Phase relations and crystal structures in the system Ta-V-Ge

Phase equilibria have been derived for the isothermal section of the Ta-V-Ge system at 1500 °C (for concentrations <45 at% Ge) on the basis of X-ray powder diffraction, EPMA and TEM analyses of argon arc melted alloys annealed in high vacuum at 1500 °C up to 200 hours. Four ternary phases have been identified within the isothermal section, out of which three were characterized by Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data. τ(1)-(Ta(1-x)V(x))(5)Ge(3) (0.21 ≤ x ≤ 0.63) adopts the Mn(5)Si(3)-type and τ(2)-Ta(Ta(x)V(1-x-y)Ge(y))(2), x = 0.02, y = 0.12 was found to be a MgZn(2)-type Laves phase. Detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in several crystallographic directions confirmed lattice parameters and crystal symmetry of this phase and rejected the presence of any superstructure. τ(3)-Ta(9-x+y)V(4+x-y-z)Ge(1+z), x = 0.32, y = 0.51, z = 0.98 crystallizes with the Nb(9)Co(4)Ge-type, whereas the structure of τ(4) is not yet known. Although a MgCu(2)-type cubic Laves phase is not present in the Ta-V binary at this temperature, additions of Ge stabilize this phase in the ternary system: C15-Ta(Ta(x)V(1-x-y)Ge(y))(2), x = 0.04, y = 0.05. V(11)Ge(8) (Cr(11)Ge(8) type) shows a large solubility up to (Ta(x)V(1-x))(11)Ge(8), x = 0.64 at 1500 °C.     

Nanosized (mu12-Pt)Pd164-xPtx(CO)72(PPh3)20 (x approximately 7) containing Pt-centered four-shell 165-atom Pd-Pt core with unprecedented intershell bridging carbonyl ligands: comparative analysis of icosahedral shell-growth patterns with geometrically related Pd145(CO)x(PEt3)30 (x approximately 60) containing capped three-shell Pd145 core

Presented herein are the preparation and crystallographic/microanalytical/magnetic/spectroscopic characterization of the Pt-centered four-shell 165-atom Pd-Pt cluster, (mu(12)-Pt)Pd(164-x)Pt(x)(CO)(72)(PPh(3))(20) (x approximately 7), 1, that replaces the geometrically related capped three-shell icosahedral Pd(145) cluster, Pd(145)(CO)(x)(PEt(3))(30) (x approximately 60), 2, as the largest crystallographically determined discrete transition metal cluster with direct metal-metal bonding. A detailed comparison of their shell-growth patterns gives rise to important stereochemical implications concerning completely unexpected structural dissimilarities as well as similarities and provides new insight concerning possible synthetic approaches for generation of multi-shell metal clusters. 1 was reproducibly prepared in small yields (<10%) from the reaction of Pd(10)(CO)(12)(PPh(3))(6) with Pt(CO)(2)(PPh(3))(2). Its 165-atom metal-core geometry and 20 PPh(3) and 72 CO ligands were established from a low-temperature (100 K) CCD X-ray diffraction study. The well-determined crystal structure is attributed largely to 1 possessing cubic T(h) (2/m3) site symmetry, which is the highest crystallographic subgroup of the noncrystallographic pseudo-icosahedral I(h) (2/m35) symmetry. The "full" four-shell Pd-Pt anatomy of 1 consists of: (a) shell 1 with the centered (mu(12)-Pt) atom encapsulated by the 12-atom icosahedral Pt(x)Pd(12-x) cage, x = 1.2(3); (b) shell 2 with the 42-atom nu(2) icosahedral Pt(x)Pd(42-x) cage, x = 3.5(5); (c) shell 3 with the anti-Mackay 60-atom semi-regular rhombicosidodecahedral Pt(x)Pd(60-x) cage, x = 2.2(6); (d) shell 4 with the 50-atom nu(2) pentagonal dodecahedral Pd(50) cage. The total number of crystallographically estimated Pt atoms, 8 +/- 3, which was obtained from least-squares (Pt(x)/Pd(1-x))-occupancy analysis of the X-ray data that conclusively revealed the central atom to be pure Pt (occupancy factor, x = 1.00(3)), is fortuitously in agreement with that of 7.6(7) found from an X-ray Pt/Pd microanalysis (WDS spectrometer) on three crystals of 1. Our utilization of this site-occupancy (Pt(x)Pd(1-x))-analysis for shells 1-3 originated from the microanalytical results; otherwise, the presumed metal-core composition would have been (mu(12)-Pt)Pd(164). [Alternatively, the (mu(12)-Pt)M(164) core-geometry of 1 may be viewed as a pseudo-Ih Pt-centered six-shell successive nu(1) polyhedral system, each with radially equivalent vertex atoms: Pt@M(12)(icosahedron)@M(30)(icosidodecahedron)@M(12)(icosahedron)@M(60)(rhombicosidodecahedron)@M(30)(icosidodecahedron)@M(20)(pentagonal dodecahedron)]. Completely surprising structural dissimilarities between 1 and 2 are: (1) to date 1 is only reproducibly isolated as a heterometallic Pd-Pt cluster with a central Pt instead of Pd atom; (2) the 50 atoms comprising the outer fourth nu(2) pentagonal dodecahedral shell in 1 are less than the 60 atoms of the inner third shell in 1, in contradistinction to shell-by-shell growth processes in all other known shell-based structures; (3) the 10 fewer PR3 ligands in 1 necessitate larger bulky PPh(3) ligands to protect the Pd-Pt core-geometry; (4) the 72 CO ligands consist of six bridging COs within each of the 12 pentagons in shell 4 that are coordinated to intershell metal atoms. SQUID magnetometry measurements showed a single-crystal sample of 1 to be diamagnetic over the entire temperature range of 10-300 K.     

