Strontium selenogermanate(III) and barium selenogermanate(II,IV): synthesis, crystal structures, and chemical bonding

The new selenogermanates Sr2Ge2Se5 and Ba2Ge2Se5 were synthesized by heating stoichiometric mixtures of binary selenides and the corresponding elements to 750 degrees C. The crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. Both compounds adopt previously unknown structure types. Sr2Ge2Se5 (P2(1)/n, a = 8.445(2) A, b = 12.302 A, c = 9.179 A, beta = 93.75(3) degrees, Z = 4) contains [Ge4Se10]8- ions with homonuclear Ge-Ge bonds (dGe-Ge = 2.432 A), which may be described as two ethane-like Se3Ge-GeSeSe2/2 fragments sharing two selenium atoms. Ba2Ge2Se5 (Pnma, a = 12.594(3) A, b = 9.174(2) A, c = 9.160(2) A, Z = 4) contains [Ge2Se5]4- anions built up by two edge-sharing GeSe4 tetrahedra, in which one terminal Se atom is replaced by a lone pair from the divalent germanium atom. The alkaline earth cations are arranged between the complex anions, each coordinated by eight or nine selenium atoms. Ba2Ge2Se5 is a mixed-valence compound with GeII and GeIV coexisting within the same anion. Sr2Ge2Se5 contains exclusively GeIII. These compounds possess electronic formulations that correspond to (Sr2+)2(Ge3+)2(Se2-)5 and (Ba2+)2- Ge2+Ge4+(Se2-)5. Calculations of the electron localization function (ELF) reveal clearly both the lone pair on GeII in Ba2Ge2Se5 and the covalent Ge-Ge bond in Sr2Ge2Se5. Analysis of the ELF topologies shows that the GeIII-Se and GeIV-Se covalent bonds are almost identical, whereas the GeII-Se interactions are weaker and more ionic in character.     

Cs3AgAs4Se8 and CsAgAs2Se4: selenoarsenates with infinite 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains in different Ag+ coordination environments

Two quaternary silver selenoarsenates Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I) and CsAgAs2Se4 (II) have been discovered by methanothermal reaction of Li3AsSe3 with AgBF4 in the presence of the respective alkali metal sources Cs2CO3 and CsCl. Orange crystals of Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I) were formed after reaction at 120 degrees C for 72 h, whereas red CsAgAs2Se4 (II) was obtained under slightly different conditions at 140 degrees C for 70 h. Both compounds possess novel two-dimensional (2D) polyanions consisting of infinite 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains that are interconnected by Ag+ ions in different coordination patterns. In I, a double layer of 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains is bridged by distorted trigonal planar coordinated Ag+ atoms to form a 2 infinity[AgAs4Se8]3- layer with a thickness of about 11.3 A. The nonbonding Ag...Ag distances are about 4.220 A, and large cavities within the layers accommodate for three of the four crystallographic Cs+ cations. The double amount of Ag+ atoms per AsSe2 chain unit in II leads to simple layers 2 infinity[AgAs2Se4]- [=[Ag2As4Se8]2-] in which the Ag+ atoms are arranged in rows between the 1 infinity[AsSe2]- chains, with alternating Ag...Ag distances of 3.053(3) and 3.488(3) A. Hereby the 1 infinity[AsSe2]- polyanions show a disorder within the central (-As-Seb)- chain (b = bridging), while the positions of the terminal Se atoms (Set) remain unaffected. The thermal, optical, and spectroscopic properties of the compounds are reported. Both I and II melt with decomposition and are wide band gap semiconductors with values of 2.07 and 1.79 eV, respectively. Raman spectroscopic data show typical band patterns expected for infinite [AsSe2]- chains. Crystal Data: Cs3AgAs4Se8 (I), monoclinic, C2/c, a = 25.212(2) A, b = 8.0748(7) A, c = 22.803(2) A, beta = 116.272(2) degrees, Z = 8; CsAgAs2Se4 (II), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 10.9211(1) A, b = 6.5188(2) A, c = 13.7553(3) A, beta = 108.956(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Ba2AgInS4 and Ba4MGa5Se12 (M = Ag, Li): syntheses, structures, and optical properties

