Synthesis and structural investigation of the compounds containing HF2 anions: Ca(HF2)2, Ba4F4(HF2)(PF6)3 and Pb2F2(HF2)(PF6)

Three new compounds Ca(HF₂)₂, Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) were obtained in the system metal(II) fluoride and anhydrous HF (aHF) acidified with excessive PF₅. The obtained polymeric solids are slightly soluble in aHF and they crystallize out of their aHF solutions. Ca(HF₂)₂ was prepared by simply dissolving CaF₂ in a neutral aHF. It represents the second known compound with homoleptic HF environment of the central atom besides Ba(H₃F₄)₂. The compounds Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) represent two additional examples of the formation of a polymeric zigzag ladder or ribbon composed of metal cation and fluoride anion (MF⁺)_n besides PbF(AsF₆), the first isolated compound with such zigzag ladder. The obtained new compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction method and partly by Raman spectroscopy. Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=4.5870(2) Å, b=8.8327(3) Å, c=11.2489(3) Å, α=67.758(9)°, β=84.722(12), γ=78.283(12)°, V=413.00(3) Å³ at 200 K, Z=1 and R=0.0588. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 200 K: space group P1¯, a=4.5722(19) Å, b=4.763(2) Å, c=8.818(4) Å, α=86.967(10)°, β=76.774(10)°, γ=83.230(12)°, V=185.55(14) ų, Z=1 and R=0.0937. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 293 K: space group P1¯, a=4.586(2) Å, b=4.781(3) Å, c=8.831(5) Å, α=87.106(13)°, β=76.830(13)°, γ=83.531(11)°, V=187.27(18) Å³, Z=1 and R=0.072. Ca(HF₂)₂ crystallizes in an orthorhombic Fddd space group with a=5.5709(6) Å, b=10.1111(9) Å, c=10.5945(10) Å, V=596.77(10) Å³ at 200 K, Z=8 and R=0.028.     

Synthesis, vibrational and NMR spectroscopic characterization of [N(CH3)4][IO2F2] and X-ray crystal structure of [N(CH3)4]2[IO2F2][HF2]

The salt, [N(CH₃)₄][IO₂F₂], was prepared from [N(CH₃)₄][IO₃] and 49% aqueous HF, and characterized by Raman, infrared, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy. Crystals of [N(CH₃)₄]₂[IO₂F₂][HF₂] were obtained by reduction of [N(CH₃)₄][cis-IO₂F₄] in the presence of [N(CH₃)₄][F] in CH₃CN solvent and were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction: C2/m, a = 14.6765(2) Å, b = 8.60490(10) Å, c = 13.9572(2) Å, β = 120.2040(10)°, V = 1523.35(3) Å³, Z = 4 and R = 0.0192 at 210 K. The crystal structure consists of two IO₂⁻F₂ anions that are symmetrically bridged by two H⁻F₂ anions, forming a [F₂O₂I(FHF)₂IO₂F₂]⁴⁻ dimer. The symmetric bridging coordination for the H⁻F₂ anion in this structure represents a new bonding modality for the bifluoride anion.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical characterization of two new potassium uranyl molybdates K2(UO2)2(MoO4)O2 and K8(UO2)8(MoO5)3O6

Two new potassium uranyl molybdates K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆ have been obtained by solid state chemistry . The crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction data, collected with MoKα radiation and a charge coupled device (CCD) detector. Their structures were solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques and refined by a least square method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections, with R₁=0.046 for 136 parameters and 1412 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and R₁=0.055 for 257 parameters and 2585 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. The first compound crystallizes in the monoclinic symmetry, space group P2₁/c with a=8.250(1) Å, b=15.337(2) Å, c=8.351(1) Å, β=104.75(1)°, ρ_mes=5.22(2) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.27(2) g/cm³ and Z=4. The second material adopts a tetragonal unit cell with a=b=23.488(3) Å, c=6.7857(11) Å, ρ_mes=5.44(3) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.49(2) g/cm³, Z=4 and space group P4/n.In both structures, the uranium atoms adopt a UO₇ pentagonal bipyramid environment, molybdenum atoms are in a MoO₄ tetrahedral environment for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and MoO₅ square pyramid coordination in K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. These compounds are characterized by layered structures. The association of uranyl ions (UO₇) and molybdate oxoanions MoO₄ or MoO₅, give infinite layers [(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]²⁻ and [(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆]⁸⁻ in K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆, respectively. Conductivity properties of alkali metal within the interlayer spaces have been measured and show an Arrhenius type evolution.     

