Phase transitions, structural changes and molecular motions in [Zn(NH3)4](BF4)2 studied by neutron scattering, X-ray powder diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR and ¹⁹F NMR) measurements performed at 90-295 K, inelastic incoherent neutron scattering (IINS) spectra and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) patterns registered at 22-190 K, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) measurements performed at 86-293 K, provided evidence that the crystal of [Zn(NH₃)₄](BF₄)₂ has four solid phases. The phase transitions occurring at: T_C3=101 K, T_C2=117 K and T_C1=178 K, as were detected earlier by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), were connected on one hand only with an insignificant change in the crystal structure and on the other hand with a drastic change in the speed of the anisotropic, uniaxial reorientational motions of the NH₃ ligands and BF₄⁻ anions (at T_C3 and at T_C2) and with the dynamical orientational order-disorder process (“tumbling”) of tetrahedral [Zn(NH₃)₄]²⁺ and BF₄⁻ ions (at T_C1). The crystal structure of [Zn(NH₃)₄](BF₄)₂ at room temperature was determined by XRPD as orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), a=10.523 Å, b=7.892 Å, c=13.354 Å and Z=4. Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine the structure of the intermediate and the low-temperature phase. However, we registered the change of the lattice parameters and unit cell volume as a function of temperature and we can observe only a small deviation from near linear dependence of these parameters upon temperature in the vicinity of the T_C1 phase transition.     

High-pressure high-temperature synthesis and crystal structure of the isotypic rare earth (RE)-thioborate-sulfides RE9[BS3]2[BS4]3S3, (RE=Dy-Lu)

Application of high-pressure high-temperature conditions (3.5 GPa at 1673 K for 5 h) to mixtures of the elements (RE:B:S=1:3:6) yielded crystalline samples of the isotypic rare earth-thioborate-sulfides RE₉[BS₃]₂[BS₄]₃S₃, (RE=Dy-Lu), which crystallize in space group P6₃ (Z=2/3) and adopt the Ce₆Al_3.33S₁₄ structure type. The crystal structures were refined from X-ray powder diffraction data by applying the Rietveld method. Dy: a=9.4044(2) Å, c=5.8855(3) Å; Ho: a=9.3703(1) Å, c=5.8826(1) Å; Er: a=9.3279(12) Å, c=5.8793(8) Å; Tm: a=9.2869(3) Å, c=5.8781(3) Å; Yb: a=9.2514(5) Å, c=5.8805(6) Å; Lu: a=9.2162(3) Å, c=5.8911(3) Å. The crystal structure is characterized by the presence of two isolated complex ions [BS₃]^3- and [BS₄]^5- as well as [□(S^2-)₃] units.     

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).     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a new open-framework iron phosphate (NH4)4Fe3(OH)2F2[H3(PO4)4]: Novel linear trimer of corner-sharing Fe(III) octahedra

A new iron phosphate (NH₄)₄Fe₃(OH)₂F₂[H₃(PO₄)₄] has been synthesized hydrothermally at HF concentrations from 0.5 to 1.2 mL. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals its three-dimensional open-framework structure (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n (No. 14), a=6.2614(13) Å, b=9.844(2) Å, c=14.271(3) Å, β=92.11(1)°, V=879.0(3) Å³). This structure is built from isolated linear trimers of corner-sharing Fe(III) octahedra, which are linked by (PO₄) groups to form ten-membered-ring channels along [1 0 0]. This isolated, linear trimer of corner-sharing Fe(III) octahedra, [(FeO₄)₃(OH)₂F₂], is new and adds to the diverse linkages of Fe polyhedra as secondary building units in iron phosphates. The trivalent iron at octahedral sites for the title compound has been confirmed by synchrotron Fe K-edge XANES spectra and magnetic measurements. Magnetic measurements also show that this compound exhibit a strong antiferromagnetic exchange below T_N=17 K, consistent with superexchange interactions expected for the linear trimer of ferric octahedra with the Fe-F-Fe angle of 132.5°.     

