, ρ_cal=6.15(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=6.22(1) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.029 for 80 parameters with 1069 independent reflections; 3, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.083(4) Å, b=28.724(5) Å, c=9.012(4) Å, β=102.14(1)°, ρ_cal=5.83(2) g/cm³, ρ_mes=5.90(2) g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1471 reflections; 4, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.234(1) Å, b=28.740(3) Å, c=9.378(1) Å, β=104.59(1)°, ρ_cal=6.13(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.037 for 171 parameters with 1452 reflections; 5, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=24.359(5) Å, b=23.506(5) Å, c=6.8068(14) Å, β=94.85(3)°, ρ_cal=6.42(2) g/cm³,  g/cm³, Z=8, R1=0.036 for 306 parameters with 5190 independent reflections. The crystal structure of 2 contains linear one-dimensional chains formed from edge-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids connected by two octahedra wide (W₂O₈) ribbons formed from two edge-sharing WO₆ octahedra connected together by corners. This arrangement leads to [UW₂O₁₀]²⁻ corrugated layers parallel to (001). Owing to the unit-cell parameters, compound 1 probably contains similar sheets parallel to (100). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural and the structure consists of bi-dimensional networks built from the edge- and corner-sharing UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. This arrangement creates square sites occupied by W atoms, a fifth oxygen atom completes the coordination of W atoms to form WO₅ distorted square pyramids. The interspaces between the resulting [U₂WO₁₀]²⁻ layers parallel to plane are occupied by K or Rb atoms. The crystal structure of compound 5 is particularly original. It is based upon layers formed from UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and two edge-shared octahedra units, W₂O₁₀, by the sharing of edges and corners. Two successive layers stacked along the [100] direction are pillared by WO₄ tetrahedra resulting in sheets of double layers. The sheets are separated by Na⁺ ions. The other Na⁺ ions occupy the rectangular tunnels created within the sheets. In fact complex anions W₅O₂₀¹⁰⁻ are built by the sharing of the four corners of a WO₄ tetrahedron with two W₂O₁₀ dimmers, so, the formula of compound 5 can be written Na₁₀(UO₂)₈(W₅O₂₀)O₈.     

New one-dimensional uranyl and neptunyl iodates: crystal structures of K3[(UO2)2(IO3)6](IO3)·H2O and K[NpO2(IO3)3]·1.5H2O

The uranyl and neptunyl(VI) iodates, K₃[(UO₂)₂(IO₃)₆](IO₃)·H₂O (1) and K[NpO₂(IO₃)₃]·1.5H₂O (2), have been prepared and crystallized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structures of 1 and 2 both contain one-dimensional _∞¹[AnO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻(An=U,Np) ribbons that consist of approximately linear actinyl(VI) cations bound by iodate anions to yield AnO₇ pentagonal bipyramids. The AnO₇ units are linked by bridging iodate anions to yield chains that are in turn coupled by additional iodate anions to yield ribbons. The edges of the ribbons are terminated by monodentate iodate anions. For 1 and 2, K⁺ cations and water molecules separate the ribbons from one another. In addition, isolated iodate anions are also found between _∞¹[UO₂(IO₃)₃]¹⁻ ribbons in 1. In order to aid in the assignment of oxidation states in neptunyl containing compounds, a bond-valence sum parameter of 2.018 Å for Np(VI) bound exclusively to oxygen has been developed with b=0.37 Å. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 1, triclinic, , a=7.0609(4) Å, b=14.5686(8)  Å, c=14.7047(8)  Å, α=119.547(1)°, β=95.256(1)°, γ=93.206(1)°, Z=2, R(F)=2.49% for 353 parameters with 6414 reflections with I>2σ(I); (203 K, MoKα, λ=0.71073): 2, monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=7.796(4)  Å, b=7.151(3)  Å, c=21.79(1)  Å, β=97.399(7)°, Z=4, R(F)=6.33% for 183 parameters with 2451 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Synthesis, structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopies of the new oxyphosphate Fe0.50TiO(PO4)

A new iron titanyl oxyphosphate Fe_0.50TiO(PO₄) was synthesized by both solid-state reaction and Cu²⁺-Fe²⁺ ion exchange method. The material was then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the compound was refined, using X-ray powder diffraction data, by Rietveld profile method; it crytallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c (No.14), with , , , β=120.36°(1), and Z=4. The volume of the title compound is comparable to those of the M_0.50^IITiO(PO₄) series, where M^II=Mg, Co, Ni and Zn. The framework is built up from [TiO₆] octahedra and [PO₄] tetrahedra. [TiO₆] octahedra are linked together by corners and form infinite chains along the c-axis. Ti atoms are displaced from the center of octahedral units showing an alternating short distance (1.73 Å) and a long one (2.22 Å). These chains are linked together by [PO₄] tetrahedra. Fe²⁺ cations occupy a triangle-based antiprism sharing two faces with two [TiO₆] octahedra. Mössbauer and magnetic measurements show the existence of iron only in divalent state, located exclusively in octahedral sites with high spin configuration (t_2g⁴e_g²). Raman study confirms the existence of Ti-O-Ti chains.     