Syntheses, structures, optical properties, and theoretical calculations of Cs2Bi2ZnS5, Cs2Bi2CdS5, and Cs2Bi2MnS5

Three new compounds, Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅, Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅, and Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅, have been synthesized from the respective elements and a reactive flux Cs₂S₃ at 973 K. The compounds are isostructural and crystallize in a new structure type in space group Pnma of the orthorhombic system with four formula units in cells of dimensions at 153 K of a=15.763(3), b=4.0965(9), c=18.197(4) Å, V=1175.0(4) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅; a=15.817(2), b=4.1782(6), c=18.473(3)  Å, V=1220.8(3)  ų for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅; and a=15.830(2), b=4.1515(5), c=18.372(2) Å, V=1207.4(2) Å³ for Cs₂Bi₂MnS₅. The structure is composed of two-dimensional _∞²[Bi₂MS₅²⁻] (M=Zn, Cd, Mn) layers that stack perpendicular to the [100] axis and are separated by Cs⁺ cations. The layers consist of edge-sharing _∞¹[Bi₂S₆⁶⁻] and _∞¹[MS₃⁴⁻] chains built from BiS₆ octahedral and MS₄ tetrahedral units. Two crystallographically unique Cs atoms are coordinated to S atoms in octahedral and monocapped trigonal prismatic environments. The structure of Cs₂Bi₂MS₅, is related to that of Na₂ZrCu₂S₄ and those of the AMM′Q₃ materials (A=alkali metal, M=rare-earth or Group 4 element, M′= Group 11 or 12 element, Q=chalcogen). First-principles theoretical calculations indicate that Cs₂Bi₂ZnS₅ and Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ are semiconductors with indirect band gaps of 1.85 and 1.75 eV, respectively. The experimental band gap for Cs₂Bi₂CdS₅ is ≈1.7 eV, as derived from its optical absorption spectrum.     

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.     

Kinetics of O(1D) interactions with the atmospheric gases N2, N2O,H2O,H2, CO2, and O3

Rate coefficients for collisional removal of O(¹D) by six atmospheric gases have been measured by monitoring the appearance of O(³P) following photolytic production of O(¹D). The measured values, k_M±2σ, in units of 10^?11 cm^?3 molecule ^?1 s^?1 are k_O3 = 22.8±2.3, k_N2 = 2.52 ± 0.25, k_CO2 = 10.4 ± 1.0,k_H2O 195± 2.0, k_N2O = 11.7 ± 1.2, and k_H2, = 11.8±1.2.     

Analysis of hyperfine interactions of Fe IN FeF2, MnF2 and ZnF2

Analysis of magnetic hyperfine interactions of Fe²⁺ in FeF₂, Fe²⁺:MnF₂ and Fe²⁺:ZnF₂ yields a core polarization hyperfine field H_c = −514 ± 30 kOe and a value of 〈r⁻³〉_eff = 3.9 ± 0.04 au.     

