Neue Zinn‐reiche Stannide der Systeme AII‐Al‐Sn (AII = Ca,Sr, Ba)

New Tin‐rich Stannides of the Systems A^II‐Al‐Sn (A^II = Ca, Sr, Ba) Four new tin‐rich intermetallics of the ternary systems Ca/Sr/Ba‐Al‐Sn were synthesized from stoichiometric amounts of the elements at maximum temperatures of 1200 °C. Their crystal structures, representing two new types, have been determined using single crystal x‐ray diffraction. Close to the 1:1 composition, the structures of the two isotypic compounds A₁₈[Al₄(Al/Sn)₂Sn₄][Sn₄][Sn]₂ (overall composition A₉M₈; A = Sr/Ba, tetragonal, space group P4/mbm, a = 1325.9(1)/1378.6(1), c = 1272.8(2)/1305.4(1) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0430/0.0293) contain three different anionic Sn/Al building units: Isolated Sn atoms (motif I) coordinated by the alkaline earth cations only (comparable to Ca₂Sn), linear Sn chains (II), which are comparable to the anions in trielides related to the W₅Si₃ structure type and finally octahedral clusters [Al₄M₂Sn₄] (III), composed of four Al atoms forming the center plane, two statistically occupied Al/Sn atoms at the apexes and four exohedral Sn attached to Al. Close to the AM₂ composition, two isotypic tin‐rich intermetallics A₉[Al₃Sn₂][(Sn/Al)₄]Sn₆ (overall composition A₉M₁₅; A = Ca/Sr; space group C2/m, a = 2175.2(1)/2231.0(2), b = 1210.8(1)/1247.0(1), c = 1007.4(1)/1042.0(2) pm, β = 103.38(1)/103.42(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0541/0.0378) are formed. Their structure is best described as a complex three‐dimensional network, that can be considered to consist of the building units of the binary border phases too, i.e. linear zig‐zag chains of Sn (motif I) like in CaSn, ladders of four‐bonded Sn/Al atoms (II) like in SrAl₂ and trigonal‐bipyramidal clusters [Al₃Sn₂] (III) also present in Ba₃Al₅. Despite the complex structures, some statistically occupied Al/Sn positions and the small disorder of one building unit, the bonding in both structure types can be interpreted using the Zintl concept and Wade's electron counting rules when taking partial Sn‐Sn bonds into account.     

Intermetallic Phases in the Ca‐Cu‐Sn System

Twelve ternary alloys in the Ca‐Cu‐Sn system were synthesized as a test on the existing phases. They were prepared from the elements sealed under argon in Ta crucibles, melted in an induction furnace and annealed at 700 °C or 600 °C. Four ordered compounds were found: CaCuSn (YbAuSn type), Imm2, a = 4.597(1) Å, b = 22.027(2) Å, c = 7.939(1) Å, Z = 12, wR2 = 0.080, 1683 F² values; Ca₃Cu₈Sn₄ (Nd₃Co₈Sn₄ type), P6₃mc, a = 9.125(1) Å, c = 7.728(1) Å, Z = 2, wR2 = 0.087, 704 F² values; CaCu₂Sn₂ (new structure type), C2/m, a = 10.943(3) Å, b = 4.222(1) Å, c = 4.834(1) Å, β = 107.94(1)°, Z = 2, wR2 = 0.051, 343 F² values; CaCu₉Sn₄ (LaFe₉Si₄ type), I4/mcm, a = 8.630(1) Å, c = 12.402(1) Å, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.047, 566 F² values. In all phases the shortest Cu‐Sn distances are in the range 2.59‐2.66Å, while the shortest Cu‐Cu distances are practically the same, 2.53‐2.54Å, except CaCuSn where no Cu‐Cu contacts occur.     