Crystal structure, chemical bonding, and phase relations of the novel compound Co4Al(7+x)Si(2-x) (0.27 < or = x < or = 1.05)

The title compound was detected and characterized during a systematic study of the Al-rich part of the Co-Al-Si system. The crystal structure was established via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It represents a new type of structure of intermetallic compounds (Pearson symbol mC26, space group C2/m). The homogeneity range of the phase Co4Al(7+x)Si(2-x) (0.27(3) < or = x < or = 1.05(2)) and equilibria with neighboring phases were studied by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray powder diffraction. The lattice parameters of the compound were found to vary between Al-poor and Al-rich composition (a = 11.949(1)-12.042(1) A, b = 3.9986(4)-4.0186(4) A, c = 7.6596(8)-7.6637(9) A, and beta = 106.581(7)-106.140(7) degrees). A partial disorder caused by the Al/Si substitution in one of the five main group element positions was found, and different ordering models yielding different Al/Si occupation motifs and different distributions of interatomic distances are discussed in detail. Chemical bonding analysis with the electron localization function (ELF) reveals a covalently bonded Al/Si network and rather ionic interactions between Co and the network.     

V2AlC, V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31), and V12Al3C8: synthesis, crystal growth, structure, and superstructure

Single crystals of V2AlC and the new carbides V4AlC3-x and V12Al3C8 were synthesized from metallic melts. V2AlC was formed with an excess of Al, while V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) and V12Al3C8 require the addition of cobalt to the melt. All compounds were characterized by XRD, EDX, and WDX measurements. Crystal structures were refined on the basis of single-crystal data. The crystal structures can be explained with a building-block system consisting of two types of partial structures. The intermetallic part with a composition VAl is a two-layer cutting of the hexagonal closest packing. The carbide partial structure is a fragment of the binary carbide VC1-x containing one or three layers. V2AlC is a H-phase (211-phase) with space group P63/mmc, Z=2, and lattice parameters of a=2.9107(6) A, and c=13.101(4) A. V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) represents a 413-phase with space group P63/mmc, Z=2, a=2.9302(4) A, and c=22.745(5) A. The C-deficit is limited to the carbon site of the central layer. V12Al3C8 is obtained at lower temperatures. In the superstructure (P63/mcm, Z=2, a=5.0882(7) A, and c=22.983(5) A) the vacancies on the carbon sites are ordered. The ordering is combined to a small shift of the V atoms. This ordered structure can serve as a structure model for the binary carbides TMC1-x as well. V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) and V12Al3C8 are the first examples of the so-called MAX-phases (MX)nMM' (n=1, 2, 3), where a deficit of X and its ordered distribution in a superstructure is proven, (MX1-x)nMM'.     