Idle spin behavior of the shifted hexagonal tungsten bronze type compounds FeIIFeIII2F8(H2O)2 and MnFe2F8(H2O)2

Fe^IIFe^III₂F₈(H₂O)₂ and MnFe₂F₈(H₂O)₂, grown by hydrothermal synthesis ($\text{P ? 200}\text{MPa}\text{, T = 450}\text{or}\text{380°}\text{C}$), crystallize in the monoclinic system with cell dimensions (Å): a = 7.609(5), b = 7.514(6), c = 7.453(4), β = 118.21(3)°; and a = 7.589(6), b = 7.503(8), c = 7.449(5), β = 118.06(3)°, and space group $\text{C2}\text{m}\text{, Z = 2}$. The structure is related to that of $\text{WO}{}_3\text{·}\text{1}\text{3}\text{H}{}_2\text{O}$. It is described in terms of perovskite type layers of Fe³⁺ octahedra separated by Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ octahedra, or in terms of shifted hexagonal bronze type layers. Both compounds present a weak ferromagnetism below T_N (157 and 156 K, respectively). Mössbauer spectroscopy points to an “idle spin” behavior for Fe^IIFe^III₂F₈(H₂O)₂: only Fe³⁺ spins order at T_N, while the Fe²⁺ spins remain paramagnetic between 157 and 35 K. Below 35 K, the hyperfine magnetic field at the Fe²⁺ nuclei is very weak: H_hf = 47 kOe at T = 4.2 K. For MnFe₂F₈(H₂O)₂, Mn²⁺ spin disorder is expected at 4.2 K. This “idle spin” behavior is due to magnetic frustration.     

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.     

The mechanism of SO2 oxidation by CH3O2 radicals. Rate coefficients for the reactions of CH3O2 with SO2 and NO

The reactions of CH₃O₂ with SO₂ and NO have been studied by steady state photolysis of azomethane in the presence of O₂SO₂→NO mixtures at 296 K and 1 atm total pressure. The quantum yield of NO oxidation by CH₃O₂ radicals is increased substantially when SO₂ is added to the system indicating an SO₂ induced chain oxidation of NO. The rate law gives k₁/k₂ = (2.5 ± 0.5) × 10^?3 for CH₃O₂ + SO₂ → CH₃O₂SO₂ (1), CH₃O₂ + NO → CH₃O + NO₂ (2). Combining this ratio with the absolute value of k₁ = 8.2 × 10^?15 cm³ s^?1 gives k₂ = 10^{?11.5 ± 02} cm³ s^?1.     

The stereochemistry of Tutton's salts X2[M(H2O)6](YO4)2

Neutron structure determinations have been made of Tutton's salts, X₂[M(H₂O)₆] (YO₄)₂, where Y = Se, X = K⁺, M = Cu²⁺; Y = S, X = K⁺, M = Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺; X = Rb⁺, Cs⁺, M = Cu²⁺. This work has shown that there are extensive hydrogen networks with almost linear hydrogen bonds from [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ to (YO₄)^2?. The (H … O) distance increases in the Cu²⁺ series for X = K⁺ to Cs⁺ but there is no difference for the potassium copper salts when Y = Se or S. Three different distorted [M(H₂O)₆]²⁺ octahedra were found in the series (orthorhombic, tetragonal with two long and four short, or four long and two short bonds). The interatomic distances from X⁺ to the neighboring O in a distorted XO₈⁺ dodecahedron increases with increased cation size, implying that the X⁺ polyhedron is maintaining its shape.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of three new metal selenites Na2Co2(SeO3)3, Na2Co1.67Ni0.33(SeO3)3, and Na2Ni2(SeO3)3

Three new sodium cobalt (nickel) selenite compounds, namely, Na₂Co₂(SeO₃)₃, Na₂Co_1.67Ni_0.33(SeO₃)₃, and Na₂Ni₂(SeO₃)₃ have been hydro-/solvothermally synthesized in the mixed solvents of acetonitrile and water. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that these isostructural compounds belong to the orthorhombic Cmcm space group and their structures feature three-dimensional open frameworks constructed by the two-dimensional layers of [MSeO₃] pillared by the [SeO₃]²⁻ groups. The two different types of Na⁺ ions reside in the intersecting two-dimensional channels parallel to the a- and c-axes, respectively. Their thermal properties have been investigated via TGA-DSC. The magnetic measurements indicate the existence of the antiferromagnetic interactions in these compounds.     