The first two members in alkaline-earth/group XI/group XIII/chalcogen system, namely Ba(2)AgInS(4) and Ba(4)AgGa(5)Se(12), were synthesized along with a Li analogue Ba(4)LiGa(5)Se(12). Ba(2)AgInS(4) crystallizes in space group P2(1)/c. It contains [AgInS(4)](4-) layers built from AgS(3) triangles and InS(4) tetrahedra with Ba(2+) cations inserted between the layers. Ba(4)AgGa(5)Se(12) and Ba(4)LiGa(5)Se(12) adopt two closely-related structure types in space group P4[combining macron]2(1)c with structural difference originating from the different positions of Ag and Li in them. The three-dimensional framework in Ba(4)AgGa(5)Se(12) is composed of GaSe(4) tetrahedra with the Ba and Ag atoms occupying the large and small channels respectively, whereas that in Ba(4)LiGa(5)Se(12) is built from LiSe(4) and GaSe(4) tetrahedra with channels to accommodate the Ba atoms. As deduced from the diffuse reflectance spectra measurement, the optical band gaps were 2.32 (2) eV, 2.52 (2) eV, and 2.65 (2) eV for Ba(2)AgInS(4), Ba(4)AgGa(5)Se(12), and Ba(4)LiGa(5)Se(12), respectively.     

Si extraction from silica in a basic polychalcogenide flux. Stabilization of Ba4SiSb2Se11, a novel mixed selenosilicate/selenoantimonate with a polar structure

An unusual compound, Ba4SiSb2Se11, was discovered from a reaction of Ba/Th/Sb/Se. It is assumed that Si was extracted from the silica reaction tube. It forms as silver needlelike crystals in the polar space group Cmc2(1) with a = 9.3981(3) A, b = 25.7192(7) A, c = 8.7748(3) A, and Z = 4. A rational synthesis has been devised at 600 degrees C. The compound is composed of Ba2+ ions stabilized between infinite one-dimensional [SiSb2Se11]8- chains running parallel to the a axis. Each chain is composed of a [SbSe2]- infinity backbone with [SiSe4]4- tetrahedra chelating every other Sb atom from the same side of the backbone. The V-shaped triselenide groups, (Se3)2-, are attached to the rest of the Sb atoms in the chain through one of their terminal Se atoms. The compound has a band gap of 1.43 eV. The Raman spectrum shows a broad shift at 247 cm-1 and a shoulder around 234 cm-1, which are related to the Se-Se vibration of the triselenide groups and/or the Si-Se vibrations of the [SiSe4]4- groups. The compound decomposes at 522 degrees C.     

Ba5Ga4Se10: a new selenidogallate containing the novel [Ga4Se10](10-) anionic cluster with Ga in a mixed-valence state

The new compound Ba(5)Ga(4)Se(10) has been synthesized for the first time. It crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm with a = 8.752(2) ?, c = 13.971(9) ?, and Z = 2. The structure contains discrete [Ga(4)Se(10)](10-) anions and charge-compensating Ba(2+) cations. The novel highly anionic [Ga(4)Se(10)](10-) cluster is composed of two Ga(Se)(4) tetrahedra and two Ga(Ga)(Se)(3) tetrahedra with Ga in the 2+/3+ valence states. It also exhibits an unusually long Ga-Se distance of 2.705(2) ?, which has only been observed under high pressure conditions before. A band gap of 2.20(2) eV was deduced from the UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectrum.     

First examples of thallium chalcogenide cages. Syntheses, 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR study of the Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-) anions, the X-ray crystal structure of (2,2,2-crypt-K+)3Tl5Se5(3-), and theoretical studies

The Tl5Se5(3-) anion has been obtained by extracting KTlSe in ethylenediamine in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt. The salt, (2,2,2-crypt-K+)3Tl5Se5(3-), crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with Z = 2 and a = 11.676(2) A, b = 16.017(3) A, c = 25.421(5) A, alpha = 82.42(3) degrees, beta = 88.47(3) degrees, gamma = 69.03(3) degrees at -123 degrees C. Two other mixed oxidation state TlI/TlIII anions; Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-), have been obtained by extracting KTlSe into liquid NH3 in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and have been characterized in solution by low-temperature 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR spectroscopy and were shown to exist as a 1:1 equilibrium mixture at -40 degrees C. The couplings, 1J(203,205Tl-77Se) and 2J(203,205Tl-203,205Tl), have been observed for Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-) and have been used to arrive at the solution structures of both anions. Structural assignments were achieved by detailed analyses and simulations of all spin multiplets that comprise the 205,203Tl NMR spectra and that arise from natural abundance 205,203Tl and 77Se or enriched 77Se isotopomer distributions. The structures of all three anions are based on a Tl4Se4 cube in which Tl and Se atoms occupy alternate corners. There are one and two exo-selenium atoms bonded to thallium in Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-), respectively, so that these thalliums are four-coordinate and possess a formal oxidation state of +3 and the remaining three-coordinate thallium atoms are in the +1 oxidation state. The structure of Tl5Se5(3-) may be formally regarded as an adduct in which Tl+ is coordinated to the unique exo-selenium and to two seleniums in a cube face containing the TlIII atom. The Tl4Se5(4-), Tl4Se6(4-), and Tl5Se5(3-) anions and the presently unknown, but structurally related, Tl4Se4(4-) anion can be described as electron-precise cages. Ab initio methods at the MP2 level of theory show that Tl4Se5(4-), Tl4Se6(4-), and Tl5Se5(3-) exhibit true minima and display geometrical parameters that are in excellent agreement with their experimental cubanoid structures, and that Tl4Se4(4-) is cube-shaped (Td point symmetry). The gas-phase energetics associated with plausible routes to the formation and interconversions of these anions have been determined by ab initio methods and assessed. It is proposed that all three cubanoid anions are derived from the known Tl2Se2(2-), TlSe3(3-), Se2(2-), and polyselenide anions that have been shown to be present in the solutions they are derived from.     