The Stannides YNi x Sn2 ( x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) – Syntheses, Structure, and 119Sn M?ssbauer Spectroscopy

Summary. The stannides YNi _x Sn₂ (x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) were prepared by arc-melting of the pure elements. They were characterized through X-ray powder and single crystal data: ZrSi₂ type, space group Cmcm, a = 438.09(6), b = 1629.6(4), c = 430.34(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0607, 386 F ² values, 14 variables for YSn₂, CeNiSi₂ type, Cmcm, a = 440.6(1), b = 1640.3(1), c = 433.0(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0632, 416 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂, a = 441.0(1), b = 1646.3(1), c = 434.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 287 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂, and LuNiSn₂ type, space group Pnma, a = 1599.3(3), b = 440.89(5), c = 1456.9(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0375, 1538 F ² values, 74 variables for YNiSn₂. The YSn₂ structure contains Sn1–Sn1 zig-zag chains (297 pm) and planar Sn2 networks (307 pm). The stannides YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂ and YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂ are nickel filled versions of YSn₂. The nickel atoms have a distorted pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 220 to 239 pm. New stannide YNiSn₂ adopts the LuNiSn₂ type. The nickel and tin atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [NiSn₂] network in which the yttrium atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. Within the network all nickel atoms have a distorted square pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 247 to 276 pm. Except the Sn4 atoms which are located in a tricapped trigonal Y₆ prism, all tin atoms have between 4 and 5 tin neighbors between 297 and 350 pm. ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopic data of YNi _x Sn₂ show a decreasing isomer shift (from 2.26 to 2.11 mm/s) from YSn₂ to YNiSn₂, indicating decrease of the s electron density at the tin nuclei.     

The Stannides YNi x Sn2 ( x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) – Syntheses, Structure, and 119Sn M?ssbauer Spectroscopy

The stannides YNi _x Sn₂ (x = 0, 0.14, 0.21, 1) were prepared by arc-melting of the pure elements. They were characterized through X-ray powder and single crystal data: ZrSi₂ type, space group Cmcm, a = 438.09(6), b = 1629.6(4), c = 430.34(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0607, 386 F ² values, 14 variables for YSn₂, CeNiSi₂ type, Cmcm, a = 440.6(1), b = 1640.3(1), c = 433.0(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0632, 416 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂, a = 441.0(1), b = 1646.3(1), c = 434.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0491, 287 F ² values, 19 variables for YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂, and LuNiSn₂ type, space group Pnma, a = 1599.3(3), b = 440.89(5), c = 1456.9(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0375, 1538 F ² values, 74 variables for YNiSn₂. The YSn₂ structure contains Sn1–Sn1 zig-zag chains (297 pm) and planar Sn2 networks (307 pm). The stannides YNi_0.142(7)Sn₂ and YNi_0.207(7)Sn₂ are nickel filled versions of YSn₂. The nickel atoms have a distorted pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 220 to 239 pm. New stannide YNiSn₂ adopts the LuNiSn₂ type. The nickel and tin atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [NiSn₂] network in which the yttrium atoms fill distorted pentagonal and hexagonal channels. Within the network all nickel atoms have a distorted square pyramidal tin coordination with Ni–Sn distances ranging from 247 to 276 pm. Except the Sn4 atoms which are located in a tricapped trigonal Y₆ prism, all tin atoms have between 4 and 5 tin neighbors between 297 and 350 pm. ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopic data of YNi _x Sn₂ show a decreasing isomer shift (from 2.26 to 2.11 mm/s) from YSn₂ to YNiSn₂, indicating decrease of the s electron density at the tin nuclei.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Intermetallic Lithium Stannides LiTSn4 (T = Ru,Rh, Ir) with Ordered PdGa5 Type Structure

LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ were prepared by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules at 1220 K. The tubes were subsequently annealed at 870 K for one week. The three stannides were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals and the structures were refined from single crystal data: I4/mcm, a = 662.61(3), c = 1116.98(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 283 F² values for LiRuSn₄, a = 658.73(5), c = 1136.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0532, 313 F² values for LiRhSn₄ and a = 657.34(5), c = 1130.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0343, 176 F² values for LiIrSn₄ with 11 variables for each refinement. LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ crystallize with a ternary ordered variant of the PdGa₅ structure. The transition metal (T) atoms have a square antiprismatic tin environment and they form two‐dimensional [TSn₄] polyanions with relatively short Ru—Sn (279 pm), Rh—Sn (280 pm), and Ir—Sn (280 pm) distances. The lithium atoms connect the polyanionic [TSn₄] layers. They are located in square prismatic voids formed by tin atoms. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of these stannides is briefly discussed.     