Modulation of the intercalation properties of copper-zinc mixed-metal phosphonate materials

New layered mixed divalent metal vinylphosphonates Cu(II) (1-x)Zn(II) (x)(O(3)PC(2)H(3)).H(2)O have been prepared from a range of pre-formed copper-zinc oxides Cu(II) (1-x)Zn(II) (x)O obtained by isomorphous substitution of zinc into the tenorite-type structure of Cu(II)O. The corresponding mixed divalent copper-zinc vinylphosphonates have been characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. All compounds have been shown to consist of a single-phase solid solution that crystallises in an monoclinic unit cell, space group P2(1)/c with a=9.86-9.90, b=7.61-7.64, c=7.32-7.35 A and beta=95.9-96 degrees, with the exception of the pure zinc vinylphosphonate (x=1), the structure of which is comparable to other Zn(II)(O(3)PR).H(2)O materials. Studies of the intercalation of n-butylamine into the range of copper-zinc vinylphosphonates have demonstrated that significant modulation of the adsorption properties occurs; whereas one mole of amine is intercalated into the pure zinc vinylphosphonate to give Zn(II)(O(3)PC(2)H(3)).(C(4)H(9)NH(2)), for all other members of the series two moles of amine are coordinated to give intercalated compounds of composition Cu(II) (1-x)Zn(II) (x)(O(3)PC(2)H(3)).[(C(4)H(9)NH(2))(1-x)(C(4)H(9)NH(2))(x)](2) from which the amine can be sequentially removed from the different metal sites; this opens up possibilities for further applications of these materials.     

Structure and thermoelectric properties of the new quaternary bismuth selenides A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 (A = K and Rb and Cs; M = Sn and Pb)--members of the grand homologous series Km(M6Se8)m(M(5+n)Se(9+n))

Several members of the new family A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 (A = K, Rb, Cs; M = Sn, Pb) were prepared by direct combination of A2Se, Bi2Se3, Sn (or Pb), and Se at 800 degrees C. The single-crystal structures of K(0.54)Sn(3.54)Bi(11.46)Se21, K(1.46)Pb(3.08)Bi(11.46)Se21, Rb(0.69)Pb(3.69)Bi(11.31)Se21, and Cs(0.65)Pb(3.65)Bi(11.35)Se21 were determined. The compounds A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x) Se21 crystallize in a new structure type with the monoclinic space group C2/m, in which building units of the Bi2Te3 and NaCl structure type join to give rise to a novel kind of three-dimensional anionic framework with alkali-ion-filled tunnels. The building units are assembled from distorted, edge-sharing (Bi,Sn)Se6 octahedra. Bi and Sn/Pb atoms are disordered over the metal sites of the chalcogenide network, while the alkali site is not fully occupied. A grand homologous series Km(M6Se8)m(M(5+n)Se(9+n)) has been identified of which the compounds A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 are members. We discuss here the crystal structure, charge-transport properties, and very low thermal conductivity of A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21.     

Intramolecular hetero-Michael addition of beta-hydroxyenones for the preparation of highly substituted tetrahydropyranones

Structurally diverse beta-hydroxyenones are shown to undergo nonoxidative 6-endo-trig ring closure to form highly substituted tetrahydropyranones. Amberlyst-15, Al(ClO(4))(3) x 9 H(2)O and [Pd(MeCN)(4)](BF(4))(2) were found to be suitable catalysts for these intramolecular conjugate additions, preventing side reactions, such as dehydration or retroaldolisation. The use of [Pd(MeCN)(4)](BF(4))(2) is particularly effective, as this palladium-mediated reaction is under kinetic control and generates tri- and tetrasubstituted tetrahydropyranones with high levels of diastereocontrol. In the presence of the Lewis acid Al(ClO(4))(3) x 9 H(2)O, the reaction proceeded with a similar level of diastereocontrol; however, in contrast to [Pd(MeCN)(4)](BF(4))(2), this catalyst can promote enolisation. The palladium-mediated reaction was also found to be compatible with an enantioenriched beta-hydroxyenone substrate, giving no loss of enantiopurity upon ring closure. The most distinctive synthetic development to emerge from this new chemistry is the possibility to access tri- and tetrasubstituted 2,6-anti-tetrahydropyranones from anti-aldol precursors. These compounds are particularly difficult to access by using alternative methodologies. Two modes of activation were envisaged for the ring closure, involving metal coordination to either the C=C or C=O functional groups. Experimental results suggest that C=O coordination was the preferred mode of activation for reactions performed in the presence of Al(ClO(4))(3) x 9 H(2)O or [Pd(MeCN)(4)](BF(4))(2).     