New barium copper chalcogenides synthesized using two different chalcogen atoms: Ba2Cu(6-x)STe4 and Ba2Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y)

Ba(2)Cu(6-x)STe(4) and Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y) were prepared from the elements in stoichiometric ratios at 1123 K, followed by slow cooling. These chalcogenides are isostructural, adopting the space group Pbam (Z = 2), with lattice dimensions of a = 9.6560(6) ?, b = 14.0533(9) ?, c = 4.3524(3) ?, and V = 590.61(7) ?(3) in the case of Ba(2)Cu(5.53(3))STe(4). A significant phase width was observed in the case of Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y) with at least 0.17(3) ≤ x ≤ 0.57(4) and 0.48(1) ≤ y ≤ 1.92(4). The presence of either S or Se in addition to Te appears to be required for the formation of these materials. In the structure of Ba(2)Cu(6-x)STe(4), Cu-Te chains running along the c axis are interconnected via bridging S atoms to infinite layers parallel to the a,c plane. These layers alternate with the Ba atoms along the b axis. All Cu sites exhibit deficiencies of up to 26%. Depending on y in Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y), the bridging atom is either a Se atom or a Se/Te mixture when y ≤ 1, and the Te atoms of the Cu-Te chains are partially replaced by Se when y > 1. All atoms are in their most common oxidation states: Ba(2+), Cu(+), S(2-), Se(2-), and Te(2-). Without Cu deficiencies, these chalcogenides were computed to be small gap semiconductors; the Cu deficiencies lead to p-doped semiconducting properties, as experimentally observed on selected samples.     

Crystal structures of Sr4Sn2Se9 and Sr4Sn2Se10 and the oxidation state of tin in an unusual geometry

The new ternary selenostannates Sr(4)Sn(2)Se(9) and Sr(4)Sn(2)Se(10) have been synthesized by heating the elements at 1023 K in an argon atmosphere. Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. Sr(4)Sn(2)Se(9) crystallizes in a new structure type (Pbam, a = 12.042(2) A, b = 16.252(3) A, c = 8.686(2) A, Z = 4) with Sn(2)Se(6)(4-), SnSe(4)(4-), and Se(2)(2-) subunits. Sr(4)Sn(2)Se(10) (P2(1)2(1)2, a = 12.028(2) A, b = 16.541(3) A, c = 8.611(2) A, Z = 4) has a similar structure with Se(3)(2-) triangles instead of Se(2)(2-) dumbbells. Strontium is 8-fold-coordinated by selenium in both cases. The opening angles between tin and the terminal selenium atoms in the Sn(2)Se(6) subunits are close to 160 degrees , which is nearer a typical Sn(2+) coordination geometry than classical SnSe(4) tetrahedra. This result suggests the tin oxidation state in the Sn(2)Se(6) units to be lower than the expected Sn(4+). This question is examined by self-consistent LMTO and LAPW band structure calculations expanded by the Bader analysis of the charge density to assign reliable atomic charges.     