Transitions Between Lanthanum Cuprates: Crystal Structures of T′, Orthorhombic,and K2NiF4‐type La2CuO4

Through low‐temperature synthesis in CsOH flux, lanthanum cuprate La₂CuO₄ can be obtained in a metastable form, the so‐called T′ modification (tetragonal, I4/mmm, no. 139, a = 400.95(2) pm, c = 1254.08(7) pm). When heated, this T′ phase transforms into a K₂NiF₄‐type modification, whose crystal structure was now refined from X‐ray powder data (tetragonal, I4/mmm, no. 139, a = 383.29(3) pm, c = 1331.3(2) pm at T = 1073 K). The well‐known orthorhombic phase (s.g. Cmce, no. 64, a = 536.14(3) pm, b = 1315.53(8) pm, c = 540.20(3) pm) – usually obtained via conventional solid state synthesis – was observed to form upon cooling from the K₂NiF₄‐type modification. High‐temperature powder diffractometry allowed crystal structure refinements for all of the three phases.     

Preparation and Crystal Structures of some Binary Pnictides of Scandium,Zirconium, and Hafnium: Sc5Bi3, ZrBi, α‐HfSb,HfBi, HfBi2, and the Compound Zr5Bi3X1–x,Possibly Stabilized by an Impurity (X)

The title compounds were prepared by reaction of the elemental components. Of these Sc₅Bi₃ is a new compound. Its orthorhombic β‐Yb₅Sb₃ type crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: Pnma, a = 1124.4(1) pm, b = 888.6(1) pm, c = 777.2(1) pm, R = 0.024 for 1140 structure factors and 44 variable parameters. For the other compounds we have established the crystal structures. ZrBi has ZrSb type structure with a noticeable homogeneity range. This structure type was also found for the low temperature (α) form of HfSb and for HfBi. For α‐HfSb this structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: Cmcm, a = 377.07(4) pm, b = 1034.7(1) pm, c = 1388.7(1) pm, R = 0.043 for 432 F values and 22 variables. HfBi₂ has TiAs₂ type structure: Pnnm, a = 1014.2(2) pm, b = 1563.9(3) pm, c = 396.7(1) pm. The structure was refined from single‐crystal data to a residual of R = 0.074 for 1038 F values and 40 variables. In addition, a zirconium bismuthide, possibly stabilized by light impurity elements X and crystallizing with the hexagonal Mo₅Si₃C_1–x type structure, was observed: Zr₅Bi₃X_1–x, a = 873.51(6) pm, c = 599.08(5) pm. The positions of the heavy atoms of this structure were refined from X‐ray powder film data. Various aspects of impurity stabilization of intermetallics are discussed.     

Magnesium‐Tin Substitution in NiMg2

The binary intermetallic compound NiMg₂ (own structure type) forms a pronounced solid solution NiMg_2?xSn_x. The structure of NiMg_1.85(1)Sn_0.15(1) was refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data: P6₄22, a = 520.16(7), c = 1326.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0693, 464 F² values, and 20 variables. With increasing magnesium/tin substitution, the structure type changes. Crystals with x = 0.22 and 0.40 adopt the orthorhombic CuMg₂ type: Fddd, a = 911.0(2), b = 514.6(1), c = 1777.0(4) pm, wR2 = 0.0427, 394 F² values for NiMg_1.78(1)Sn_0.22(1), and a = 909.4(1), b = 512.9(1), c = 1775.6(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0445, 307 F² values for NiMg_1.60(1)Sn_0.40(1) with 19 variables per refinement. The nickel atoms build up almost linear chains with Ni–Ni distances between 260 and 263 pm in both modifications where each nickel atom has coordination number 10 with two nickel and eight Mg/Sn neighbors. Both magnesium sites in the NiMg₂ and CuMg₂ type structures show Mg/Sn mixing. The Ni polyhedra are condensed leading to dense layers which show a different stacking sequence in both structure types. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these intermetallics are briefly discussed.     

