Phase equilibria in the Tl2MoO4-Fe2(MoO4)3-Hf(MoO4)2 system and the crystal structure of ternary molybdate Tl(FeHf0.5)(MoO4)3

The subsolidus region of the ternary salt system Tl₂MoO₄-Fe₂(MoO₄)₃-Hf(MoO₄)₂ was studied by X-ray powder diffraction. New compounds Tl₅FeHf(MoO₄)₆ (5: 1: 2) and Tl(Fe,Hf_0.5)(MoO₄)₃ (1: 1: 1). were found to be formed in this system. Crystals of new ternary molybdate of the composition Tl(FeHf_0.5)(MoO₄)₃ were grown by spontaneous flux crystallization. Its composition and crystal structure were refined based on X-ray diffraction data. The mixed three-dimensional framework of the crystal structure is composed of Mo tetrahedra sharing O vertices with (Fe,Hf)O₆ octahedra. The thallium atoms occupy wide channels in the framework.     

Phase equilibria in the Tl2MoO4-Nd2(MoO4)3-Hf(MoO4)2 system and the crystal structure of double molybdate TlNd(MoO4)2

The Tl₂MoO₄-Nd₂(MoO₄)₃-Hf(MoO₄)₂ system was studied in the subsolidus region using X-ray powder diffraction. New triple molybdates were found to exist in this system: Tl₅NdHf(MoO₄)₆ (5: 1: 2), TlNdHf_0.5(MoO₄)₃ (1: 1: 1), and Tl₂NdHf₂(MoO₄)_6.5 (2: 1: 4). The first TlNd(MoO₄)₂ single crystals were grown from melt solutions with spontaneous nucleation. Their crystal structure was refined from X-ray diffraction data (Bruker X8 Apex automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 386 F(hkl), R = 0.0136). The tetragonal unit cell parameters are as follows: a = 6.3000(2) Å, c = 9.5188(5) Å, V = 377.80(3) ų, Z = 2, ρ_calcd = 5.876 g/cm³, space group P4/nnc. The structure is a framework built of NdO₈ and TlO₈ tetragonal antiprisms linked via shared lateral edges and alternating in the checkerboard order. Layers share oxygen vertices with MoO₄ interlayer tetrahedra and are linked into the framework.     

Crystal structures, electronic structures, and physical properties of Tl4MQ4 (M = Zr or Hf; Q = S or Se)

The ternary thallium chalcogenides of the general formula Tl(4)MQ(4) (M = Zr or Hf; Q = S or Se) were obtained from high-temperature reactions without air. These sulfides and selenides are isostructural, crystallizing in the triclinic system with space group P1 and Z = 5, in contrast to Tl(4)MTe(4) compounds that adopt space group R3. The unit cell parameters for Tl(4)ZrS(4) are as follows: a = 9.0370(5) ?, b = 9.0375(5) ?, c = 15.4946(9) ?, α = 103.871(1)°, β = 105.028(1)°, γ = 90.138(1)°, and V = 1183.7(1) ?(3). In contrast to the corresponding tellurides, the sulfides and selenides exhibit edge-shared MQ(6) octahedra, propagating along the c axis in a zigzag manner. All elements occur in the most common oxidation states, according to the formulation (Tl(+))(4)M(4+)(Q(2-))(4). Electronic structure calculations predict energy band gaps of 1.7 eV for Tl(4)ZrS(4) and 1.3 eV for Tl(4)ZrSe(4), which are in accordance with the large resistivity values observed experimentally.     