Structures and physical properties of new semiconducting gold and copper polytellurides: Ba7Au2Te14 and Ba6.76Cu2.42Te14

The title compounds were prepared from the elements between 600 and 800 degrees C in evacuated silica tubes. Both tellurides, Ba7Au2Te14 and Ba6.76Cu2.42Te14, form ternary variants of the NaBa6Cu3Te14 type, space group P63/mcm, with a = 14.2593(7) A, c = 9.2726(8) A, and V = 1632.8(2) A3 (Z = 2) for Ba7Au2Te14 and a = 14.1332(4) A, c = 9.2108(6) A, and V = 1593.3(1) A3 (Z = 2) for Ba6.76Cu2.42Te14. The Na site is filled with a Ba atom (deficient in case of the Cu telluride) and the Cu site with 66.5(3)% Au and 61.7(8)% Cu. An additional site is filled with 9.5(7)% Cu in the structure of Ba6.76Cu2.42Te14. These structures are comprised of bent Te32- units and AuTe4/CuTe4 tetrahedra, forming channels filled with Ba cations. The BaTe9 polyhedra are connecting the channels to a three-dimensional structure. According to the formulations (Ba2+)7(Au+)2(Te32-)3(Te2-)5 and (Ba2+)6.76(Cu+)2.42(Te32-)3(Te2-)5, the materials are electron-precise with 16 positive charges equalizing the 16 negative charges. Correspondingly, both tellurides are semiconductors, as experimentally confirmed, with calculated band gaps of 0.7 and 1.0 eV, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of non-centrosymmetric TeSeO4

The synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization of a non-centrosymmetric oxide, TeSeO4, are reported. The material was synthesized by combining TeO2 and SeO2 in a quartz tube and heating at 370 degrees C. TeSeO4 has a three-dimensional structure containing [SeO(3/2)](+) cations linked to [TeO(5/2)](-) anions. Both the Se(4+) and the Te(4+) atoms are in asymmetric environments owing to their nonbonded electron pair. The material is SHG active, with a SHG intensity of 400 times SiO(2). Crystal data: monoclinic, space group Ia (No. 9, cell choice 3), with a = 4.3568(8) A, b = 12.465(3) A, c = 6.7176(15) A, beta = 90.825(4) degrees, and Z = 4.     

Bonding, structure, and energetics of gaseous E8(2+) and of solid E8(AsF6)2 (E = S, Se)

The attempt to prepare hitherto unknown homopolyatomic cations of sulfur by the reaction of elemental sulfur with blue S8(AsF6)2 in liquid SO2/SO2ClF, led to red (in transmitted light) crystals identified crystallographically as S8(AsF6)2. The X-ray structure of this salt was redetermined with improved resolution and corrected for librational motion: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), Z = 8, a = 14.986(2) A, b = 13.396(2) A, c = 16.351(2) A, beta = 108.12(1) degrees. The gas phase structures of E8(2+) and neutral E8 (E = S, Se) were examined by ab initio methods (B3PW91, MPW1PW91) leading to delta fH theta[S8(2+), g] = 2151 kJ/mol and delta fH theta[Se8(2+), g] = 2071 kJ/mol. The observed solid state structures of S8(2+) and Se8(2+) with the unusually long transannular bonds of 2.8-2.9 A were reproduced computationally for the first time, and the E8(2+) dications were shown to be unstable toward all stoichiometrically possible dissociation products En+ and/or E4(2+) [n = 2-7, exothermic by 21-207 kJ/mol (E = S), 6-151 kJ/mol (E = Se)]. Lattice potential energies of the hexafluoroarsenate salts of the latter cations were estimated showing that S8(AsF6)2 [Se8(AsF6)2] is lattice stabilized in the solid state relative to the corresponding AsF6- salts of the stoichiometrically possible dissociation products by at least 116 [204] kJ/mol. The fluoride ion affinity of AsF5(g) was calculated to be 430.5 +/- 5.5 kJ/mol [average B3PW91 and MPW1PW91 with the 6-311 + G(3df) basis set]. The experimental and calculated FT-Raman spectra of E8(AsF6)2 are in good agreement and show the presence of a cross ring vibration with an experimental (calculated, scaled) stretching frequency of 282 (292) cm-1 for S8(2+) and 130 (133) cm-1 for Se8(2+). An atoms in molecules analysis (AIM) of E8(2+) (E = S, Se) gave eight bond critical points between ring atoms and a ninth transannular (E3-E7) bond critical point, as well as three ring and one cage critical points. The cage bonding was supported by a natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis which showed, in addition to the E8 sigma-bonded framework, weak pi bonding around the ring as well as numerous other weak interactions, the strongest of which is the weak transannular E3-E7 [2.86 A (S8(2+), 2.91 A (Se8(2+)] bond. The positive charge is delocalized over all atoms, decreasing the Coulombic repulsion between positively charged atoms relative to that in the less stable S8-like exo-exo E8(2+) isomer. The overall geometry was accounted for by the Wade-Mingos rules, further supporting the case for cage bonding. The bonding in Te8(2+) is similar, but with a stronger transannular E3-E7 (E = Te) bonding. The bonding in E8(2+) (E = S, Se, Te) can also be understood in terms of a sigma-bonded E8 framework with additional bonding and charge delocalization occurring by a combination of transannular n pi *-n pi * (n = 3, 4, 5), and np2-->n sigma * bonding. The classically bonded S8(2+) (Se8(2+) dication containing a short transannular S(+)-S+ (Se(+)-Se+) bond of 2.20 (2.57) A is 29 (6) kJ/mol higher in energy than the observed structure in which the positive charge is delocalized over all eight chalcogen atoms.     