Zn‐rich Zincides of the Ternary System Ca–Mg–Zn: Synthesis,Crystal structure,Chemical Bonding

In the course of a study on the role of magnesium in polar zincides of the heavier alkaline‐earth elements, three intermetallic phases of the ternary system Ca–Mg–Zn were synthesized from melts of the elements and their structures were determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray data. Starting from the binary zincide CaZn₁₁, the phase width of the BaCd₁₁‐type structure reaches up to the fully ordered stoichiometric compound CaMgZn₁₀ [tI48, space group I4₁/amd, a = 1082.66(6), c = 688.95(5) pm, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0239]. The new compound CaMgZn₅ (oP28, space group Pnma, a = 867.48(3), b = 530.37(5), c = 1104.45(9) pm, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0385) crystallizes in the CeCu₆‐type structure, exhibits no Mg/Zn phase width and has no binary border equivalent in the system Ca–Mg–Zn. Similar to the situation in CaMgZn₁₀, one M position of the aristotype has a slightly larger coordination sphere (CN = 14) and is accordingly occupied by the larger Mg atoms. The third phase, Ca_2+xMg_6–x–yZn_15+y (hP92, space group P6₃/mmc, a = 1476.00(5), c = 881.01(4) pm, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0399 for Ca_2.67Mg_5.18Zn_15.15) forms the hexagonal Sm₃Mg₁₃Zn₃₀‐type structure also known as μ‐MgZnRE or S phase. A small phase width (x = 0–0.67; y = 0–0.58) is due to the slightly variable Ca or Zn content of the two Mg positions. The structure is described as an intergrowth of the hexagonal MgZn₂ Laves phase and the CaZn₂ structure (KHg₂‐type). All compounds exhibit strong Zn–Zn and polar Mg–Zn covalent bonds, which are visible in the calculated electron density maps. Their structures are thus herein described using the full space tilings of [Zn₄] and [MgZn₃] tetrahedra, which are fused to polyanions consisting of tetrahedra stars, icosahedra segments etc. and the large (CN = 18–22) Ca cation coordination polyhedra. Pseudo bandgaps apparent in the tDOS are compatible with the narrow v.e./M ranges observed for other isotypic members of the three structure types.     

Synthesis,Spectroscopic, and X‐Ray Diffraction Studies of cis‐Dichlorobis(4‐propanoyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl3 H‐pyrazol‐3‐onato) Tin(IV)

Reaction between an aqueous ethanol solution of tin(II) chloride and that of 4‐propanoyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐3 H‐pyrazol‐3‐one in the presence of O₂ gave the compound cis‐dichlorobis(4‐propanoyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐3 H‐pyrazol‐3‐onato) tin(IV) [(C₂₆H₂₆N₄O₄)SnCl₂]. The compound has a six‐coordinated Sn^IV centre in a distorted octahedral configuration with two chloro ligands in cis position. The tin atom is also at a pseudo two‐fold axis of inversion for both the ligand anions and the two cis‐chloro ligands. The orange compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with unit cell dimensions, a = 8.741(3) Å, b = 12.325(7) Å, c = 13.922(7) Å; α = 71.59(4), β = 79.39(3), γ = 75.18(4); Z = 2 and D_x = 1.575 g cm^–3. The important bond distances in the chelate ring are Sn–O [2.041 to 2.103 Å], Sn–Cl [2.347 to 2.351 Å], C–O [1.261 to 1.289 Å] and C–C [1.401 Å] the bond angles are O–Sn–O 82.6 to 87.7° and Cl–Sn–Cl 97.59°. The UV, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectral data of the compound are reported and discussed.     

Dimorphic ErAgSn and TmAgSn – High‐Pressure and High‐Temperature Driven Phase Transitions