Site-differentiated solid solution in (Na(1-x)Cu(x))2Ta4O11 and its electronic structure and optical properties

The (Na(1-x)Cu(x))(2)Ta(4)O(11) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.78) solid-solution was synthesized within evacuated fused-silica vessels and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction techniques (space group: R3c (#167), Z = 6, a = 6.2061(2)-6.2131(2) ?, c = 36.712(1)-36.861(1) ?, for x = 0.37, 0.57, and 0.78). The structure consists of single layers of TaO(7) pentagonal bipyramids as well as layers of isolated TaO(6) octahedra surrounded by Na(+) and Cu(+) cations. Full-profile Rietveld refinements revealed a site-differentiated substitution of Na(+) cations located in the 12c (Wyckoff) crystallographic site for Cu(+) cations in the 18d crystallographic site. This site differentiation is driven by the linear coordination geometry afforded at the Cu(+) site compared to the distorted seven-coordinate geometry of the Na(+) site. Compositions more Cu-rich than x ~ 0.78, that is, closer to "Cu(2)Ta(4)O(11)", could not be synthesized owing to the destabilizing Na(+)/Cu(+) vacancies that increase with x up to the highest attainable value of ~26%. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra show a significant red-shift of the bandgap size from ~4.0 eV to ~2.65 eV with increasing Cu(+) content across the series. Electronic structure calculations using the TB-LMTO-ASA approach show that the reduction in bandgap size arises from the introduction of Cu 3d(10) orbitals and the formation of a new higher-energy valence band. A direct bandgap transition emerges at k = Γ that is derived from the filled Cu 3d(10) and the empty Ta 5d(0) orbitals, including a small amount of mixing with the O 2p orbitals. The resulting conduction and valence band energies are determined to favorably bracket the redox potentials for water reduction and oxidation, meeting the thermodynamic requirement for photocatalytic water-splitting reactions.     

Alloyed (ZnS)(x)(Cu2SnS3)(1-x) and (CuInS2)(x)(Cu2SnS3)(1-x) nanocrystals with arbitrary composition and broad tunable band gaps

Cu(2)SnS(3) nanocrystals with metastable zincblende and wurtzite structures have been successfully synthesized for the first time. Alloyed (ZnS)(x)(Cu(2)SnS(3))(1-x) and (CuInS(2))(x)(Cu(2)SnS(3))(1-x) nanocrystals with arbitrary composition (0 ≤x≤ 1) and ultra-broad tunable band gaps (3.63 to 0.94 eV) were obtained.     

Octanuclear and nonanuclear supramolecular copper(II) complexes with linear "tritopic" ligands: structural and magnetic studies

The structures and magnetic properties of self-assembled copper(II) clusters and grids with the "tritopic" ligands 2poap (a), Cl2poap (b), m2poap (c), Cl2pomp (d), and 2pomp (e) are described [ligands derived by reaction of 4-R-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic hydrazide (R = H, Cl, MeO) with 2-pyridinemethylimidate (a-c, respectively) or 2-acetylpyridine (d, R = Cl; e, R = H)]. Cl2poap and Cl2pomp self-assemble with Cu(NO(3))(2) to form octanuclear "pinwheel" cluster complexes [Cu(8)(Cl2poap-2H)(4)(NO(3))(8)].20H(2)O (1) and [Cu(8)(Cl2pomp-2H)(4)(NO(3))(8)].15H(2)O (2), built on a square [2 x 2] grid with four pendant copper arms, using "mild" reaction conditions. Similar reactions of Cl2pomp and 2pomp with Cu(ClO(4))(2) produce pinwheel clusters [Cu(8)(Cl2pomp-2H)(4)(H(2)O)(8)](ClO(4))(8).7H(2)O (3) and [Cu(8)(2pomp-2H)(4)(H(2)O)(8)](ClO(4))(8) (4), respectively. Heating a solution of 1 in MeOH/H(2)O produces a [3 x 3] nonanuclear square grid complex, [Cu(9)(Cl2poap-H)(3)(Cl2poap-2H)(3)](NO(3))(9).18H(2)O (5), which is also produced by direct reaction of the ligand and metal salt under similar conditions. Reaction of m2poap with Cu(NO(3))(2) produces only the [3 x 3] grid [Cu(9)(m2poap-H)(2)(m2poap-2H)(4)](NO(3))(8).17H(2)O (6) under similar conditions. Mixing the tritopic ligand 2poap with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (picd) in the presence of Cu(NO(3))(2) produces a remarkable mixed ligand, nonanuclear grid complex [Cu(9)(2poap-H)(4)(picd-H)(3)(picd-2H)](NO(3))(9).9H(2)O (7), in which aromatic pi-stacking interactions are important in stabilizing the structure. Complexes 1-3 and 5-7 involve single oxygen atom (alkoxide) bridging connections between adjacent copper centers, while complex 4 has an unprecedented mixed micro-(N-N) and micro-O metal ion connectivity. Compound 1 (C(76)H(92)N(44)Cu(8)O(50)Cl(4)) crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group I, with a = 21.645(1) A, c = 12.950(1) A, and Z = 2. Compound 2 (C(84)H(88)N(36)O(44)Cl(4)Cu(8)) crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group I, with a = 21.2562(8) A, c = 12.7583(9) A, and Z = 2. Compound 4 (C(84)H(120)N(28)O(66)Cl(8)Cu(8)) crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group I4(1)/a, with a = 20.7790(4) A, c = 32.561(1) A, and Z = 4. Compound 7(C(104)H(104)N(46)O(56)Cu(9)) crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P, with a = 15.473(1) A, b = 19.869(2) A, c = 23.083(2) A, alpha = 88.890(2) degrees, beta = 81.511(2) degrees, gamma = 68.607(1) degrees, and Z = 2. All complexes exhibit dominant intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange coupling, resulting from an orthogonal bridging arrangement within each polynuclear structure.     