Synthesis, structure, and characterization of a new one-dimensional tellurite phosphate, Ba2TeO(PO4)2

A new one-dimensional tellurite phosphate, Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ has been synthesized by standard solid-state reaction techniques using BaCO₃, TeO₂, and (NH₄)H₂PO₄ as reagents. The structure of Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 (No. 2), with , , , α=76.843(4)°, β=79.933(4)°, γ=75.688(4)°, , and Z=2. Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ has a novel one-dimensional chain structure that is composed of PO₄ tetrahedra and TeO₅ polyhedra. Te⁴⁺ cations are in asymmetric coordination environments attributable to their lone pairs. The lone pairs on the Te⁴⁺ cations point in the [100] and [−100] direction and interact with the Ba²⁺ cations. Infrared, Raman, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dipole moment calculations are also presented.     

Three-dimensional molecular network, [{Cu(dps)2(SO4)}·3H2O·DMF]n, and its different third-order NLO performance (dps=4,4′-dipyridyl sulfide)

A new three-dimensional non-interpenetrating coordination polymer, [{Cu(dps)₂(SO₄)}·3H₂O·DMF]_n (1) (dps=4,4′-dipyridyl sulfide) was synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 crystallizes in triclinic system, space group P−1 with cell parameters of a=10.9412(1) Å, b=11.8999(1) Å, c=12.5057(1) Å, V=1400.7(3) Å³, Z=2, D_c=1.573 g cm⁻³, F(0 0 0)=686, μ=1.059 mm⁻¹. R₁=0.0436, wR₂=0.1148. In the polymeric architecture, serve as bridging coligands to connect highly puckered [Cu₂(dps)₂]_n frameworks resulting in a 3D motif containing channels for guest molecule inclusion. Quantum chemistry calculation shows that the third-order NLO properties of polymer 1 are controlled by groups and dps ligands, and metal ions have less influence on the third-order NLO properties.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF4)(PF6), Ba(BF4)(AsF6) and Ba2(BF4)2(AsF6)(H3F4); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF4 and octahedral AF6 anions

In the system BaF₂/BF₃/PF₅/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) crystallizes in a hexagonal space group with a=10.2251(4) Å, c=6.1535(4) Å, V=557.17(5) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻ anions. In the analogous system with AsF₅ instead of PF₅ the compound Ba(BF₄)(AsF₆) was isolated and characterized. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) Å, b=6.325(3) Å, c=11.8297(17) Å, V=779.3(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF₆⁻ and four F atoms from BF₄⁻ anions. When the system BaF₂/BF₃/AsF₅/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF₂, the compound Ba₂(BF₄)₂(AsF₆)(H₃F₄) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6₃/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) Å, c=17.327(8) Å, V=708.4(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF₄⁻, three AsF₆⁻ and three H₃F₄⁻ anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H₃F₄ moiety, act as μ₂-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two new hydrated borates, Zn8[(BO3)3O2(OH)3] and Pb[B5O8(OH)]·1.5H2O

Two new hydrated borates, Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O, have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions at 170 °C. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses showed that Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group R32 with a=8.006(2) Å, c=17.751(2) Å, Z=3 and Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=6.656(2) Å, b=6.714(2) Å, c=10.701(2) Å, α=99.07(2)°, β=93.67(2)°, γ=118.87(1)°, Z=2. Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃] represents a new structure type in which Zn-centered tetrahedra are connected via common vertices leading to helical ribbons _∞¹[Zn₈O₁₅(OH)₃]¹⁷⁻ that pack side by side and are further condensed through sharing oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional _∞³[Zn₈O₁₁(OH)₃]⁹⁻ framework. The boron atoms are incorporated into the channels in the framework to complete the final structure. Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O is a layered compound containing double ring [B₅O₈(OH)]²⁻ building units that share exocyclic oxygen atoms to form a two-dimensional layer. Symmetry-center-related layers are stacked along the c-axis and held together by interlayer Pb²⁺ ions and water molecules via electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The IR spectra further confirmed the existence of both triangular BO₃ and OH groups in Zn₈[(BO₃)₃O₂(OH)₃], and BO₃, BO₄, OH groups as well as guest water molecules in Pb[B₅O₈(OH)]·1.5H₂O.     

A novel cesium hydroxygallophosphate with a layered structure built up of rutile ribbons: CsGa2(OH)2[(PO4)H(PO4)]

A new cesium gallophosphate, CsGa₂(OH)₂[(PO₄)H(PO₄)], with an original layer structure has been synthesized by hydrothermal route and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (R=0.0344, R_w=0.0319). Its structure crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with cell parameters , , , β=93.36(4)° and Z=2. It consists of [Ga(OH)PO₄]_∞ layers built up of rutile ribbons interconnected through PO₄ tetrahedra. The structure of CsGa₂(OH)₂[(PO₄)H(PO₄)] is closely related to those of (NH₄)Ga(OH)PO₄ and (en)Ga₂(OH)₂(PO₄)₂ (en=ethylenediamine [H₃N(CH₂)₂NH₃]²⁺). The three structures differ mainly from each other by the relative positions and the spacing of the successive layers, which are governed by different hydrogen bonding modes between [Ga(OH)PO₄]_∞ layers and the interleaved species. The title compound presents strong symmetric hydrogen bonds O---H---O which bridge two PO₄ tetrahedra of two successive layers. As a consequence, the distance between the layers is significantly shorter than in the two other amine compounds.