The stannides ErAgSn and TmAgSn have been investigated under high‐temperature (HT) and high‐pressure (HP) conditions in order to investigate their structural chemistry. ErAgSn and TmAgSn are dimorphic: normal‐pressure (NP) ErAgSn and HT‐TmAgSn crystallize into the NdPtSb type structure, P6₃mc, a = 466.3(1), c = 729.0(2) pm for NP‐ErAgSn and a = 465.4(1), c = 726.6(2) pm for HT‐TmAgSn. NP‐ErAgSn was obtained via arc‐melting of the elements and subsequent annealing at 970 K, while HT‐TmAgSn crystallized directly from the melt by rapidly quenching the arc‐melted sample. HT‐TmAgSn transforms to the ZrNiAl type low‐temperature modification upon annealing at 970 K. The high‐pressure (HP) modification of ErAgSn was synthesized under multianvil high‐pressure (11.5 GPa) high‐temperature (1420 K) conditions from NP‐ErAgSn: ZrNiAl type, , a = 728.7(2), c = 445.6(1) pm. The silver and tin atoms in NP‐ErAgSn and HT‐TmAgSn build up two‐dimensional, puckered [Ag₃Sn₃] networks (277 pm intralayer Ag–Sn distance in NP‐ErAgSn) that are charge‐balanced and separated by the erbium and thulium atoms. The fourth neighbor in the adjacent layer has a longer Ag–Sn distance of 298 pm. The [AgSn] network in HP‐ErAgSn is three‐dimensional. Each silver atom has four tin neighbors (281–285 pm Ag–Sn). The [AgSn] network leaves distorted hexagonal channels, which are filled with the erbium atoms. The crystal chemistry of the three phases is discussed.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Crystal Structure of a Silver(I) Complex containing AMTT (AMTT = 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thione)

The reaction of 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thione with AgNO₃ in methanol led to the complex [Ag(ATT)₂]NO₃ ( 2 ). 2 was characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹HNMR and Raman spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Crystal data for 2 at ?70 °C: space group P2₁/n with a = 1356.7(12), b = 770.4(7), c = 1475.2(12) pm, β = 111.730(15)°, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0402.     

Semiconducting La2AuP3, the Metallic Conductor Ce2AuP3, and other Rare‐Earth Gold Phosphides Ln2AuP3 with Two Closely Related Crystal Structures

The compounds Ln₂AuP₃ were synthesized by reaction of the elemental components in evacuated silica tubes. Their crystal structures were determined from single‐crystal diffractometer data. The compounds with Ln = La, Ce, and Pr crystallize with an orthorhombic U₂NiC₃ type structure (Pnma, Z = 4). The structure refinement for Ce₂AuP₃ resulted in a = 774.14(6) pm, b = 421.11(4) pm, c = 1612.3(1) pm, R = 0.019 for 1410 structure factors and 38 variable parameters. For Pr₂AuP₃ a residual of R = 0.024 was obtained. Nd₂AuP₃ crystallizes with a monoclinic distortion of this structure: P2₁/c, Z = 4, a = 416.14(4) pm, b = 768.87(6) pm, c = 1647.1(2) pm, β = 104.06(1)°, R = 0.022 for 1361 F values and 56 variables. The near‐neighbor coordinations of the two structures are nearly the same. In both structures the gold and phosphorus atoms form two‐dimensionally infinite nets, where the gold atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated by phosphorus atoms with Au–P distances varying between 245.8 and 284.2 pm. Two thirds of the phosphorus atoms form pairs with single‐bond distances varying between 217.7 and 218.9 pm. Thus, using oxidation numbers the structures can be rationalized with the formulas (Ln⁺³)₂[AuP₃]^–6 and (Ln⁺³)₂Au⁺¹(P₂)^–4P^–3. Accordingly, La₂AuP₃ is a diamagnetic semiconductor. Pr₂AuP₃ is semiconducting with an antiferromagnetic ground state, showing metamagnetism with a critical field of B_c = 0.5(± 0.1) T. In contrast, the cerium compound is a metallic conductor, even though its cell volume indicates that the cerium atoms are essentially trivalent, as is also suggested by the ferro‐ or ferrimagnetic behavior of the compound.     