Subsolidus phase diagrams of the systems Cs2MoO4-R2(MoO4)3-Zr(MoO4)2, where R = Al, Sc, or In

The systems Cs₂MoO₄?R₂(MoO₄)₃?Zr(MoO₄)₂, where R = Al, Sc, or In, have been investigated in the subsolidus region by X-ray powder diffraction. Quasi-binary joins have been revealed, and triangulation has been carried out. Six new triple molybdates have been prepared with the component ratio equal to 1 : 1 : 1 (mol/mol) (S ₁) and 5 : 1 : 2 (S ₂). The crystal parameters for the 5 : 1 : 2 compounds have been determined, and the electrical properties of the 1 : 1 : 1 compounds have been investigated.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and vibrational spectra of MVO(SO4)2 (M = Rb, Cs, or Tl)

A series of MVO(SO₄)₂ vanadium complexes, where M = Rb, Cs, or Tl, were prepared, and their crystal structures and physicochemical properties studied. The rubidium and thallium compounds of this series were found to be isostructural to each other and to crystallize, like KVO(SO₄)₂ and NH₄VO(SO₄)₂, in orthorhombic system (space group P2₁2₁2₁, No. 19, Z = 4) with the unit cell parameters a = 4.9735(2) Å, b=8.7894(4) Å, c = 16.6968(8) Å, V = 729.88 ų (Rb); and a = 4.9636(1) Å, b = 8.7399(2) Å, c = 16.8598(4) Å, V = 731.39 ų (Tl). The cesium compound was found to crystallize in monoclinic system (space group P2₁/a, No. 14-2, Z = 4): a = 10.0968(6) Å, b = 8.9131(4) Å, c = 9.8675(5) Å, β = 114.640(2)°, V = 807.16 ų. The MVO(SO₄)₂ crystal structure is built of VO₆ octahedra, which are linked into layers by bridging SO₄ groups. At the apex of each VO₆ octahedron, there is a short V-O terminal bond having a length of 1.54(1) Å (Rb), 1.57(2) Å (Tl), and 1.52(4) Å (Cs).     

Phase equilibria in the systems Rb2MoO4-R2(MoO4)3-Hf(MoO4)2 (R = Al, In, Sc, Fe(III)) and the crystal structure of double molybdate RbFe(MoO4)2

The systems Rb₂MoO₄-R₂(MoO₄)₃-Hf(MoO₄)₂ have been investigated in the subsolidus region by X-ray powder diffraction, DTA, and IR spectroscopy. Triple molybdates of the composition 5: 1: 2 are formed in the systems with R = Al, In, Sc, and Fe. Molybdates of composition 5: 1: 3 and 1: 1: 1 are found in the iron(III)-containing system in addition to the 5: 1: 2 molybdate. Single crystals of the double molybdate RbFe(MoO₄)₂, which is formed in the Rb₂MoO₄-Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ system, have been grown. The structure of this double molybdate has been refined using X-ray diffraction data (X8 APEX automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 373 F(hkl), R = 0.0287). The trigonal unit cell parameters are the following: a = b = 5.6655(2) Å, c = 7.5061(4) Å, V = 208.65(1) ų, Z = 1, ρ_calc = 3.670 g/cm³, space group R3m1. The structure is formed by layers of FeO₆ octahedra sharing corners with MoO₄ tetrahedra and RbO₁₂ icosahedra.     

Phase formation in the Rb2MoO4-Er2(MoO4)3-Hf(MoO4)2 system and the crystal structure of new triple molybdate Rb5ErHf(MoO4)6

The subsolidus region of the Rb₂MoO₄-Er₂(MoO₄)₃-Hf(MoO₄)₂ ternary salt system is studied using X-ray powder diffraction. A novel 5: 1: 2 triple molybdate, Rb₅ErHf(MoO₄)₆, is found to form in the system. Crystals of Rb₅ErHf(MoO₄)₆ are flux-grown under spontaneous nucleation conditions. The composition and crystal structure of Rb₅ErHf(MoO₄)₆ are refined in a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment (X8 APEX diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 1753 reflections, R = 0.0183). The crystals are trigonal; a = 10.7511(1) Å, c = 38.6543(7) Å, V = 3869.31(9) ų, d _calc = 4.462 g/cm³, Z = 6, space group $R\bar 3c$ . The mixed three-dimensional framework of the structure is formed of MoO₄ tetrahedra, each sharing corners with two ErO₆ and HfO₆ octahedra. Two types of Rb atoms occupy large cavities of the framework. The distribution of the Er³⁺ and Hf⁴⁺ cation over two positions is refined in the course of structure solution.     