Synthesis and structure of [C6H14N2][(UO2)4(HPO4)2(PO4)2(H2O)]·H2O: An expanded open-framework amine-bearing uranyl phosphate

A new open-framework compound, [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O, (DUP-1) has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The resulting structure consists of diprotonated DABCOH₂²⁺ (C₆H₁₄N₂²⁺) cations and occluded water molecules occupying the channels of a complex uranyl phosphate three-dimensional framework. The anionic lattice contains uranophane-like sheets connected by hydrated pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ units. [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O possesses five crystallographically unique U centers. U(VI) is present here in both six- and seven-coordinate environments. The DABCOH₂²⁺ cations are held within the channels by hydrogen bonds to both two uranyl oxygen atoms and a μ₂-O atom. Crystallographic data (193 K, Mo Kα, λ=0.71073 Å): DUP-1, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=7.017(1) Å, b=21.966(4) Å, c=17.619(3) Å, β=90.198(3)°, Z=4, R(F)=4.76% for 382 parameters with 6615 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Synthesis and characterization of ionic organotin compounds [R2SnCl2(2-quin)](HNEt3) and crystal structures of [(2,4-Cl2-C6H3CH2)2SnCl2(2-quin)](HNEt3)

Eight ionic organotin compounds [R₂SnCl₂(2-quin)]⁻(HNEt₃)⁺ have been synthesized by reactions of 2-quinH with R₂SnCl₂ (R = PhCH₂1, 2-Cl-C₆H₄CH₂2, 4-Cl-C₆H₄CH₂3, 2-F-C₆H₄CH₂4, 4-F-C₆H₄CH₂5, 4-CN-C₆H₄CH₂6, Ph 7, 2,4-Cl₂-C₆H₃CH₂8) in the presence of organic base NEt₃, and their structures have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopies. The structure of [(2,4-Cl₂-C₆H₃CH₂)₂SnCl₂(2-quin)]⁻(NEt₃)⁺ (8) has been determined by X-ray diffraction study. Studies show that compound 8 has a monomeric structure with the central tin atom six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral configuration and the nitrogen atoms of the 2-quin ligands are coordinating to the tin atom in all the eight compounds.     

New open-framework in the uranyl vanadates A3(UO2)7(VO4)5O (A=Li, Ag) with intergrowth structure between A(UO2)4(VO4)3 and A2(UO2)3(VO4)2O

New uranyl vanadates A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O (M=Li (1), Na (2), Ag (3)) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction and their structures determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data for 1 and 3. The tetragonal structure results of an alternation of two types of sheets denoted S for _∞²[UO₂(VO₄)₂]⁴⁻ and D for _∞²[(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₃]⁵⁻ built from UO₆ square bipyramids and connected through VO₄ tetrahedra to _∞¹[U(3)O₅-U(4)O₅]⁸⁻ infinite chains of edge-shared U(3)O₇ and U(4)O₇ pentagonal bipyramids alternatively parallel to a- and b-axis to construct a three-dimensional uranyl vanadate arrangement. It is noticeable that similar _∞[UO₅]⁴⁻ chains are connected only by S-type sheets in A₂(UO₂)₃(VO₄)₂O and by D-type sheets in A(UO₂)₄(VO₄)₃, thus A₃(UO₂)₇(VO₄)₅O appears as an intergrowth structure between the two previously reported series. The mobility of the monovalent ion in the mutually perpendicular channels created in the three-dimensional arrangement is correlated to the occupation rate of the sites and by the geometry of the different sites occupied by either Na, Ag or Li. Crystallographic data: 293 K, Bruker X8-APEX2 X-ray diffractometer equipped with a 4 K CCD detector, MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å, tetragonal symmetry, space group P4¯m2, Z=1, full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F²; 1,a=7.2794(9) Å, c=14.514(4) Å, R1=0.021 and wR2=0.048 for 62 parameters with 782 independent reflections with I?2σ(I); 3, a=7.2373(3) Å, c=14.7973(15) Å, R1=0.041 and wR2=0.085 for 60 parameters with 1066 independent reflections with I?2σ(I).     