[Cu(men)2(BF4)2] (men = N-methyl-1,2-diaminoethane): Preparation, crystal structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties

Single crystals of [Cu(men)₂(BF₄)₂] (men = N-methyl-1,2-diaminoethane) (1) were isolated from an aqueous-ethanolic system Cu²⁺-men-BF₄⁻. The crystal structure of 1 consists of [Cu(men)₂(BF₄)₂] molecules. Copper ion exhibits usual distorted octahedral coordination; there are two coordinated men ligands in the equatorial plane with Cu-N bonds of 2.0451(12) and 2.0035(12) Å, while the axial positions are occupied by fluorine atoms from BF₄⁻ anions with Cu-F bond of 2.5091(11) Å. The packing of the [Cu(men)₂(BF₄)₂] molecules is governed by N-H?F type hydrogen bonds. The measured ESR spectrum corroborated the presence of Jahn-Teller anisotropy of Cu(II) with g_|| = 2.20 and g_⊥ = 2.06. The magnetic studies in the temperature range 300-2 K reveal that 1 follows the Curie-Weiss law with parameters g = 2.1612(1) and θ = −0.233(1) K suggesting the presence of weak antiferomagnetic interactions.     

Hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis and structural characterization of a new organically templated gallophosphate: [H3N(CH2)2NH3]1/2·[Ga5 (PO4)4(OH)4]

A new three-dimensional open-framework gallophosphate: [H₃N(CH₂)₂NH₃]_1/2·[Ga₅ (PO₄)₄(OH)₄] has been prepared by hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis in presence of ethylenediamine (en) as structure-directing agent. Its structure was determined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with the following crystal data: monoclinic space group C2/m, a=10.1604(9) Å, b=12.0085(15) Å, c=7.1892(7) Å, β=90.797(6)°, V=877.08(16) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0264, wR₂=0.0764. The total numbers of measured reflections and unique reflections were 3508 and 1300, respectively. It is built up from a new secondary building unit (SBU) Ga₄P₄O₂₀(OH)₄, in which Ga atoms exhibit distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination and P atoms are in tetrahedral coordination. The SBU Ga₄P₄O₂₀(OH)₄ are linked into a layer by bridge oxygen atoms. The GaO₄(OH)₂ octahedra link the layers into a three-dimentional framework. Diprotonated ethylenediamine was found in the channel of the framework. The material was characterized by IR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectra, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses and elemental analysis.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of a novel organo-templated iron(III) borophosphate: (C3H12N2)Fe 6(H2O)4[B4P8O32(OH)8]

The organo-templated iron(III) borophosphate (C₃H₁₂N₂)Fe^III ₆(H₂O)₄[B₄P₈O₃₂(OH)₈] was prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions (at 443 K) and the crystal structure was determined from single crystal X-ray data at 295 K (monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a=5.014(2) Å, b=9.309(2) Å, c=20.923(7) Å, β=110.29(2)°, V=915.9(5) Å³, Z=2, R1=0.049, wR2=0.107 for all data, 2234 observed reflections with I>2σ(I)). The title compound contains a complex inorganic framework of borophosphate trimers [BP₂O₈(OH)₂]⁵⁻ together with FeO₄(OH)(H₂O)- and FeO₄(OH)₂-octahedra forming channels with ten-membered ring apertures in which the diaminopropane cations are located. The magnetization measurements confirm the Fe(III)-state and show an antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N≈14.0(1) K.     

