Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural investigation of Zn(NCS)2(nicotinamide)2 and [Hg(SCN)2(nicotinamide)]n

Zinc(II) and mercury(II) thiocyanate complexes with nicotinamide, bis(nicotinamide-N)-bis(thiocyanato-N)zinc(II) (1) and catena-[nicotinamide-N-(μ-thiocyanato-S,N)(thiocyanato-S)mercury(II)] (2), have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray crystallographic methods. The vibrational bands of diagnostic value are compared to the values of the free ligand and the data are in good correlation with the X-ray results. Centrosymmetrical hydrogen bonded dimers are found, R₂²(10) in 1 and R₂²(8) in 2.     

Synthesis of nanostructured LiTi2(PO4)3 powder by a Pechini-type polymerizable complex method

The nanostructured NASICON-type LiTi₂(PO₄)₃ (LTP) material has been synthesized by Pechini-type polymerizable complex method. The use of water-soluble ammonium citratoperoxotitanate (IV) metal complex instead of alkoxides as precursor allows to prepare monophase material. Thermal analyses have been carried out on the powder precursor to check the weight loss and synthesis temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) has been performed on the LTP powder obtained after heating the powder precursor over a temperature range from 550 to 1050 °C for 2 h. By varying the molar ratio of citric acid to metal ion (CA/Ti) and citric acid to ethylene glycol (CA/EG), the grain size of the LTP powder could be modified. The formation of small and well-crystalline grains, in the order of 50-125 nm in size, has been determined from the XRD patterns and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.     

Equilibrium diagram of KPO3–Y(PO3)3 system, chemical preparation and characterization of KY(PO3)4

Microdifferential thermal analysis (μ-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy were used for the first time to investigate the liquidus and solidus relations in the KPO₃–Y(PO₃)₃ system. The only compound observed within the system was KY(PO₃)₄ melting incongruently at 1033 K. An eutectic appears at 13.5 mol% Y(PO₃)₃ at 935 K, the peritectic occurs at 1033 K and the phase transition for potassium polyphosphate KPO₃ was observed at 725 K. Three monoclinic allotropic phases of the single crystals were obtained. KY(PO₃)₄ polyphosphate has the P2₁ space group with lattice parameters: a=7.183(4) Å, b=8.351(6) Å, c=7.983(3) Å, β=91.75(3)° and Z=2 is isostructural with KNd(PO₃)₄. The second allotropic form of KY(PO₃)₄ belongs to the P2₁/n space group with lattice parameters: a=10.835(3) Å, b=9.003(2) Å, c=10.314(1) Å, β=106.09(7)° and Z=4 and is isostructural with TlNd(PO₃)₄. The IR absorption spectra of the two forms show a chain polyphosphates structure. The last modification of KYP₄O₁₂ crystallizes in the C2/c space group with lattice parameters: a=7.825(3) Å, b=12.537(4) Å, c=10.584(2) Å, β=110.22(7)° and Z=4 is isostructural with RbNdP₄O₁₂ and contains cyclic anions. The methods of chemical preparations, the determination of crystallographic data and IR spectra for these compounds are reported.     

Structural and vibrational studies of Li[Kx(NH4)1−x]SO4 and Li2KNH4(SO4)2 mixed crystals

Mixed crystals of Li[K_x(NH₄)_1−x]SO₄ have been obtained by evaporation from aqueous solution at 313 K using different molar ratios of mixtures of LiKSO₄ and LiNH₄SO₄. The crystals were characterized by Raman scattering and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Two types of compound were obtained: Li[K_x(NH₄)_1−x]SO₄ with x?0.94 and Li₂KNH₄(SO₄)₂. Different phases of Li[K_x(NH₄)_1−x]SO₄ were yielded according to the molar ratio used in the preparation. The first phase is isostructural to the room-temperature phase of LiKSO₄. The second phase is the enantiomorph of the first, which is not observed in pure LiKSO₄, and the last is a disordered phase, which was also observed in LiKSO₄, and can be assumed as a mixture of domains of two preceding phases. In the second type of compound with formula Li₂KNH₄(SO₄)₂, the room-temperature phase is hexagonal, symmetry space group P6₃ with cell-volume nine times that of LiKSO₄. In this phase, some cavities are occupied by K⁺ ions only, and others are occupied by either K⁺ or NH₄⁺ at random. Thermal analyses of both types of compounds were performed by DSC, ATD, TG and powder X-ray diffraction. The phase transition temperatures for Li[K_x(NH₄)_1−x]SO₄x?0.94 were affected by the random presence of the ammonium ion in this disordered system. The high-temperature phase of Li₂KNH₄(SO₄)₂ is also hexagonal, space group P6₃/mmc with the cell a-parameter double that of LiKSO₄. The phase transition is at 471.9 K.     