Self-Assembly of Ribbons and Frameworks Containing Large Channels Based upon Methylene-Bridged Dithio-, Diseleno-, and Ditelluroethers

Homoleptic copper(I) and silver(I) complexes [M(n)(L-L)(2)(n)()](BF(4))(n)() (M = Cu or Ag; L-L = MeECH(2)EMe; E = S, Se or Te) have been prepared and characterized by analysis, FAB mass spectrometry, and IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (77)Se, (125)Te, (63)Cu and (109)Ag). The single-crystal X-ray structures of [Cu(n)()(MeSeCH(2)SeMe)(2)(n)()](PF(6))(n)() (orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 10.879(7) ?, b = 16.073(7) ?, c = 9.19(1) ?, Z = 4) and [Ag(n)()(MeSeCH(2)SeMe)(2)(n)()](BF(4))(n)() (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 14.546(9) ?, b = 14.65(1) ?, c = 30.203(9) ?, Z = 4) reveal extended three-dimensional cationic frameworks in the solid state which contain large cylindrical or rectangular channels accommodating the PF(6)(-) or BF(4)(-) counterions. In contrast, a single-crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(n)()(MeSCH(2)SMe)(2)(n)()](PF(6))(n)().nMeNO(2) (orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 15.506(3) ?, b = 8.934(2) ?, c = 25.859(3) ?, Z = 8) shows tetrahedral Cu(I) ions coordinated to bridging dithioethers forming an cationic ribbon-like arrangement of 8-membered rings. Adjacent rings are linked by the Cu atoms. Variable temperature NMR studies have been used to probe various exchange processes occurring in solution in these systems.     