Phase equilibrium in the Cs2MoO4-Bi2(MoO4)3-Zn(MoO4)2 system and the crystal structure of new triple molybdate Cs5BiZr(MoO4)6

The subsolidus region of the Cs₂MoO₄-Bi₂(MoO₄)₃-Zr(MoO₄) system was studied by X-ray powder diffraction. Quasi-binary sections were elucidated, and triangulation performed. Triple molybdates with the component ratios 5: 1: 2 (S ₁) and 2: 1: 4 (S ₂) were prepared for the first time. Crystals of cesium bismuth zirconium molybdate of the 5: 1: 2 stoichiometry (Cs₅BiZr(MoO₄)₆) were grown from fluxed melts with spontaneous nucleation. The composition and crystal structure of this triple molybdate were refined using X-ray diffraction data (collected on X8 APEX automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 2348 F(hkl), R = 0.0226). The trigonal unit cell parameters were as follows: a = b = 10.9569(2), c = 39.804(4) Å, V = 4138.4(4) ų, Z = 6, space group R $ \bar 3 The subsolidus region of the Cs₂MoO₄-Bi₂(MoO₄)₃-Zr(MoO₄) system was studied by X-ray powder diffraction. Quasi-binary sections were elucidated, and triangulation performed. Triple molybdates with the component ratios 5: 1: 2 (S ₁) and 2: 1: 4 (S ₂) were prepared for the first time. Crystals of cesium bismuth zirconium molybdate of the 5: 1: 2 stoichiometry (Cs₅BiZr(MoO₄)₆) were grown from fluxed melts with spontaneous nucleation. The composition and crystal structure of this triple molybdate were refined using X-ray diffraction data (collected on X8 APEX automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 2348 F(hkl), R = 0.0226). The trigonal unit cell parameters were as follows: a = b = 10.9569(2), c = 39.804(4) ?, V = 4138.4(4) ?³, Z = 6, space group R c. The mixed-metal three-dimensional framework in this structure is built of Mo tetrahedra and two sorts of (Bi,Zr)O₆ octahedra. Large interstices accommodate two sorts of cesium atoms. The Bi³⁺ and Zr⁴⁺ cation distributions over two positions were refined during structure solution. Original Russian Text ? B.G. Bazarov, T.V. Namsaraeva, R.F. Klevtsova, A.G. Anshits, T.A. Vereshchagina, R.V. Kurbatov, L.A. Glinskaya, K.N. Fedorov, Zh.G. Bazarova, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 9, pp. 1585–1589.     

Preparation of bis(μ-chalcogeno) complexes [(η5-RC5H4)2M(μ-E)]2 M = Zr,Hf; R = H,t-Bu; E = S or Se from metallocene dichlorides,and isolation of the mixed μ-complexes [(t-BuC5H4)2Zr2](μ-O)(μ-E)

Metallocene dichlorides (RCp)₂MCl₂ (M = Zr, Hf; R = H, t-Bu) react with E/2HLiBEt₃ (E = S, Se) to give the symmetrical dinuclear compounds [(RCp)₂M(μ-E)]₂. UV irradiation in toluene of [(t-BuCp)₂Zr(CH₃)]₂(μ-O) in the presence of powdered sulfur or gray selenium gives the new compounds [(t-BuCp)₂Zr₂](μ-O)(μ-E).     