Structure determination from powder diffraction data and thermal behaviour of layered lead nitrate oxalate hydrate, Pb2(NO3)2(C2O4).2H2O

The mixed lead nitrate oxalate, Pb₂(NO₃)₂(C₂O₄).2H₂O, has been obtained in a polycrystalline form in the course of a study on precursors of nanocrystalline PZT-type oxides. Its crystal structure has been solved from powder diffraction data collected using a monochromatic radiation from a conventional X-ray source. The symmetry is monoclinic, space group P2₁/c (No. 14), the cell dimensions are a=10.623(2) Å, b=7.9559(9) Å, c=6.1932(5) Å, β=104.49(1)° and Z=4. The structure consists of a stacking of complex double sheets parallel to (1 0 0), forming layers held together by hydrogen bonds. The sheets result from the condensation of PbO₁₀ polyhedra, in which the oxalate and nitrate groups, as well as water molecules, play a major role. The structure is discussed in terms of Pb---O distances, polyhedra shape and lead coordination, with emphasis on the dimensional polymerisation role of water molecules. The thermal behaviour of this layered compound is carefully described from temperature-dependent powder diffraction and thermogravimetric measurements. The enthalpy, Δ_rH=232(3) kJ mol⁻¹, and entropy, Δ_rS=532(8) J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, of the dehydration reaction have been determined. The high value of Δ_rH demonstrates that the water molecules are strongly bonded in the structure. The complex decomposition proceeds through the crystallisation and decomposition of Pb(NO₃)₂(C₂O₄) into Pb(NO₃)₂ and PbC₂O₄, and, finally, various lead oxides.     

Phase formation in the systems Li2MoO4-K2MoO4-Ln2(MoO4)3 (Ln=La, Nd, Dy, Er) and properties of triple molybdates LiKLn2(MoO4)4

Subsolidus phase relations in the systems Li₂MoO₄-K₂MoO₄-Ln₂(MoO₄)₃ (Ln=La, Nd, Dy, Er) were determined. Formation of LiKLn₂(MoO₄)₄ was confirmed in the systems with Ln=Nd, Dy, Er at the LiLn(MoO₄)₂-KLn(MoO₄)₂ joins. No intermediate phases of other compositions were found. No triple molybdates exist in the system Li₂MoO₄-K₂MoO₄-La₂(MoO₄)₃. The join LiLa(MoO₄)₂-KLa(MoO₄)₂ is characterized by formation of solid solutions.Triple molybdates LiKLn₂(MoO₄)₄ for Ln=Nd-Lu, Y were synthesized by solid state reactions (single phases with ytterbium and lutetium were not prepared). Crystal and thermal data for these molybdates were determined. Compounds LiKLn₂(MoO₄)₄ form isostructural series and crystallized in the monoclinic system with the unit cell parameters a=5.315-5.145 Å, b=12.857-12.437 Å, c=19.470-19.349 Å, β=92.26-92.98°. When heated, the compounds decompose in solid state to give corresponding double molybdates. The dome-shaped curve of the decomposition temperatures of LiMLn₂(MoO₄)₄ has the maximum in the Gd-Tb-Dy region.While studying the system Li₂MoO₄-K₂MoO₄-Dy₂(MoO₄)₃ we revealed a new low-temperature modification of KDy(MoO₄)₂ with the triclinic structure of α-KEu(MoO₄)₂¹ (a=11.177(2) Å, b=5.249(1) Å, c=6.859(1) Å, α=112.33(2)°, β=111.48(1)°, γ=91.30(2)°, space group , Z=2).     

