Ca7.96Cu0.04Ge5O18: a new calcium germanate with GeO4 and Ge3O10 units

The title compound, octa­calcium copper penta­germanium octa­deca­oxide, represents a new inter­mediate phase between CaO and GeO₂, and has not previously been reported in the literature. The structure consists of three different Ge sites, two of them on general 8d positions, site symmetry 1, one on special position 4d, site symmetry 2. Three of the five Ca sites occur on 8d positions, site symmtery 1, one Ca is on 4b with site symmetry and one Ca is on 4c with site symmetry 2. All nine O atoms have symmetry 1 (8d position). By sharing common edges, the Ca sites form infinite bands parallel to the c axis, and these bands are inter­connected by isolated GeO₄ and Ge₃O₁₀ units. These (100) layers are stacked along a in an ABAB… sequence, with the B layer being inverted and displaced along b/2.     

Lithium barium silicate,Li2BaSiO4, from synchrotron powder data

The structure of lithium barium silicate, Li₂BaSiO₄, has been determined from synchrotron radiation powder data. The title compound was synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction and crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6₃cm. It contains two Li atoms, one Ba atom (both site symmetry ..m on special position 6c), two Si atoms [on special positions 4b (site symmetry 3..) and 2a (site symmetry 3.m)] and four O atoms (one on general position 12d, and three on special positions 6c, 4b and 2a). The basic units of the structure are (Li₆SiO₁₃)⁵⁻ units, each comprising seven tetrahedra sharing edges and vertices. These basic units are connected by sharing corners parallel to [001] and through sharing (SiO₄)⁴⁻ tetrahedra in (001). The relationship between the structures and luminescence properties of Li₂SrSiO₄, Li₂CaSiO₄ and the title compound is discussed.     

catena‐Poly[bis[1‐chloromethyl‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane] [cadmium(II)‐tri‐μ‐chlorido‐[chloridocadmium(II)]‐di‐μ‐chlorido‐[chloridocadmium(II)]‐tri‐μ‐chlorido] tetrahydrate]

The title compound, {(C₇H₁₅N₂Cl)₂[Cd₃Cl₁₀]·4H₂O}_n, consists of 1‐chloromethyl‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dications, one‐dimensional inorganic chains of {[Cd₃Cl₁₀]⁴⁻} anions and uncoordinated water molecules. Each of the two independent Cd^II ions, one with site symmetry 2/m and the other with site symmetry m, is octahedrally coordinated by chloride ions (two with site symmetry m and one with site symmetry 2), giving rise to novel polymeric zigzag chains of corner‐sharing Cd‐centred octahedra parallel to the c axis. The organic cations, bisected by mirror planes that contain the two N atoms, three methylene C atoms and the Cl atom, are ordered. Hydrogen bonds (O—H...Cl and O—H...O) between the water molecules (both with O atoms in a mirror plane) and the chloride anions of neighbouring chloridocadmate chains form a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

Strontium magnesium phosphate,Sr2+xMg3−xP4O15 (x∼ 0.36), from laboratory X‐ray powder data

The previously unknown crystal structure of strontium magnesium phosphate, Sr_2+xMg_3−xP₄O₁₅ (x∼ 0.36), determined and refined from laboratory powder X‐ray diffraction data, represents a new structure type. The title compound was synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction and it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm. It was earlier thought to be stoichiometric Sr₂Mg₃P₄O₁₅, but our structural study indicates the nonstoichiometric composition. The asymmetric unit contains one Sr (site symmetry ..m on special position 8g), one M (= Mg 64%/Sr 36%; site symmetry 2/m.. on special position 4b), one Mg (site symmetry 2.. on special position 8e), two P (site symmetry m.. on special position 8f and site symmetry ..m on special position 8g), and six O sites [two on general positions 16h, two on 8g, one on 8f and one on special position 4c (site symmetry m2m)]. The nonstoichiometry is due to the mixing of magnesium and strontium ions on the M site. The structure consists of three‐dimensional networks of MgO₄ and PO₄ tetrahedra, and MO₆ octahedra with the other strontium ions occupying the larger cavities surrounded by ten O atoms. All the polyhedra are connected by corner‐sharing except the edge‐sharing MO₆ octahedra forming one‐dimensional arrangements along [001].     

Dicalcium heptagermanate Ca2Ge7O16 revised

The structure of dicalcium heptagermanate, previously described with an orthorhombic space group, has been redetermined in the tetragonal space group . It contains three Ge positions (site symmetry 1, ..2 and 2.22, respectively), one Ca position (..2) and four O atoms, all on general 8i positions (site symmetry 1). A sheet of four‐membered rings of Ge tetrahedra (with Ge on the 8i position) and isolated Ge tetrahedra (Ge on the 4g position) alternate with a sheet of Ge octahedra (Ge on the 2d position) and eightfold‐coordinated Ca sites along the c direction in an ABABA… sequence. The three‐dimensional framework of Ge sites displays a channel‐like structure, evident in a projection on to the ab plane.     