Lanthanoid Antimonides Ln2Sb5 (Ln = Sm,Gd, Tb,Dy) and Rationalization of Chemical Bonding within the Antimony Polyanion by Combining the Zintl‐Klemm Concept with Bond‐Length Bond‐Strength Relationships

The title compounds are formed by peritectic reactions. Single crystals could be isolated from samples with high antimony content. Their structure was determined for Dy₂Sb₅ from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data: P2₁/m, a = 1306.6(1) pm, b = 416.27(4) pm, c = 1458.4(1) pm, β = 102.213(8)°, Z = 4, R = 0.061 for 2980 structure factors and 86 variable parameters. All dysprosium atoms have nine antimony neighbors forming tricapped trigonal prisms with Dy–Sb distances varying between 308 and 338 pm. The antimony atoms occupy ten different sites with greatly varying coordination. One extreme case is an antimony atom surrounded only by dysprosium atoms in trigonal prismatic arrangement, the other one is an antimony atom in distorted octahedral antimony coordination. The various antimony‐antimony interactions (with Sb–Sb distances varying between 284 and 338 pm) are rationalized by combining the Zintl‐Klemm concept with bond‐length bond‐strength considerations.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von (3‐Methylpyridinium)3[DyCl6] und (3‐Methylpyridinium)2[DyCl5(Ethanol)]

Preparation and Structure of (3‐Methylpyridinium)₃[DyCl₆] and (3‐Methylpyridinium)₂[DyCl₅(Ethanol)] The complex chlorides (3‐Methylpyridinium)₃[DyCl₆] ( 1 ) and (3‐Methylpyridinium)₂[DyCl₅(Ethanol)] ( 2 ) have been prepared for the first time. The crystal structures have been determined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3c (Z = 36) with a = 2953.3(3) pm, b = 2953.3(3) pm and c = 3252.5(4) pm, compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (Z = 2) with a = 704.03(8) pm, b = 808.10(8) pm, c = 1937.0(2) pm, α = 77.94(1)°, β = 87.54(1)° and γ = 83.26(1)°. The structures contain isolated octahedral building units [DyCl₆]^3– and [DyCl₅(Ethanol)]^2–, respectively.     

The Crystal Structure of ζ2‐Al3Cu4‐δ

The crystal structure of the ζ₂‐phase Al₃Cu_4‐δ was determined by means of X‐ray powder diffraction: a = 409.72(1) pm, b = 703.13(2) pm, c = 997.93(3) pm, space group Imm2, Pearson symbol oI24‐3.5, R_I = 0.0696. ζ₂‐Al₃Cu_4‐δ forms a distinctive a × √3a × 2c superstructure of a metal deficient Ni₂In‐type‐related structure. The phase is meta‐stable at ambient temperature. Between 400 °C and 450 °C it decomposes into ζ₁‐Al₃Cu₄ and η₂‐AlCu. Entropic contributions to the stability of ζ₂‐Al₃Cu_4‐δ are reflected in three statistically or partially occupied sites.     

Neue Sr‐Verbindungen mit planaren Al‐Si/Ge‐Anionen und eine Korrektur zu SrSi‐II und SrGe0.76

New Sr Compounds with Planar Al‐Si/Ge Anions and a Correction of SrSi‐II and SrGe_0.76 Planar anions with considerable p_π‐p_π interactions between heavier group 13 and 14 elements are observed in several alkaline earth trielides and tetrelides. In the intermetallics of the series SrAlxGe_2?x (border phases: x = 1: , a = 429.4(3), c = 474.4(3) pm, Z = 1, R1 = 0.0305, SrPtSb type and x = 1.6: P6/mmm, a = 440.4(2), c = 478.2(2) pm, Z = 1, R1 = 0.0125, AlB₂ type) graphite analogue planar Al/Ge nets with short Al‐Ge bonds are stacked in identical orientation, showing inter‐layer distances of approx. 475 pm. Starting from the related planar ribbons of condensed six‐membered rings in the known intermetallics (M^IV = Si, Ge) a series of new metal‐rich oxides with chain pieces consisting of three, two and finally only one six‐membered ring have been prepared and characterized on the basis of single crystal X‐ray data. The formal fragmentation of the ribbons is achieved by the incorporation of [OSr₆] octahedra, chains of which (connected via common corners) exactly fit the distance between the planar anions. The structures of the two compounds (M^IV = Si, Ge; formerly erroneously reported as SrSi and SrGe_0.76, space group Immm, a = 482.48(5)/484.55(8), b = 1306.5(2)/1342.2(2), c = 1814.0(2)/1857.4(3) pm, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0369/0.0316) contain isolated planar anions [M₂Al₂M₂Al₂M₂]^18? with only one six‐membered ring. In the monoclinic structures of the silicide Sr₁₃[Al₆Si₈][O] (C2/m, a = 2245.1(4), b = 482.76(5), c = 1720.6(5) pm, β=125.21(2)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0579) and the germanide Sr₁₆[Al₈Ge₁₀][O] (C2/m, a = 2287.23(14), b = 484.94(3), c = 2065.70(13) pm, β=120.150(4)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0730) anions [Si₂Al₂Si₂Al₂Si₂Al₂Si₂] and [Ge₂M₂Ge₂M₂Ge₂M₂Ge₂M₂Ge₂] with two and three six‐membered rings are left as fragments of the ribbons in Sr₃Al₂M₂. The puzzling bonding situation in these type of polar intermetallics at the Zintl border is calculated (using the DFT FP‐LAPW approach) for the structures with manageably small unit cells and discussed for the series SrAlM – Sr₃Al₂M₂ – Sr₁₆[Al₈M₁₀][O] – Sr₁₃[Al₆M₈][O] – Sr₁₀[Al₄M₆][O].     