Syntheses; 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR; and theoretical studies of the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), and Tl3Se7(5-) anions and the X-ray crystal structures of [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en and [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4](infinity)1.en

The 2,2,2-crypt salts of the Tl4Se8(4-) and [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anions have been obtained by extraction of the ternary alloy NaTl0.5Se in ethylenediamine (en) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and 18-crown-6 followed by vapor-phase diffusion of THF into the en extract. The [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with Z = 2 and a = 14.768(3) angstroms, b = 16.635(3) angstroms, c = 21.254(4) angstroms, beta = 94.17(3) degrees at -123 degrees C, and the [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4]infinity1.en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with Z = 4 and a = 14.246(2) angstroms, b = 14.360(3) angstroms, c = 26.673(8) angstroms, beta = 99.87(3) degrees at -123 degrees C. The TlIII anions, Tl2Se6(6-) and Tl3Se7(5-), and the mixed oxidation state TlI/TlIII anion, Tl3Se6(5-), have been obtained by extraction of NaTl0.5Se and NaTlSe in en, in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and/or in liquid NH3, and have been characterized in solution by low-temperature 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR spectroscopy. The 1J(203,205Tl-77Se) and 2J(203,205Tl-203,205Tl) couplings of the three anions have been used to arrive at their solution structures by detailed analyses and simulations of all spin multiplets that comprise the 205,203Tl NMR subspectra arising from natural abundance 205,203Tl and 77Se isotopomer distributions. The structure of Tl2Se6(6-) is based on a Tl2Se2 ring in which each thallium is bonded to two exo-selenium atoms so that these thalliums are four-coordinate and possess a formal oxidation state of +3. The Tl4Se8(4-) anion is formally derived from the Tl2Se6(6-) anion by coordination of each pair of terminal Se atoms to the TlIII atom of a TlSe+ cation. The structure of the [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anion is comprised of edge-sharing distorted TlSe4 tetrahedra that form infinite, one-dimensional [Tl2Se42-]infinity1 chains. The structures of Tl3Se6(5-) and Tl3Se7(5-) are derived from Tl4Se4-cubes in which one thallium atom has been removed and two and three exo-selenium atoms are bonded to thallium atoms, respectively, so that each is four-coordinate and possesses a formal oxidation state of +3 with the remaining three-coordinate thallium atom in the +1 oxidation state. Quantum mechanical calculations at the MP2 level of theory show that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions exhibit true minima and display geometries that are in agreement with their experimental structures. Natural bond orbital and electron localization function analyses were utilized in describing the bonding in the present and previously published Tl/Se anions, and showed that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions are electron-precise rings and cages.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Quaternary Selenide Ba_4Sn_3GeSe_9 Containing [SnGeSe_5]~(4-) and [Sn_2Se_4]~(4-) Units

A new quaternary selenide Ba|_4Sn_3GeSe_9 was synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method and fully characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis spectrum, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 12.463(3), b = 9.308(2) and c = 17.892(5) ?. Ba|_4Sn_3GeSe_9 can be characterized by a zero-dimensional compound composed by special [GeSnSe_5]~(4-) units, [Sn_2Se_4]~(4-) units and the adjacent cations Ba~(2+) ions. The [GeSn Se5]4-unit is composed of a SnSe_3 trigonal pyramid formed by divalent Sn~(2+) and edge-sharing with a GeSe_4 tetrahedron, and the [Sn_2Se_4]-unit is composed of two Sn Se_3 trigonal pyramids. Ba|_4Sn_3GeSe_9 is an indirect semiconductor with a band gap of 1.21 eV.     