Low-temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction and high-pressure Raman studies on [(CH3)2NH2]2[SbCl5]

The structure of bis(dimethylammonium) pentachloroantimonate(III), [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂[SbCl₅], BDP, was studied at 15 K and ambient pressure by single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as at ambient temperature and high pressures up to 4.87(5) GPa by Raman spectroscopy. BDP crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=8.4069(4), b=11.7973(7), c=14.8496(7) Å, and Z=4; R₁=0.0381, wR₂=0.0764. The structure consists of distorted [SbCl₆]³⁻ octahedra forming zig-zag [{SbCl₅}_n]²ⁿ⁻ chains that are cross-linked by dimethylammonium [(CH₃)₂NH₂]⁺ cations. The organic and inorganic substructures are bound together by the N-H…Cl hydrogen bonds. The distortions of [SbCl₆]³⁻ units increase, partly due to the influence of the hydrogen bonds which became stronger, with decreasing temperature. The preliminary room temperature, high-pressure X-ray diffraction experiments suggest that BDP undergoes a first-order phase transition below ca. 0.44(5) GPa that destroys single-crystal samples. The transition is accompanied by changes in the intensities and positions of the Raman lines below 400 cm⁻¹.     

Crystal structures of lazulite-type oxidephosphates TiTi3O3(PO4)3 and M4Ti27O24(PO4)24 (M=Ti, Cr, Fe)

Single crystals of the oxidephosphates Ti^IIITi^IV₃O₃(PO₄)₃ (black), Cr^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (red-brown, transparent), and Fe^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (brown) with edge-lengths up to 0.3 mm were grown by chemical vapour transport. The crystal structures of these orthorhombic members (space group F2dd ) of the lazulite/lipscombite structure family were refined from single-crystal data [Ti^IIITi^IV₃O₃(PO₄)₃: Z=24, a=7.3261(9) Å, b=22.166(5) Å, c=39.239(8) Å, R₁=0.029, wR₂=0.084, 6055 independent reflections, 301 variables; Cr^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄: Z=1, a=7.419(3) Å, b=21.640(5) Å, c=13.057(4) Å, R₁=0.037, wR₂=0.097, 1524 independent reflections, 111 variables; Fe^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄: Z=1, a=7.4001(9) Å, b=21.7503(2) Å, c=12.775(3) Å, R₁=0.049, wR₂=0.140, 1240 independent reflections, 112 variables). For Ti^IIITi^IVO₃(PO₄)₃ a well-ordered structure built from dimers [Ti^III,IV₂O₉] and [Ti^IV,IV₂O₉] and phosphate tetrahedra is found. The metal sites in the crystal structures of Cr₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ and Fe₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄, consisting of dimers [M^IIITi^IVO₉] and [Ti^IV,IV₂O₉], monomeric [Ti^IVO₆] octahedra, and phosphate tetrahedra, are heavily disordered. Site disorder, leading to partial occupancy of all octahedral voids of the parent lipscombite/lazulite structure, as well as splitting of the metal positions is observed. According to Guinier photographs Ti^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (a=7.418(2) Å, b=21.933(6) Å, c=12.948(7) Å) is isotypic to the oxidephosphates M^III₄Ti^IV₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ (M^III: Cr, Fe). The UV/vis spectrum of Cr₄Ti₂₇O₂₄(PO₄)₂₄ reveals a rather small ligand-field splitting Δ_o=14,370 cm⁻¹ and a very low nephelauxetic ratio β=0.72 for the chromophores [Cr^IIIO₆] within the dimers [Cr^IIITi^IVO₉].     

New Gallium Phosphate Frameworks Containing 1,4-Diaminobutane and 1,5-Diaminopentane: [NH3(CH2)xNH3][Ga4(PO4)4(HPO4)] and [NH3(CH2)xNH3][Ga(PO4)(HPO4)] (x=4 and 5)