An infrared and Raman spectroscopic study of the Hofmann-type complexes and clathrates: M(piperidine)2Ni(CN)4; M(piperidine)2Ni(CN)4·1.5G (M=Cd, Co, Ni or Cu; G=benzene)

New Hofmann-type complexes and clathrates of the forms M(piperidine)₂Ni(CN)₄ and M(piperidine)₂Ni(CN)₄·1.5G (M=Cd, Co, Ni or Cu; G=benzene) were prepared in powder form and their infrared and Raman spectra are reported. The spectral features suggest that these compounds are similar in structure to the Hofmann-type clathrates except for the copper compounds. The complex and clathrate of Cu have different spectral features in comparison with its analogues due to the Jahn-Teller effect.     

Vibrational spectroscopic study of the arsenate mineral strashimirite Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4·5H2O—Relationship to other basic copper arsenates

The basic copper arsenate mineral strashimirite Cu₈(AsO₄)₄(OH)₄·5H₂O from two different localities has been studied by Raman spectroscopy and complemented by infrared spectroscopy. Two strashimirite mineral samples were obtained from the Czech (sample A) and Slovak (sample B) Republics. Two Raman bands for sample A are identified at 839 and 856 cm⁻¹ and for sample B at 843 and 891 cm⁻¹ are assigned to the ν₁ (AsO₄³⁻) symmetric and the ν₃ (AsO₄³⁻) antisymmetric stretching modes, respectively. The broad band for sample A centred upon 500 cm⁻¹, resolved into component bands at 467, 497, 526 and 554 cm⁻¹ and for sample B at 507 and 560 cm⁻¹ include bands which are attributable to the ν₄ (AsO₄³⁻) bending mode. In the Raman spectra, two bands (sample A) at 337 and 393 cm⁻¹ and at 343 and 374 cm⁻¹ for sample B are attributed to the ν₂ (AsO₄³⁻) bending mode. The Raman spectrum of strashimirite sample A shows three resolved bands at 3450, 3488 and 3585 cm⁻¹. The first two bands are attributed to water stretching vibrations whereas the band at 3585 cm⁻¹ to OH stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl units. Two bands (3497 and 3444 cm⁻¹) are observed in the Raman spectrum of B. A comparison is made of the Raman spectrum of strashimirite with the Raman spectra of other selected basic copper arsenates including olivenite, cornwallite, cornubite and clinoclase.     

Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials: Synthesis and X-Ray Structure of N,N′-Dimethylimidazolium Salts [(Me2Im)2][Cd2(SCN)6] and N,N′-Dicyclohexylimidazolium [(Cy2Im)2][Cd2(SCN)6]·C3H6O

Two novel N,N′-dialkylimidazolium thiocyanate-cadmium complexes [(R₂Im)₂][Cd₂(SCN)₆] for R=Me (3), and cyclohexyl (4) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic unit cell dimensions of 17.468(3), 7.7273(12), 10.6750(16) Å, 104.833(2)°, and space group C2 with two [(Me₂Im)₂] [Cd₂(SCN)₆] per unit cell. The two cadmium atoms in 3 are octahedrally coordinated in 4N2S and 2N4S coordination environment, and linking into one-dimensional zigzag chains. Compound 4 belongs to the monoclinic space group Cc with unit cell of dimensions 13.3049(12), 17.5550(16), 20.8012(19) Å, 101.494(2)°, and four [(Cy₂Im)₂][Cd₂(SCN)₆]·C₃H₆O per unit cell. The cadmium atoms in 4 are all 3N3S hexa-coordinated with six bridging SCN⁻ ions in an fac configuration and form infinite zigzag polymeric chains. The infinite chains in 3 form an approximate hexagonal array, making triangular channels which are occupied by N,N′-dimethylimidazolium ions, whereas the chains in 4 form layered structure, and the layers are stacked perpendicularly with respect to the orientation of the infinite anionic chains alternatively. N,N′-dicyclohexylimidazolium cations and solvent molecules fill in between layers.     