Sulfosalts with alkaline earth metals. Centrosymmetric vs acentric interplay in Ba3Sb4.66S10 and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 based on the Ba/Pb/Sb ratio. Phases related to arsenosulfide minerals of the rathite group and the novel polysulfide Sr6Sb6S17

The new compounds, Sr6Sb6S17, Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10, and Ba3Sb4.66S10 were prepared by the molten polychalcogenide salt method. Sr6Sb6S17 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 8.2871(9) A, b = 15.352(2) A, c = 22.873(3) A, and Z = 4. This compound presents a new structure type composed of [Sb3S7]5- units and trisulfide groups, (S3)2-, held together by Sr2+ ions. The [Sb3S7]5- fragment is formed from three corner-sharing SbS3 trigonal pyramids. The trisulfide groups are separated from the [Sb3S7]5- unit and embedded between the Sr2+ ions. Ba3Sb4.66S10 and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 are not isostructural but are closely related to the known mineral sulfosalts of the rathite group. Ba3Sb4.67S10 is monoclinic P2(1)/c with a = 8.955(2) A, b = 8.225(2) A, c = 26.756(5) A, beta = 100.29(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 is monoclinic P2(1) with a = 8.8402(2) A, b = 8.2038(2) A, c = 26.7623(6) A, beta = 99.488(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The Sb atoms are stabilized in SbS3 trigonal pyramids that share corners to build ribbonlike slabs, which are stitched by Ba/Pb atoms to form layers perpendicular to the c-axis. These materials are semiconductors and show optical band gaps of 2.10, 2.14, and 1.64 eV for Sr6Sb6S17, Ba3Sb4.66S10, and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10, respectively. Raman spectroscopic characterization is reported. Sr6Sb6S17, Ba3Sb4.66S10, and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 melt congruently at 729, 770, and 749 degrees C, respectively.     

New layered materials: syntheses, structures, and optical and magnetic properties of CsGdZnSe3, CsZrCuSe3, CsUCuSe3, and BaGdCuSe3

Four new quaternary selenides CsGdZnSe3, CsZrCuSe3, CsUCuSe3, and BaGdCuSe3 have been synthesized with the use of traditional high-temperature solid-state experimental methods. These compounds are isostructural with KZrCuS3, crystallizing with four formula units in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm. Cell constants (A) at 153 K are CsGdZnSe3 4.1684(7), 15.765(3), 11.0089(18); CsZrCuSe3 3.903(2), 15.841(10), 10.215(6); CsUCuSe3 4.1443(7), 15.786(3), 10.7188(18); and BaGdCuSe3 4.1839(6), 13.8935(19), 10.6692(15). The structure of these ALnMSe3 compounds (A = Cs, Ba; Ln = Zr, Gd, U; M = Cu, Zn) is composed of 2 to infinity [LnMSe3(n-)] (n = 1, 2) layers separated by A atoms. The Ln atom is octahedrally coordinated to six Se atoms, the M atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to four Se atoms, and the A atom is coordinated to a bicapped trigonal prism of eight Se atoms. Because there are no Se-Se bonds in the structure, the oxidation state of A is 1+ (Cs) or 2+ (Ba), that of Ln is 3+ (Gd) or 4+ (Zr, U), and that of M is 1+ (Cu) or 2+ (Zn). CsGdZnSe3 and BaGdCuSe3, which are paramagnetic, obey the Curie-Weiss law and have effective magnetic moments of 7.87(6) and 7.85(5) muB for Gd(3+), in good agreement with the theoretical value of 7.94 muB. Optical transitions at 1.88 and 2.92 eV for CsGdZnSe3 and 1.96 eV for BaGdCuSe3 were deduced from diffuse reflectance spectra.     

Further evidence for the tetraoxoiodate(V) anion,IO(4)(3-): hydrothermal syntheses and structures of Ba[(MoO(2))(6)(IO(4))(2)O(4)] x H(2)O and Ba(3)[(MoO(2))(2)(IO(6))(2)] x 2H(2)O