Two new gallium phosphates, [NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃][Ga₄(PO₄)₄ (HPO₄)] (I) and [NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃][Ga(PO₄)(HPO₄)] (II), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions in the presence of 1,4-diaminobutane and their structures determined using room-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Compound (I) (M_r=844.90, triclinic, space group P-1, a=9.3619(3), b=10.1158(3) and c=12.6456(5) Å, α=98.485(1), β=107.018(2) and γ=105.424(1)°; V=1070.39 ų, Z=2, R=3.68% and R_w=4.40% for 2918 observed data [I>3(σ(I))]) consists of GaO₄ and PO₄ tetrahedra and GaO₅ trigonal bipyramids linked to generate an open three-dimensional framework containing 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-membered rings of alternating Ga- and P-based polyhedra. 1,4-Diaminobutane dications are located in channels bounded by the 12-membered rings in the two-dimensional pore network and are held to the framework by hydrogen bonding. Compound (II) (M_r=350.84, monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a=4.8922(1), b=18.3638(6) and c=13.7468(5) Å, β=94.581(1)°; V=1227.76 ų, Z=4, R=2.95% and R_w=3.37% for 2050 observed data [I>3(σ(I))]) contains chains of edge-sharing 4-membered rings of alternating GaO₄ and PO₄ tetrahedra constituting a backbone from which hang ‘pendant’ PO₃(OH) groups. Hydrogen bonding between the GaPO framework and the diamine dications holds the structure together. A previously reported phase, [NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃][Ga₄(PO₄)₄(HPO₄)] (V), structurally related but distinct from its stoichiometric equivalent, (I), has been prepared as a pure phase by this method. Two further materials, [NH₃(CH₂)₅NH₃][Ga₄(PO₄)₄(HPO₄)] (III) (tricli- nic, lattice parameters from PXD: a=9.3565(4), b=5.0156(2) and c=12.7065(4) Å, α=96.612(3), β=102.747(4) and γ=105.277(3)°) and [NH₃(CH₂)₅NH₃][Ga(PO₄)(HPO₄)] (IV) (M_r=364.86, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=4.9239(2), b=13.2843(4) and c=19.5339(7) Å, β=96.858(1)°; V=1268.58 ų, Z=4, R=3.74% and R_w=4.44% for 2224 observed room-temperature data [I>3(σ(I))]), were also prepared under similar conditions in the presence of 1,5-diaminopentane. (III) and (IV) are structurally related to, yet distinct from (I) and (II) respectively.     

A Suberato-Pillared Mn(II) Coordination Polymer: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Mn2(H2O)[O2C(CH2)6CO2]2

A suberato-pillared Mn(II) coordination polymer Mn₂(H₂O)(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂ was hydrothermally synthesized at 170°C for 3 days and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data: monoclinic, C2/c, Z=4, a=26.544(5), b=7.617(2), c=9.187(2) Å, β=105.38(2)°, V=1791.0(7) ų, R₁=0.064 and wR₂=0.162. The compound shows a layered structure consisting of inorganic Mn oxygen polyhedral layers and organic regions. The inorganic Mn oxygen layers are generated from Mn₂O₁₀ bioctahedral units, which share corners with neighbors to form zigzag chains along the [001] direction and are, along the [010] direction, further connected by carboxylate groups of the suberato ligands and hydrogen bonds. The magnetic studies indicated that the compound becomes antiferromagnetic at low temperatures with T_Néel=12 K and follows Curie-Weiss law χ_m(T+22.429)= 4.48 cm³ mol⁻¹ K between 25 and 300 K. Upon heating in Ar stream, Mn₂(H₂O)(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂ decomposes in three steps.     

[H3N(CH2)4NH3]2[Al4(C2O4)(H2PO4)2(PO4)4]·4[H2O]: A new layered aluminum phosphate-oxalate

A new layered inorganic-organic hybrid aluminum phosphate-oxalate [H₃N(CH₂)₄NH₃]₂[Al₄(C₂O₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(PO₄)₄]·4[H₂O](AlPO-CJ25) has been synthesized hydrothermally, by using 1,4-diaminobutane (DAB) as structure-directing agent. The structure has been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by IR, ³¹P MAS NMR, TG-DTA as well as compositional analyses. Crystal data: the triclinic space group P-1, a=8.0484(7) Å, b=8.8608(8) Å, c=13.2224(11) Å, α=80.830(6)°, β=74.965(5)°, γ=78.782(6)°, Z=2, R_1[I>2σ(I)]=0.0511 and wR_{2(all data)}=0.1423. The alternation of AlO₄ tetrahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra gives rise to the four-membered corner-sharing chains, which are interconnected through AlO₆ octahedra to form the layered structure with 4,6-net sheet. Interestingly, oxalate ions are bis-bidentately bonded by participating in the coordination of AlO₆, and bridging the adjacent AlO₆ octahedra. The layers are held with each other through strong H-bondings between the terminal oxygens. The organic ammonium cations and water molecules are located in the large cavities between the interlayer regions.     