New process of preparation, structure, and physicochemical investigations of the new titanyl phosphate Ti2O(H2O)(PO4)2

New titanyl phosphate Ti₂O(H₂O)(PO₄)₂ has been prepared and characterized by X-ray and neutron diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal structure has been solved from neutron powder diffraction data at 300 K by Rietveld method in P2₁ space group. The refinement led to satisfactory profile factors (R_p=2.7%, R_wp=3.2%) and crystal structure model indicators (R_B=5.8%, R_F=3.2%). The cell is monoclinic with a=7.3735 Å, b=7.0405 Å, c=7.6609 Å and β=121.48°, Z=4. The structure can be described as a three-dimensional framework built up by chains of [TiO₅(OH₂)] octahedra with alternative short bonds [Ti₍₁₎-O₍₁₂₎; Ti₍₂₎-O₍₁₂₎, 1.88-1.84 Å] and long ones [Ti₍₁₎-O_W; Ti₍₂₎-O_W, 2.25-2.23 Å] along c-axis and connected via [PO₄] tetrahedra. Oxygen atom denoted O₍₁₂₎ is only linked to two titanium atoms and Oxygen atom denoted O_W is linked to two titanium atoms and two hydrogen atoms. O₍₁₂₎ and O_W are not linked to P atoms and justify the titanyl phosphate formulation Ti₂O(H₂O)(PO₄)₂. The infrared and Raman spectra presents peaks due to vibrations of Ti-O, P-O and O-H bonds. The ³¹P MAS NMR spectrum reveals two ³¹P resonance lines, in agreement with the structure which showed two crystallographic sites for phosphorus. The thermogravimetric analysis show that Ti₂O(H₂O)(PO₄)₂ is thermally stable until 400 °C. Above this temperature, it losses water and decomposes to Ti₅O₄(PO₄)₄ and TiP₂O₇.     

Crystal structure and vibrational spectra of tetrasodium dimagnesium dihydrogen diphosphate octahydrate Na4Mg2(H2P2O7)4·8H2O

A tetrasodium dimagnesium dihydrogen diphosphate octahydrate Na₄Mg₂(H₂P₂O₇)₄·8H₂O was synthesized. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/m (no. 11), Z=4, and its unit-cell parameters are: a=8.0445(3) Å, b=11.5244(5) Å, c=9.0825(4) Å, β=113.1401(2)°, V=774.28(6) Å³. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry and refined to a R index of 0.0294 (wR=0.0727) for 1878 independent reflections with I>2σ(I). The framework is made by the alternance of layers of MgO₆/NaO₆ octahedra and double tetrahedra PO₄ along b-axis. Such layers are characterized by the presence of strong hydrogen bonds. (H₂P₂O₇)²⁻ anions exhibit bent eclipsed conformation. Besides, the crystal was analyzed by FT-IR and micro-Raman vibrational spectroscopy. No coincidences of the majority of the Raman and infrared spectra bands of Na₄Mg₂(H₂P₂O₇)₄·8H₂O confirms a centrosymmetric structure of this material. The vibrational spectra confirm the bent POP configuration in this compound.     

Structural study and physical properties of a new phosphate KCuFe(PO4)2

Single crystals of a new phosphate KCuFe(PO₄)₂ have been prepared by the flux method and its structural and physical properties have been investigated. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the space group P2₁/n and its parameters are: a=7.958(3) Å, b=9.931(2) Å, c=9.039(2) Å, β=115.59(3)° and Z=4. Its structure consists of FeO₆ octahedra sharing corners with Cu₂O₈ units of edge-sharing CuO₅ polyhedra to form undulating chains extending infinitely along the b-axis. These chains are connected by the phosphate tetrahedra giving rise to a 3D framework with six-sided tunnels parallel to the [101] direction, where the K⁺ ions are located. The Mössbauer spectroscopy results confirm the exclusive presence of octahedral Fe³⁺ ions. The magnetic measurements show the compound to be antiferromagnetic with C_m=5.71 emu K/mol and θ=−156.5 K. The derived experimental effective moment μ_ex=6.76μ_B is somewhat higher than the theoretical one of μ_th=6.16μ_B, calculated taking only into account the spin contribution for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ cations. Electrical measurements allow us to obtain the activation energy (1.22 eV) and the conductivity measurements suggest that the charge carriers through the structure are the potassium cations.     