First systematic band-filling control in organic conductors

The systematic study of band-filling control for four kinds of organic conductors with various kinds of ground states has succeeded. (1) By partial substitution of (GaCl(4))(-) by (MCl(4))(2-) [M = Co, Zn] in the anion blocking layer of lambda-ET(2)(GaCl(4))(-) [ET = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene], single crystals of lambda-ET(2)(GaCl(4))(-)(1-x)(MCl(4))(2-)(x) [x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.06] have been obtained. The resistivity at room temperature decreases from 3 Omega cm (x = 0.0) to 0.1 Omega cm (x = 0.06) by doping to the antiferromagnet with an effective half-filled band (x = 0.0). (2) Another 2:1 (donor/anion) salt, delta'-ET(2)(GaCl(4))(-), which is a spin gap material, has been doped as delta'-ET(2)(GaCl(4))(-)(1-x)(MCl(4))(2-)(x) [x = 0.05, 0.14]. The resistivity is lowered from 10 Omega cm (x = 0.0) to 0.3 Omega cm (x = 0.14). For both 2:1 salts, the semiconducting behaviors have transferred to relatively conductive semiconducting ones by doping. (3) As for alpha-type 3:1 salts, the parent material is in a charge-ordering state such as alpha-(ET(+)ET(+)ET(0))(CoCl(4))(2-)(TCE), where the charge-ordered donors are dispersed in the two-dimensional conducting layer. Although the calculation of alpha-ET(3)(CoCl(4))(2-)(TCE) shows a band-insulating nature, and the crystal structure analysis indicates that this material is in a charge-ordering state, the metallic behavior down to 165 K has been observed. With doping of (GaCl(4))(-) to the alpha-system, isostructural alpha-ET(3)(CoCl(4))(2-)(1-x)(GaCl(4))(-)(x)(TCE) [x = 0.54, 0.57, 0.62] have been afforded, where the pattern of the horizontal stripe-type charge ordering changes with an increase of x. (4) By doping (GaCl(4))(-) to the 3:2 gapless band insulator which is isostructural to beta'-ET(3)(MCl(4))(2)(2-) [M = Zn, Mn], the obtained beta'-ET(3)(CoCl(4))(2-)(2-x)(GaCl(4))(-)(x) [x = 0.66, 0.88] shows metallic behavior down to 100 and 140 K, respectively. They are the first metallic states in organic conductors by band-filling control of the gapless band insulator. These systematic studies of band-filling control suggest that the doping to the gapless band insulator with a pseudo-1/2-filled band is most effective.     

Cubic aluminum silicides RE8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (RE = Pr, Sm) from liquid aluminum. Empty (Si,Al)12 cuboctahedral clusters and assignment of the Al/Si distribution with neutron diffraction.

Two new quaternary aluminum silicides, RE8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (x approximately 4; RE = Pr, Sm), have been synthesized from Sm (or Sm2O3), Pr, Ru, and Si in molten aluminum between 800 and 1000 degrees C in sealed fused silica tubes. Both compounds form black shiny crystals that are stable in air and NaOH. The Nd analog is also stable. The compounds crystallize in a new structural type. The structure, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, is cubic, space group Pm3m with Z = 1, and has lattice parameters of a = 11.510(1) A for Sm8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) and a = 11.553(2) A for Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (x approximately 4). The structure consists of octahedral units of AlSi6, at the cell center, Si2Ru4Al8 clusters, at each face center, SiAl8 cubes, at the middle of the cell edges, and unique (Al,Si)12 cuboctohedral clusters, at the cell corners. These different structural units are connected to each other either by shared atoms, Al-Al bonds, or Al-Ru bonds. The rare earth metal atoms fill the space between various structural units. The Al/Si distribution was verified by single-crystal neutron diffraction studies conducted on Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x). Sm8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) and Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) show ferromagnetic ordering at Tc approximately 10 and approximately 20 K, respectively. A charge of 3+ can be assigned to the rare earth atoms while the Ru atoms are diamagnetic.     

New mu-oxo octanuclear complexes of 3d elements stabilized by dialkylcarbamato ligands. Synthesis and X-ray crystal and molecular structures

The octanuclear aggregates M(8)(mu(4)-O)(2)(O(2)CN(i)()Pr(2))(12) [M = Mn(II) 1, Co(II) 2, Ni(II) 3] have been prepared in good yields by controlled hydrolysis of the corresponding metal carbamate precursors [M(O(2)CN(i)()Pr(2))(2)](n)(). X-ray analysis has shown compounds 1-3 to be isostructural. The core of 2 contains two distorted [M(4)O] tetrahedra related by an inversion center. The hexanuclear carbamates M(6)(O(2)CNEt(2))(12) in toluene undergo a metal redistribution process with formation of the hexanuclear carbamates M'(x)M' '(6-x)(O(2)CNEt(2))(12), M' = Co, M' ' = Mn, as evidenced by mass-spectrometric data. In the presence of moisture, the mixed octanuclear carbamates Co(x)Mn(6-x)(MnO)(CoO)(O(2)CNEt(2))(12) were promptly formed and detected by DCI/MS measurements. Mass spectral data of Co(8)(mu(4)-O)(2)(O(2)CN(i)Pr(2))(12) are also reported.     