The hydrothermal reaction of MoO(3) with BaH(3)IO(6) at 180 degrees C for 3 days results in the formation of Ba[(MoO(2))(6)(IO(4))(2)O(4)] x H(2)O (1). Under similar conditions, the reaction of Ba(OH)(2) x 8H(2)O with MoO(3) and Ba(IO(4))(2) x 6H(2)O yields Ba(3)[(MoO(2))(2)(IO(6))(2)] x 2H(2)O (2). The structure of 1, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, consists of corner- and edge-sharing distorted MoO(6) octahedra that create two-dimensional slabs. Contained within this molybdenum oxide framework are approximately C(2v) tetraoxoiodate(V) anions, IO(4)(3-), that are involved in bonding with five Mo(VI) centers. The two equatorial oxygen atoms of the IO(4)(3-) anion chelate a single Mo(VI) center, whereas the axial atoms are mu(3)-oxo groups and complete the octahedra of four MoO(6) units. The coordination of the tetraoxoiodate(V) anion to these five highly electropositive centers is probably responsible for stabilizing the substantial anionic charge of this anion. The Ba(2+) cations separate the layers from one another and form long ionic contacts with neighboring oxygen atoms and a water molecule. Compound 2 also contains distorted MoO(6) octahedra. However, these solely edge-share with octahedral hexaoxoiodate(VII), IO(6)(5-), anions to form zigzagging one-dimensional, (1)(infinity)[(MoO(2))(IO(6))](3-), chains that are polar. These chains are separated from one another by Ba(2+) cations that are coordinated by additional water molecules. Bond valence sums for the iodine atoms in 1 and 2 are 5.01 and 7.03, respectively. Crystallographic data: 1, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 13.584(1) A, b = 7.3977(7) A, c = 20.736(2) A, beta = 108.244(2) degrees, Z = 4; 2, orthorhombic, space group Fdd2, a = 13.356(7) A, b = 45.54(2) A, c = 4.867(3) A, Z = 8.     

Pentavalent and tetravalent uranium selenides, Tl3Cu4USe6 and Tl2Ag2USe4: syntheses, characterization, and structural comparison to other layered actinide chalcogenide compounds

The compounds Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) were synthesized by the reaction of the elements in excess TlCl at 1123 K. Both compounds crystallize in new structure types, in space groups P2(1)/c and C2/m, respectively, of the monoclinic system. Each compound contains layers of USe(6) octahedra and MSe(4) (M = Cu, Ag) tetrahedra, separated by Tl(+) cations. The packing of the octahedra and the tetrahedra within the layers is compared to the packing arrangements found in other layered actinide chalcogenides. Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) displays peaks in its magnetic susceptibility at 5 and 70 K. It exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with an effective magnetic moment of 1.58(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 72-300 K, whereas Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with μ(eff) = 3.4(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 100-300 K. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) results from scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy confirm that Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) has Se bonding characteristic of discrete Se(2-) units, Cu bonding generally representative of Cu(+), and U bonding consistent with a U(4+) or U(5+) species. On the basis of these measurements, as well as bonding arguments, the formal oxidation states for U may be assigned as +5 in Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and +4 in Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4).     

Metastable Se6 as a ligand for Ag+: from isolated molecular to polymeric 1D and 2D structures

Attempts to prepare the hitherto unknown Se(6)(2+) cation by the reaction of elemental selenium and Ag[A] ([A](-) = [Sb(OTeF(5))(6)](-), [Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](-)) in SO(2) led to the formation of [(OSO)Ag(Se(6))Ag(OSO)][Sb(OTeF(5))(6)](2)1 and [(OSO)(2)Ag(Se(6))Ag(OSO)(2)][Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)](2)2a. 1 could only be prepared by using bromine as co-oxidant, however, bulk 2b (2a with loss of SO(2)) was accessible from Ag[Al(OC(CF(3))(3))(4)] and grey Se in SO(2) (chem. analysis). The reactions of Ag[MF(6)] (M = As, Sb) and elemental selenium led to crystals of 1/∞{[Ag(Se(6))](∞)[Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](∞)} 3 and {1/∞[Ag(Se(6))Ag](∞)}[AsF(6)](2)4. Pure bulk 4 was best prepared by the reaction of Se(4)[AsF(6)](2), silver metal and elemental selenium. Attempts to prepare bulk 1 and 3 were unsuccessful. 1-4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure determinations, 2b and 4 additionally by chemical analysis and 4 also by X-ray powder diffraction, FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Application of the PRESTO III sequence allowed for the first time (109)Ag MAS NMR investigations of 4 as well as AgF, AgF(2), AgMF(6) and {1/∞[Ag(I(2))](∞)}[MF(6)] (M = As, Sb). Compounds 1 and 2a/b, with the very large counter ions, contain isolated [Ag(Se(6))Ag](2+) heterocubane units consisting of a Se(6) molecule bicapped by two silver cations (local D(3d) sym). 3 and 4, with the smaller anions, contain close packed stacked arrays of Se(6) rings with Ag(+) residing in octahedral holes. Each Ag(+) ion coordinates to three selenium atoms of each adjacent Se(6) ring. 4 contains [Ag(Se(6))(+)](∞) stacks additionally linked by Ag(2)(+) into a two dimensional network. 3 features a remarkable 3-dimensional [Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](-) anion held together by strong Sb-FAg contacts between the component Ag(+) and [SbF(6)](-) ions. The hexagonal channels formed by the [Ag(2)(SbF(6))(3)](-) anions are filled by stacks of [Ag(Se(6))(+)](∞) cations. Overall 1-4 are new members of the rare class of metal complexes of neutral main group elemental clusters, in which the main group element is positively polarized due to coordination to a metal ion. Notably, 1 to 4 include the commonly metastable Se(6) molecule as a ligand. The structure, bonding and thermodynamics of 1 to 4 were investigated with the help of quantum chemical calculations (PBE0/TZVPP and (RI-)MP2/TZVPP, in part including COSMO solvation) and Born-Fajans-Haber-cycle calculations. From an analysis of all the available data it appears that the formation of the usually metastable Se(6) molecule from grey selenium is thermodynamically driven by the coordination to the Ag(+) ions.     