Influence of coordination on N-H X hydrogen bonds. Part II. Zn(NH3)2Br2 and Ni(NH3)2X2 (X is Cl and Br)

Microcrystalline samples of Zn(NH₃)₂Br₂ and Ni(NH₃)₂X₂ (X is Cl⁻ and Br⁻) have been investigated from 100 to 293 K using X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy measurements (range 400–4000 cm⁻) performed with isotopically dilute (5% deuterated) samples. Values of Δν(ND)/ΔT for all compounds hint at the existence of hydrogen bonds. Zn(NH₃)₂Br₂ shows The dynamics of ammonia molecules even at 100 K, and no indications are apparent that dynamic disorder of ammonia molecules takes place in Ni(NH₃)₂X₂ (X is Cl⁻ and Br⁻). A comparison between octahedrally coordinated ammoniates [Ni(NH₃)₆]Br₂, Ni(NH₃)₂Br₂ and [Zn(NH₃)₆]Br₂ with tetrahedrally coordinated ones [Zn(NH₃)₂Br₂] leads to the conclusion that the lower coordination number increases the strength of the hydrogen bonds. Because this effect is small, it is not possible to separate the influence of the type of coordinating ions for one coordination number from the influence of the coordination number itself.     

High-pressure Raman study of Al2(WO4)3

A high-pressure Raman scattering study of the tungstate Al₂(WO₄)₃ is presented. This study showed the onset of two reversible phase transitions at 0.28±0.07 and 2.8±0.1 GPa. The pressure evolution of Raman bands provides strong evidences that both the transitions involve rotations/tilts of nearly rigid tungstate tetrahedra and that the structure of the stable phase in the 0.28-2.8 GPa range may be the same as the structure of the ambient pressure, low-temperature monoclinic (C_2h⁵) ferroelastic phase of Al₂(WO₄)₃.     

Syntheses, structures, and vibrational spectroscopy of the two-dimensional iodates Ln(IO3)3 and Ln(IO3)3(H2O) (LnYb, Lu)

The reaction of Lu³⁺ or Yb³⁺ and H₅IO₆ in aqueous media at 180 °C leads to the formation of Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O) or Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O), respectively, while the reaction of Yb metal with H₅IO₆ under similar reaction conditions gives rise to the anhydrous iodate, Yb(IO₃)₃. Under supercritical conditions Lu³⁺ reacts with HIO₃ and KIO₄ to yield the isostructural Lu(IO₃)₃. The structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data are (MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): Yb(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.6664(9) Å, b=5.9904(6) Å, c=14.8826(15) Å, β=96.931(2)°, V=766.99(13), Z=4, R(F)=4.23% for 114 parameters with 1880 reflections with I>2σ(I); Lu(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.6410(9), b=5.9961(6), c=14.8782(16) Å, β=97.028(2)°, V=765.08(14), Z=4, R(F)=2.65% for 119 parameters with 1756 reflections with I>2σ(I); Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O), monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=27.2476(15), b=5.6296(3), c=12.0157(7) Å, β=98.636(1)°, V=1822.2(2), Z=8, R(F)=1.51% for 128 parameters with 2250 reflections with I>2σ(I); Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O), monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=27.258(4), b=5.6251(7), c=12.0006(16) Å, β=98.704(2)°, V=1818.8(4), Z=8, R(F)=1.98% for 128 parameters with 2242 reflections with I>2σ(I). The f elements in all of the compounds are found in seven-coordinate environments and bridged with monodentate, bidentate, or tridentate iodate anions. Both Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O) and Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O) display distinctively different vibrational profiles from their respective anhydrous analogs. Hence, the Raman profile can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool to discern the different structural motifs of the compounds.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of [Th2(μ-SO4)2(DMSO)12]{[Mo3S7Br5(DMSO)]Br}2·2DMSO·PhCN