The dissociation energies of gaseous Br2 and I2

New rotational analyses have been made of the B³Π_0⁺u—X¹Σ⁺_g systems of ⁷⁹Br₂, ⁸¹Br₂ and ¹²⁷I₂. The density of vibrational states near the dissociation limit in the upper states follows the LeRoy—Bernstein predictions for n = 5. From short extrapolations, the ground state dissociation energies are found to be: D₀(⁷⁹Br⁸¹Br) = 15895.6 cm^?1, D₀(¹²⁷I₂) = 12440.1 cm^?1.     

Sm2NiSn4: The intermediate structure type between ZrSi2 and CeNiSi2

A new rare earth nickel stannide, Sm₂NiSn₄, has been prepared by reacting the pure elements at high temperature in welded tantalum tubes. Its crystal structure was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Sm₂NiSn₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with cell parameters of a=16.878(2) Å, b=4.4490(7) Å, c=8.915(1) Å, and Z=4. Its structure can be viewed as the intermediate type between ZrSi₂ and CeNiSi₂. Sm₂NiSn₄ features two-dimensional (2D) corrugated [NiSn₄]⁶⁻ layers in which the 1D Sn zigzag chains and the 2D Sn square sheets are bridged by Ni atoms. The Sm³⁺ cations are located at the interlayer space. Results of both resistivity measurements and extended-Hückel tight-binding band structure calculations indicate that Sm₂NiSn₄ is metallic.     

A re-interpretation of the crystal structure of ‘(NH4)2(NH3)[Ni(NH3)2Cl4]’ in terms of (NH4)2−2z[Ni(NH3)2]z[Ni(NH3)2Cl4]

A re-interpretation and re-evaluation of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data of a previously reported ‘(NH₄)₂(NH₃)[Ni(NH₃)₂Cl₄]’ (J. Solid State Chem. 162 (2001) 254) give a new formula (NH₄)_2−2z[Ni(NH₃)₂]_z[Ni(NH₃)₂Cl₄] with z=0.152. This new formula results from defects in an idealized ‘(NH₄)₂[Ni(NH₃)₂Cl₄]’ basic structure, where two adjacent NH₄⁺ cations are replaced by one Ni(NH₃)₂²⁺ unit. Cl⁻ anions from the basic structure complete the coordination sphere of the new Ni²⁺ to [Ni(NH₃)₂Cl₄]²⁻.     

Preparation and structural characterization of [RuCl2(CO)2{Te(CH2SiMe3)2}2] and [RuCl2(CO){Te(CH2SiMe3)2}3]

The objective of the present work was to synthesize mononuclear ruthenium complex [RuCl₂(CO)₂{Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₂] (1) by the reaction of Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ and [RuCl₂(CO)₃]₂. However, the stoichiometric reaction affords a mixture of 1 and [RuCl₂(CO){Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂}₃] (2). The X-ray structures show the formation of the cis(Cl), cis(C), trans(Te) isomer of 1 and the cis(Cl), mer(Te) isomer of 2. The ¹²⁵Te NMR spectra of the complexes are reported. The complex distribution depends on the initial molar ratio of the reactants. With an excess of [RuCl₂(CO)₃]₂ only 1 is formed. In addition to the stoichiometric reaction, a mixture of 1 and 2 is observed even when using an excess of Te(CH₂SiMe₃)₂. Complex 1 is, however, always the main product. In these cases the ¹²⁵Te NMR spectra of the reaction solution also indicates the presence of unreacted ligand.