Common Features in the Crystal Structures of the Compounds Bis(dimethylstibanyl)oxane and ‐sulfane,and the Minerals Valentinite and Stibnite (Grauspießglanz)

Bis(dimethylstibanyl)oxane ( 1 ) and ‐sulfane ( 2 ), the two simplest organoelement species with an Sb–E–Sb fragment (E = O, S), were prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of bromodimethylstibane and by oxidation of tetramethyldistibane with sulfur [18], respectively. As shown by an x‐ray structure analysis of compound 1 (m. p. < –20 °C; P2₁2₁2₁, a = 675.9(2), b = 803.1(2), c = 1666.8(4) pm at –70 ± 2 °C; Z = 4; R1 = 0.042), the molecules (O–Sb 198.8 and 209.9 pm, Sb–O–Sb 123.0°) adopt a syn‐anti conformation in the solid state and are arranged in zigzag chains along [010] via weak intermolecular O‥Sb interactions (258.5 pm, Sb–O‥Sb 117.8°, O‥Sb–O 173.5°) making use, however, of only one Me₂Sb moiety. Primary and secondary bond lengths and angles agree very well with corresponding values published for valentinite, the orthorhombic modification of antimony(III) oxide [3]. Bis(dimethylstibanyl)sulfane ( 2 ) (m. p. 29 to 31 °C) crystallizes in the uncommon space group P6₅22 (a = 927.8(3), c = 1940.9(7) pm at –100 ± 2 °C; Z = 6; R1 = 0.021). Owing to coordination numbers of (1 + 1) and (2 + 2) for both Me₂Sb groups and the sulfur atom, respectively, molecules with an approximate syn‐syn conformation (S–Sb 249.8 pm, Sb–S–Sb 92.35°) build up a three‐dimensional net of double helices which are linked together by Sb‥S contacts (316.4 pm). These parameters shed more light onto the rather complicated structure and bonding situation in stibnite (antimony(III) sulfide [4]). The molecular packing of compound 2 is compared with the structures of relevant inorganic solids, especially with that of β‐quartz [37].     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Performance in Oxidation of Styrene and α‐Methyl Styrene of a Nickel(II) Complex Derived from a Schiff Base Ligand

A tetrahedrally‐distorted square‐planar nickel(II) complex of tetradentate Schiff base ligand derived from 2‐hydroxypropiophenone and 2,2′‐dimethylpropandiamine [bis(2‐hydroxypropiophenone)2,2′‐dimethylpropylenediimine] ( H₂L ) was prepared and used as catalyst for oxidation of styrene and α‐methyl styrene with tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP). Oxidation of styrene with TBHP gave benzaldehyde and styrene oxide, but in the case of α‐methylstyrene a mixture of α‐methylstyrene oxide and acetophenone was obtained. The structure of nickel(II) complex ( NiL ) was determined by X‐ray crystallography. Crystal data for NiL at –173 °C: orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 907.7(1), b = 1289.4(1), c = 1752.4(1) pm, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0454.