Phase stability in the systems AeAl(2-x)Mgx (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba): electron concentration and size controlled variations on the laves phase structural theme

The systems AeAl(2-x)Mgx (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba) display electron concentration induced Laves phase structural changes. However, the complete sequence MgCu2 --> MgNi2 --> MgZn2 with increasing x (decreasing electron count) is only observed for Ae = Ca. Compounds SrAl(2-x)Mgx (0 < x < or = 2) and BaAl(2-x)Mgx (x = 0.85 and 2.0) were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction experiments. For the Sr system the structural sequence CeCu2 --> MgNi2 --> MgZn2 occurs with increasing Mg content x. Thus, larger Sr does not allow the realization of the MgCu2 structure at low x. For Ae = Ba a binary compound BaAl2 does not exist, but more Ba-rich Ba7Al13 forms. The reinvestigation of the crystal structure of Ba7Al13 by selected area and convergent beam electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope revealed a superstructure, which subsequently could be refined from single X-ray diffraction data. The formula unit of the superstructure is Ba21Al40 (space group P31m, Z = 1, a = 10.568(1) angstroms, c = 17.205(6) angstroms). In Ba21Al40 a size match problem between Ba and Al present in Ba7Al13 is resolved. The structure of Ba7Al13 (Ba21Al40) can be considered as a Ba excess variant of the hexagonal MgNi2 Laves phase type structure. An incommensurately modulated variant of the MgNi2 structure is obtained for phases BaAl(2-x)Mgx with x = 0.8-1. At even higher Mg concentrations a structural change to the proper MgZn2 type structure takes place.     

Phase range of the type-I clathrate Sr8Al(x)Si(46-x) and crystal structure of Sr8Al10Si36

Samples of the type-I clathrate Sr(8)Al(x)Si(46-x) have been prepared by direct reaction of the elements. The type-I clathrate structure (cubic space group Pm3n) which has an Al-Si framework with Sr(2+) guest atoms forms with a narrow composition range of 9.54(6) ≤ x ≤ 10.30(8). Single crystals with composition A(8)Al(10)Si(36) (A = Sr, Ba) have been synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements provide evidence for a peritectic reaction and melting point at ～1268 and ～1421 K for Sr(8)Al(10)Si(36) and Ba(8)Al(10)Si(36), respectively. Comparison of the structures reveals a strong correlation between the 24k-24k framework sites distances and the size of the guest cation. Electronic structure calculation and bonding analysis were carried out for the ordered models with the compositions A(8)Al(6)Si(40) (6c site occupied completely by Al) and A(8)Al(16)Si(30) (16i site occupied completely with Al). Analysis of the distribution of the electron localizability indicator (ELI) confirms that the Si-Si bonds are covalent, the Al-Si bonds are polar covalent, and the guest and the framework bonds are ionic in nature. The Sr(8)Al(6)Si(40) phase has a very small band gap that is closed upon additional Al, as observed in Sr(8)Al(16)Si(30). An explanation for the absence of a semiconducting "Sr(8)Al(16)Si(30)" phase is suggested in light of these findings.     

Crystal structure of YbCu6In6 and mixed valence behavior of Yb in YbCu(6-x)In(6+x) (x = 0, 1, and 2) solid solution

High quality single crystals of YbCu(6)In(6) have been grown using the flux method and characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction data. YbCu(6)In(6) crystallizes in the CeMn(4)Al(8) structure type, tetragonal space group I4/mmm, and the lattice constants are a = b = 9.2200(13) ? and c = 5.3976(11) ?. The crystal structure of YbCu(6)In(6) is composed of pseudo-Frank-Kasper cages filled with one ytterbium atom in each ring. The neighboring cages share corners along [100] and [010] to build the three-dimensional network. YbCu(6-x)In(6+x) (x = 0, 1, and 2) solid solution compounds were obtained from high frequency induction heating and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction. The magnetic susceptibilities of YbCu(6-x)In(6+x) (x = 0, 1, and 2) were investigated in the temperature range 2-300 K and showed Curie-Weiss law behavior above 50 K, and the experimentally measured magnetic moment indicates mixed valent ytterbium. A deviation in inverse susceptibility data at 200 K suggests a valence transition from Yb(2+) to Yb(3+) as the temperature decreases. An increase in doping of Cu at the Al2 position enhances the disorder in the system and enhancement in the trivalent nature of Yb. Electrical conductivity measurements show that all compounds are of a metallic nature.     