Crystallization from a ThBr₄/DMSO/(Et₄N)₂Mo₃S₇Br₆ mixture in benzonitrile gave [Th₂(µ-SO₄)₂×(DMSO)₁₂]{[Mo₃S₇Br₅(DMSO)]Br}₂·2DMSO·PhCN. The complex has an ionic structure. In the [Th₂(µ-SO₄)₂(DMSO)₁₂]⁴⁺ centrosymmetric binuclear cation, the metal atoms are bound by two sulfate bridges and are coordinated by DMSO oxygen atoms, the coordination polyhedron of thorium(IV) being a tricapped trigonal prism (c.n. 9). The [Mo₃S₇Br₅(DMSO)]^–cluster anion and the bromide ion form an ion pair with S_ax...Br^– short contacts, and the DMSO molecule is coordinated to one of the molybdenum atoms via the oxygen atom. The voids of the structure are filled with DMSO and PhCN solvate molecules, the latter being disordered over two positions related by an inversion center.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by M. N. Sokolov, O. A. Gerasko, S. F. Solodovnikov, and V. P. FedinTranslated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 516–521, May–June 2004.     

Spectroscopic and structural studies on metal halide complexes of 4-vinylpyridine

Fourier transform infrared spectra (4000–400 cm⁻¹) are reported for metal(II) halide 4-vinlypridine complexes of the following stoichiometries: [MX₂(4-vipy]_n (n=4, M=Ni, X=Cl or Br; n=2, M=Cd, X=Cl, Br or I) and assignment are given for all the observed bands. These spectra were compared with X-ray powder diffraction patterns of complexes. It is shown that the proposed structures for these complexes derived from FTIR spectra are consistent with the X-ray powder diffraction measurements and the elemental analysis results. Coordination effect on 4-vinylpyridine has also been investigated.     

Magnetism and Raman spectroscopy of the dimeric lanthanide iodates Ln(IO3)3 (Ln=Gd, Er) and magnetism of Yb(IO3)3

Colorless single crystals of Gd(IO₃)₃ or pale pink single crystals of Er(IO₃)₃ have been formed from the reaction of Gd metal with H₅IO₆ or Er metal with H₅IO₆ under hydrothermal reaction conditions at 180 °C. The structures of both materials adopt the Bi(IO₃)₃ structure type. Crystallographic data are (MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): Gd(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.7615(3) Å, b=5.9081(2) Å, c=15.1232(6) Å, β=96.980(1)°, V=777.03(5) Z=4, R(F)=1.68% for 119 parameters with 1930 reflections with I>2σ(I); Er(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.6885(7) Å, b=5.9538(5) Å, c=14.9664(12) Å, β=97.054(1)°, V=768.4(1) Z=4, R(F)=2.26% for 119 parameters with 1894 reflections with I>2σ(I). In addition to structural studies, Gd(IO₃)₃, Er(IO₃)₃, and the isostructural Yb(IO₃)₃ were also characterized by Raman spectroscopy and magnetic property measurements. The results of the Raman studies indicated that the vibrational profiles are adequately sensitive to distinguish between the structures of the iodates reported here and other lanthanide iodate systems. The magnetic measurements indicate that only in Gd(IO₃)₃ did the 3+ lanthanide ion exhibit its full 7.9 μ_B Hund's rule moment; Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ exhibited ground state moments and gap energy scales of 8.3 μ_B/70 K and 3.8 μ_B/160 K, respectively. Er(IO₃)₃ exhibited extremely weak ferromagnetic correlations (+0.4 K), while the magnetic ions in Gd(IO₃)₃ and Yb(IO₃)₃ were fully non-interacting within the resolution of our measurements (∼0.2 K).     

Structure, thermal stability and properties of Li3Sc(BO3)2

Polycrystalline Li₃Sc(BO₃)₂ was synthesized through the solid-state reaction, which is air-, water- and thermal-stable below about 929 °C. Its crystal structure was resolved and refined on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction data. The metal-borate framework is built up from ScO₆ octahedra connected to each other by sharing common edges, corners and faces of BO₃ units and LiO₄ groups. Coordination surrounding of B-O in this structure, [BO₃]³⁻ group, was confirmed by an infrared absorption spectrum of an Li₃Sc(BO₃)₂. According to the electronic structure calculated by first-principles calculations, an Li₃Sc(BO₃)₂ is an insulator with a wide indirect energy band gap of about 4.4 eV. Considering the facile synthesis, large band gap, and thermal stability and excellent Tb³⁺-doped photoluminescence characteristics of this compound in general, it may be a good candidate as host of phosphors deposited on chip of the light-emitting diodes for white-color conversion.