K3Ln[OB(OH)2]2[HOPO3]2 (Ln=Yb, Lu): Layered rare-earth dihydrogen borate monohydrogen phosphates

Two isotypic layered rare-earth borate phosphates, K₃Ln[OB(OH)₂]₂[HOPO₃]₂ (Ln=Yb, Lu), were synthesized hydrothermally and the crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (R3?, Z=3, Yb: a=5.6809(2) Å, c=36.594(5) Å, V=1022.8(2) ų, Lu: a=5.6668(2) Å, c=36.692(2) Å, V=1020.4(1) ų). The crystal structure can be described in terms of stacking of Glaserite-type slabs consisting of LnO₆ octahedra interlinked by phosphate tetrahedra and additional layers of [OB(OH)₂]^- separated by K⁺ ions. Field and temperature dependent measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of the Yb-compound revealed Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior above 120 K (μ_eff=4.7 μ_B). Magnetic ordering was not observed down to 1.8 K.     

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⁻.     

Synthesis and Structure of a New Organic-Inorganic Framework with Tetranuclear Clusters, [Co4(OH)2(H2O)2](C4H11N2)2[C6H2(COO)4]2·3H2O

A new hybrid organic-inorganic three-dimensional compound, [Co₄(OH)₂(H₂O)₂](C₄H₁₁N₂)₂[C₆H₂(CO₂)₄]₂·3H₂O 1, has been synthesized via hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with a=6.3029(9) Å, b=16.413(2) Å, c=17.139(2) Å, β=98.630(2)°, V=1735.0(4) ų, Z=2. Compound 1 contains tetranuclear Co₄(μ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)₂ clusters that are inter-linked by pyromellitate bridging ligands into a three-dimensional structure containing one-dimensional tunnels along the a-axis with water and pendant monoprotonated piperazine molecules in the center. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility was measured from 2 to 300 K at 5000 Oe showing a predominantly anti-ferromagnetic interaction in 1, and the field dependence of magnetization was measured at 2, 5, 15, and 20 K indicating the competition of magnetic interactions in the tetranuclear centers.     

An Unusual Organic-Inorganic Chain-like Hybrid Complex [(CuCl)2(o-phen)]∞ (o-phen=o-phenanthroline)

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid complex [(CuCl)₂(o-phen)]_∞ 1 (o-phen=o-phenanthroline) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, XPS spectrum, TG analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n, a=3.7285(7) Å, b=19.603(4) Å, c=16.757(3) Å, β=95.83(3)°, V=1218.4(4) ų, Z=4, λ(MoKα)=0.71073 Å (R(F)=0.0643 for 2559 reflections). Data were collected on an R-axis RAPID diffractometer at 293 K in the range of 1.60<θ<27.48°. The title compound exhibits a one-dimensional chain-like scaffolding constructed by the unusual [Cu₃Cl₃] hexagon motifs by sharing opposite edges. Only Cu(1) sites of the [Cu₃Cl₃] hexagon are coordinated with N donors of o-phen groups. Furthermore, the three-dimensional supermolecular architecture is formed by C-H…Cl hydrogen bonds between o-phen groups and CuCl chains.     