Phase relations in the systems M2MoO4-Cr2(MoO4)3-Zr(MoO4)2 (M = Li, Na, or Rb)

Phase equilibria in the systems M₂MoO₄-Cr₂(MoO₄)₃-Zr(MoO₄)₂ (M = Li, Na, or Rb) were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, DTA, and IR spectroscopy. The subsolidus structure of the phase diagrams of the systems under study was established. Two phases are formed in the Rb₂MoO₄-Cr₂(MoO₄)₃-Zr(MoO₄)₂ system with the molar ratios of the starting components equal to 5: 1: 1 (S ₂) and 1: 1: 1 (S ₁). Proceeding from that the isostructurality of Rb₅FeHf(MoO₄)₆ and S ₂ the unit cell, parameters are determined for S ₂.     

Double molybdate Tl2Mg4(MoO4)3: Synthesis, structure, and properties

Single crystals of molybdate Tl₂Mg₂(MoO₄)₃ are grown, and its crystal structure is refined in an X-ray diffraction experiment (an automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 914 F(hkl) reflections, R = 0.0459). The crystal are cubic with a = b = c = 10.700(1) Å, V = 1225.0(2) ų, Z = 4, space group P2₁3. The mixed 3D framework of the structure is built of MoO₄ tetrahedra and two types of corner-sharing MgO₆ octahedra. Two types of thallium atoms occupy large interstices.     

Synthesis and structure of (Ph4P)2MCl6 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, U, Np, Pu)

High-purity syntheses are reported for a series of first, second, and third row transition metal and actinide hexahalide compounds with equivalent, noncoordinating countercations: (Ph(4)P)(2)TiF(6) (1) and (Ph(4)P)(2)MCl(6) (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Th, U, Np, Pu; 2-8). While a reaction between MCl(4) (M = Zr, Hf, U) and 2 equiv of Ph(4)PCl provided 3, 4, and 6, syntheses for 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8 required multistep procedures. For example, a cation exchange reaction with Ph(4)PCl and (NH(4))(2)TiF(6) produced 1, which was used in a subsequent anion exchange reaction with Me(3)SiCl to synthesize 2. For 5, 7, and 8, synthetic routes starting with aqueous actinide precursors were developed that circumvented any need for anhydrous Th, Np, or Pu starting materials. The solid-state geometries, bond distances and angles for isolated ThCl(6)(2-), NpCl(6)(2-), and PuCl(6)(2-) anions with noncoordinating counter cations were determined for the first time in the X-ray crystal structures of 5, 7, and 8. Solution phase and solid-state diffuse reflectance spectra were also used to characterize 7 and 8. Transition metal MCl(6)(2-) anions showed the anticipated increase in M-Cl bond distances when changing from M = Ti to Zr, and then a decrease from Zr to Hf. The M-Cl bond distances also decreased from M = Th to U, Np, and Pu. Ionic radii can be used to predict average M-Cl bond distances with reasonable accuracy, which supports a principally ionic model of bonding for each of the (Ph(4)P)(2)MCl(6) complexes.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the binary molybdate Li8Bi2(MoO4)7

Single crystals of Li₈Bi₂(MoO₄)₇ were synthesized; the composition and crystal structure of this compound were determined from X-ray diffraction data (CAD-4 automatic diffractometer, MoK_a radiation, 1767 reflections, R = 0.031). The parameters of the tetragonal unit cell are as follows: a = 21.130, c = 5.287 Å, Z = 4, space group -14. The structure of the binary molybdate is a three-dimensional mixed framework of MoO₄ tetrahedra of four varieties, Bi eight-vertex potyhedra, and Li(l)O₆ and Li(2)O₆ octahedra. The large channels of the framework along the c axis contain MoO₄ tetrahedra of the fifth variety with Li(3)O₄ and Li(4)O₄ tetrahedra attached to them via common vertices and forming four symmetrically related chains of pyroxene type. The structure of Li₈Bi₂(MoO₄)₇ involves structural fragments of Li₃Fe(MoO₄)₃ and a-RbPr(MoO₄)₂ and is a new structural type in the class of binary molybdates and tungstates of uniand trivalent metals.     