Zr1-xMxWMoO8-x/2和Zr1-xMxW2O8-x/2固溶体的晶胞参数与晶格畸变的关系

合成了Zr1-xMxWMoO8-x/2(M=Er,Tm,Yb,Sc,In,Ga,Al)和Zr1-xMxW2O8-x/2(M=Eu,Er,Yb,Sc,In,Ga,Al)2个系列的固溶体,前者具有β-ZrW2O8结构类型(简称β相);后者具有α-ZrW2O8结构类型(简称α相)。建立了相和相的晶胞参数与M3+离子浓度的Vegard方程,测定了上述固溶体的固溶度。讨论了M3+离子的化学性质与Vegard斜率SV的关系。分析了α相的SαA与β相的SβA的关系;揭示了α-Zr1-xMxW2O8-x/2晶格中2[WO4]四面体对的取向有序程度对晶格畸变的贡献。提出上述固溶体的晶胞参数随溶质浓度增加而减小,主要是由于氧空位缺陷相互作用的结果。     

New Cd(II)-, Co(II)-, and Cu(II)-containing coordination polymers synthesized by using the rigid ligand 1,2-bis(3-pyridyl)ethyne (3,3'-DPA)

Four new organic/inorganic coordination polymers, [Cd(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(NO(3))(2)](n)(1), [Co(C(10)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)NO(3)CH(3)OH](n)(2), [Cu(C(10)H(8)N(2))(CH(3)OH)(NO(3))(2)](n) (3), and [Cu(C(10)H(8)N(2))(hfac)(2)](n)(4), were synthesized by using the rigid ligand 1,2-bis(3-pyridyl)ethyne (3,3'-DPA). Complex 1 crystallizes in space group P2/n: a = 12.462(2) A, b = 9.485(1) A, c = 13.383(2) A, beta = 96.629(2) degrees, V = 1559.6(3) A(3), Z = 4. Complex 2 crystallizes in space group Fddd: a = 9.248(4) A, b = 19.982(7) A, c = 35.093(16) A, V = 6485.0(4) A(3), Z = 8. Complex 3 crystallizes in space group I2/a: a = 18.315(2) A, b = 8.517(1) A, c = 20.494(3) A, beta = 104.042(2) degrees, V = 3101.2(7) A(3), Z = 8. Complex 4 crystallizes in space group P21/c: a = 6.576(1) A, b = 16.189(1) A, c = 11.653(1) A, beta = 91.337(1) degrees, V = 1240.3(2) A(3), Z = 2. The coordination polymers display a variety of structural architectures, ranging from sinusoidal and zigzag chains (1, 3, 4) to two-dimensional channel-type architectures (2). The effects of the orientation of the nitrogen atom in the pyridine rings on the resultant structures are discussed.     

Selenophosphate phase diagrams developed in conjunction with the synthesis of the new compounds K(2)La(P(2)Se(6))(1/2)(PSe(4)), K(3)La(PSe(4))(2), K(4)La(0.67)(PSe(4))(2), K(9-x)La(1+x/3)(PSe(4))(4) (x = 0.5), and KEuPSe(4)

Five new rare-earth metal polyselenophosphates have been synthesized by the reactive flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: K(2)La(P(2)Se(6))(1/2)(PSe(4)) (I), K(3)La(PSe(4))(2) (II), K(4)La(0.67)(PSe(4))(2) (III), K(9-x)()La(1+)(x/3)(PSe(4))(4) (x = 0.5) (IV), and KEuPSe(4) (V). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.4269(1) A, b = 7.2054(1) A, c = 21.0276(5) A, beta = 97.484(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 9.5782(2) A, b = 17.6623(4) A, c = 9.9869(3) A, beta = 90.120(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound III crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 19.0962(2) A, b = 9.1408(1) A, c = 10.2588(2) A, and Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ccca with a = 18.2133(1) A, b = 38.0914(4) A, c = 10.2665(1) A, and Z = 8. Compound V crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 17.5156(11) A, b = 7.0126(5) A, c = 6.9015(4) A, and Z = 4. Optical band gap measurements show that compound V has an optical band gap of 1.88 eV. Solid-state Raman spectroscopy of compounds II-V shows the four normal vibrations expected for the (PSe(4))(3-) unit. The observation of compounds I-V in several reactions has allowed the creation of a quasi-quaternary phase diagram for potassium rare-earth-metal polyselenophosphates. This phase diagram can qualitatively be separated into three regions on the basis of the oxidation state of phosphorus in the crystalline products observed and takes the next step in designing solid-state compounds.