Synthesis and characterization of the silver maleonitrilediselenolates and silver maleonitriledithiolates [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)]4[Ag4(Se2C2(CN)2)4], [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)]4[Ag4(S2C2(CN)2)4].0.33MeCN, [NBu4]4[Ag4(S2C2(CN)2)4], [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)]3[Ag(Se2C2(CN)2)2].2MeCN, and [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)]3[Ag(S2C2(CN)2)2

Reaction of AgBF(4), KNH(2), K(2)Se, Se, and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](4)[Ag(4)(Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2))(4)] (1). In the unit cell of 1 there are four [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](+) units and a tetrahedral Ag(4) anionic core coordinated in mu(1)-Se, mu(2)-Se fashion by each of four mns ligands (mns = maleonitrilediselenolate, [Se(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2)(-)). Reaction of AgNO(3), Na(2)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, [S(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2)(-)), and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)](4)[Ag(4)(mnt)(4)].0.33MeCN (2). The Ag(4) anion of 2 is analogous to that in 1. Reaction of AgNO(3), Na(2)(mnt), and [NBu(4)]Br in acetonitrile yields [NBu(4)](4)[Ag(4)(mnt)(4)] (3). The anion of 3 also comprises an Ag(4) core coordinated by four mnt ligands, but the Ag(4) core is diamond-shaped rather than tetrahedral. Reaction of [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mns)(Se(6))] with KNH(2) and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [K([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mns)(2)].2MeCN (4). The anion of 4 comprises an Ag center coordinated by two mns ligands in a tetrahedral arrangement. Reaction of AgNO(3), 2 equiv of Na(2)(mnt), and [2.2.2]-cryptand in acetonitrile yields [Na([2.2.2]-cryptand)](3)[Ag(mnt)(2)] (5). The anion of 5 is analogous to that of 4. Electronic absorption and infrared spectra of each complex show behavior characteristic of metal-maleonitriledichalcogenates. Crystal data (153 K): 1, P2/n, Z = 2, a = 18.362(2) A, b = 16.500(1) A, c = 19.673(2) A, beta = 94.67(1) degrees, V = 5941(1) A(3); 2, P4, Z = 4, a= 27.039(4) A, c = 15.358(3) A, V = 11229(3) A(3); 3, P2(1)/c, Z = 6, a = 15.689(3) A, b = 51.924(11) A, c = 17.393(4) A, beta = 93.51(1) degrees, V = 14142(5) A(3); 4, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 13.997(1) A, b = 21.866(2) A, c = 28.281(2) A, beta = 97.72(1) degrees, V = 8578(1) A(3); 5, P2/n, Z = 2, a = 11.547(2) A, b = 11.766(2) A, c = 27.774(6) A, beta = 91.85(3) degrees, V = 3772(1) A(3).     

Synthesis and crystal structure of barium thioborate Ba7(BS3)4S

The thioborate phase Ba7(BS3)4S was synthesized from solid state reaction and its crystal structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with a = 10.1750(15) A, b = 23.970(4) A, c = 10.1692(15) A, beta = 90.095(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure consists of isolated trigonal planar (BS3)3- anions, and isolated S2- anions and Ba2+ cations. The additional sulfur anions have five-fold barium coordination, while the barium cations are coordinated by eight or nine sulfur atoms. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns from a bulk sample are compared to the calculated diffraction pattern from the single crystal structural analysis, and there is excellent agreement in general. The vibrational modes of the isolated (BS3)3- units were measured from Raman scattering and IR absorption spectra, and the frequencies agree very well with those found for similar orthothioborate phases.