Structures and properties of the ternary thallium chalcogenides Tl2MQ3 (M = Zr, Hf; Q = S, Se)

We have synthesized new compounds of the formula Tl(2)MQ(3), with M = Zr and Hf and Q = S and Se, and studied their crystallographic features, electronic structures and electrical conductivity. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m (Z = 2), with unit cell parameters for the representative Tl(2)ZrS(3) of a = 7.9159(10) ?, b = 3.7651(5) ?, c = 10.275(2) ?, and β = 97.476(2)°. The Zr atoms of Tl(2)ZrS(3) are (distorted) octahedrally coordinated by the S atoms, with two such octahedra sharing edges along the c axis and forming infinite double chains running parallel to the b axis. Tl atoms separate these chains from one another along the a and c axes. The Tl atoms are also surrounded by S atoms in a distorted octahedral coordination. The structure may be viewed as alternating layers of Zr/Tl atoms and S atoms, and is therefore a distorted, ordered variant of the α-NaFeO(2) structure type. All atoms are in their standard oxidation states: Tl(+), Zr(4+), S(2-). The sulphide Tl(2)ZrS(3) has a calculated band gap of 1.15 eV, and the selenide Tl(2)HfSe(3) a gap of 0.57 eV. The electrical conductivity values of Tl(2)ZrS(3) and Tl(2)HfSe(3) at room temperature are 7.1 × 10(-6)Ω(-1) cm(-1) and 3.9 × 10(-3)Ω(-1) cm(-1), respectively.     

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.     

Preparation and crystal structure of Li6Zr2O7 and Li6Hf2O7

Li₆Zr₂O₇ was obtained by annealing an intimate mixture of LiOH · H₂O and freshly prepared ZrO₂ in a stream of argon. It is monoclinic: C2/c, a = 1 044.5(1), b = 598.9(1), c = 1 020.0(1) pm, β = 100.26(1)°, Z = 4, R = 0.016 for 1 218 F values and 55 variables. The structure is closely related to that of NaCl with an ordered distribution of the metal atoms on the sodium sites while the oxygen atoms occupy seven eighths of the chlorine positions. Li has square pyramidal, Zr octahedral oxygen coordination. The corresponding Hf compound is isotypic: a = 1 040.2(1), b = 596,2(1), c = 1 015.0(1) pm, β = 100.36(1)°. ⁷Li nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of this compound give no indication for a high mobility of the Li⁺ ions.     

Comparing the Atomic Structures of Binary MO2-SiO2 (M = Ti, Zr or Hf) Xerogels

The incorporation of transition-metal oxides into silica can give materials with useful optical, electronic or catalytic properties. For example, ZrO₂-SiO₂ and HfO₂-SiO₂ materials are of interest due to their high dielectric constants. Here we present a comparison of extended X-ray absorption fine structure and small-angle X-ray scattering results for acid-catalysed binary (MO₂) _x (SiO₂)_{1 – x} (M = Ti, Zr or Hf) xerogels, with x up to 0.4 and heat treatments up to 750°C. Detailed observations for TiO₂-SiO₂ and ZrO₂-SiO₂ xerogels provide a basis for interpretation of new results for HfO₂-SiO₂ xerogels. At low concentrations metal atoms are homogeneously incorporated into the silica network. Ti adopts coordinations of 4 or 6, and Zr and Hf both adopt higher coordination of 6 or 7 (the larger coordinations being due to ambient moisture). At higher concentrations, phase separation of metal oxide occurs. Such regions become clearly separated from the silica network for TiO₂, but remain very finely mixed with silica network for ZrO₂ and HfO₂.     

Synthesis and phase formation study in K2MoO4-SrMoO4-R2(MoO4)3 systems (where R = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd)

Subsolidus phase formation in K₂MoO₄-SrMoO₄-R₂(MoO₄)₃ systems, where R = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd, in which KSrR(MoO₄)₃ triple molybdates are formed and crystallize in monoclinic crystal system (space group P2₁/n), have been studied using X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and vibrational spectroscopy. Unit cell parameters have been determined for these molybdates; their IR and Raman spectra are reported.