Synthesis and structure of a 1,6-hexyldiamine heptaborate, [H3N(CH2)6NH3][B7O10(OH)3]

A new 1,6-hexyldiamine heptaborate, [H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃][B₇O₁₀(OH)₃] (1), has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n with a=8.042(2) Å, b=20.004(4) Å, c=10.103(2) Å, and β=90.42(3)°. The anionic [B₇O₁₀(OH)₃]_n²ⁿ⁻ layers are interlinked via hydrogen bonding to form a 3D supramolecular network containing large channels, in which the templated [H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃]²⁺ cations are located.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of the first tin(II) squarate Sn2O(C4O4)(H2O)—comparison with Sn2[Sn2O2F4]

A tin(II) squarate Sn₂O(C₄O₄)(H₂O) was synthesized by hydrothermal technique. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/m (no. 12) with lattice parameters a=12.7380(9) Å, b=7.9000(3) Å, c=8.3490(5) Å, β=121.975(3)°, V=712.69(7) Å³, Z=4. The crystal structure determined with an R=0.042 factor, consists of [(Sn₄O₁₀)(H₂O)₂] units connected from one another in the [101] and [010] directions via squarate groups to form layers separated by Sn(II) lone pairs. This compound presents the same remarkable structural arrangement as observed in the tin-oxo-fluoride Sn₂[Sn₂O₂F₄] inorganic compound with Sn(II) lone pairs E(1) and E(2) concentrated in large rectangular-shape tunnels running along [001] direction.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic studies of the new pillared microporous ammonium Fe(III) carboxyethylphosphonate: [NH4][Fe2(OH){O3P(CH2)2CO2}2]

The preparation by hydrothermal reaction and the crystal structure of the iron(III) carboxyethylphosphonate of formula [NH₄][Fe₂(OH){O₃P(CH₂)₂CO₂}₂] is reported. The green-yellow compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group Pc(n.7), with the following unit-cell parameters: a=7.193(3) Å, b=9.776(3) Å, c=10.17(4) Å and β=94.3(2)°. It shows a typical layered hybrid organic-inorganic structure featuring an alternation of organic and inorganic layers along the a-axis of the unit cell. The bifunctional ligand [O₃P(CH₂)₂CO₂]³⁻ is deprotonated and acts as a linker between adjacent inorganic layers, to form pillars along the a-axis. The inorganic layers are made up of dinuclear Fe(III) units, formed by coordination of the metal ions with the oxygen atoms originating from the [O₃P−]²⁻ end of the carboxyethylphosphonate molecules, the oxygen atoms of the [−CO₂]⁻ end group of a ligand belonging to the adjacent layer and the oxygen atom of the bridged OH group. Each Fe(III) ion is six-coordinated in a very distorted octahedral environment. Within the dimer the Fe-Fe separation is found to be 3.5 Å, and the angle inside the [Fe(1)-O(11)-Fe(2)] dimers is ∼124°. The resulting 3D framework contains micropores delimited by four adjacent dimers in the (bc) planes of the unit cell. These holes develop along the a-direction as tunnel-like pores and [NH₄]⁺ cations are located there. The presence of the μ-hydroxo-bridged [Fe(1)-O(11)-Fe(2)] dimers in the lattice is also responsible for the magnetic behavior of the compound at low temperatures. The compound contains Fe³⁺ ions in the high-spin state and the two Fe(III) ions are antiferromagnetic coupled. The J/k value of −16.3 K is similar to those found for other μ-hydroxo-bridged Fe(III) dimeric systems having the same geometry.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and optical spectroscopy of Ln2(SO4)3·8H2O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and Pr2(SO4)3·4H2O

The lanthanide sulphate octahydrates Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) and the respective tetrahydrate Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O were obtained by evaporation of aqueous reaction mixtures of trivalent rare earth oxides and sulphuric acid at 300 K. Ln₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O (Ln=Ho, Tm) crystallise in space group C2/c (Z=4, a_Ho=13.4421(4) Å, b_Ho=6.6745(2) Å, c_Ho=18.1642(5) Å, β_Ho=102.006(1) Å³ and a_Tm=13.4118(14) Å, b_Tm=6.6402(6) Å, c_Tm=18.1040(16) Å, β_Tm=101.980(8) Å³), Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O adopts space group P2₁/n (a=13.051(3) Å, b=7.2047(14) Å, c=13.316(3) Å, β=92.55(3) Å³). The vibrational and optical spectra of Ho₂(SO₄)₃·8H₂O and Pr₂(SO₄)₃·4H₂O are also reported.