Chromium‐based clinopyroxene‐type germanates NaCrGe2O6 and LiCrGe2O6 at 298 K

The structure analyses of sodium chromium digermanate, NaCrGe₂O₆, (I), and lithium chromium digermanate, LiCrGe₂O₆, (II), provide important structural information for the clinopyroxene family, and form part of our ongoing studies on the phase transitions and magnetic properties of clinopyroxenes. (I) shows C2/c symmetry at 298 K, contains one Na, one Cr (both site symmetry 2 on special position 4e), one Ge and three O‐atom positions (on general positions 8f) and displays the well known clinopyroxene topology. The basic units of the structure of (I) are infinite zigzag chains of edge‐sharing Cr³⁺O₆ octahedra (M1 site), infinite chains of corner‐sharing GeO₄ tetrahedra, connected to the M1 chains by common corners, and Na sites occupying interstitial space. (II) was found to have P2₁/c symmetry at 298 K. The structure contains one Na, one Cr, two distinct Ge and six O‐atom positions, all on general positions 4e. The general topology of the structure of (II) is similar to that of (I); however, the loss of the twofold symmetry makes it possible for two distinct tetrahedral chains, having different conformation states, to exist. While sodium is (6+2)‐fold coordinated, lithium displays a pure sixfold coordination. Structural details are given and chemical comparison is made between silicate and germanate chromium‐based clinopyroxenes.     

Synthetic aenigmatite analog Na2(Mn5.26Na0.74)Ge6O20: structure and crystal chemical considerations

Disodium hexamanganese(II,III) germanate is the first aenigmatite‐type compound with significant amounts of manganese. Na₂(Mn_5.26Na_0.74)Ge₆O₂₀ is triclinic and contains two different Na positions, six Ge positions and 20 O positions (all with site symmetry 1 on general position 2i of space group P). Five out of the seven M positions are also on general position 2i, while the remaining two have site symmetry (Wyckoff positions 1f and 1c). The structure can be described in terms of two different layers, A and B, stacked along the [011] direction. Layer A contains pyroxene‐like chains and isolated octahedra, while layer B is built up by slabs of edge‐sharing octahedra connected to one another by bands of Na polyhedra. The GeO₄ tetrahedra show slight polyhedral distortion and are among the most regular found so far in germanate compounds. The M sites of layer A are occupied by highly charged (trivalent) cations, while in layer B a central pyroxene‐like zigzag chain can be identified, which contains divalent (or low‐charged) cations. This applies to the aenigmatite‐type compounds in general and to the title compound in particular.     

Magnesium perchlorate anhydrate,Mg(ClO4)2, from laboratory X‐ray powder data

The previously unknown crystal structure of magnesium perchlorate anhydrate, determined and refined from laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data, represents a new structure type. The title compound was obtained by heating magnesium perchlorate hexahydrate at 523 K for 2 h under vacuum and it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c. The asymmetric unit contains one Mg (site symmetry on special position 2a), one Cl and four O sites (on general positions 4e). The structure consists of a three‐dimensional network resulting from the corner‐sharing of MgO₆ octahedra and ClO₄ tetrahedra. Each MgO₆ octahedron share corners with six ClO₄ tetrahedra. Each ClO₄ tetrahedron shares corners with three MgO₆ octahedra, with one O‐atom corner dangling. The ClO₄ tetrahedra are oriented in such a way that one‐dimensional channels parallel to [100] are formed between the dangling O atoms.     

Der Übergang von isolierten dimeren [AlF4/1F2/2]2 Gruppen aus kantenverknüpften Oktaedern zu unendlichen linearen ${_{\infty}^1}$[AlF4/1F2/2]‐Ketten eckenverknüpfter Oktaeder in den tetragonalen Verbindungen (Sr,M)AlF5 (M = Ca,Ba) — der Einfluß des unterschiedlichen Substitutionsgrades von Sr durch Ba und Ca

The Transition from Isolated Dimeric [AlF_4/1F_2/2]₂ Groups of Edge‐sharing Octahedra to Infinitive Linear Chains [AlF_4/1F_2/2] of Corner‐sharing Octahedra within the Tetragonal Compounds (Sr, M)AlF₅ (M = Ca, Ba) — the Influence of the Different Substituition Rate of Sr by Ba and Ca The solid solutions Sr_0.87(1)Ba_0.13(1)AlF₅, Sr_0.75(1)Ba_0.25(1)AlF₅, Sr_0.24(1)Ba_0.76(1)AlF₅ and Ca_0.13(3)Sr_0.56(6)Ba_0.31(3)AlF₅ have been prepared by solid state reactions from the binary fluorides. The crystal structures have been determined by means of single crystal diffraction data. All compounds crystallize tetragonal body‐centered in different structure types which are composed of two main structural building blocks. The first building block is common to all solid solutions and consists of linear chains of trans corner‐sharing [AlF₆] octahedra propagating along the c axis. Two opposite equatorial fluorine atoms of this chain have been replaced by other [AlF₆] octahedra thus forming branching chains which give rise to a tunnel arrangement. The alkaline earth metal atoms are located inside the tunnels and those structural motifs extend parallel the tunnel axis which lead to the formation of the different structure types. By increasing the Ba content of the solid solutions a transition from isolated dimeric groups [AlF_4/1F_2/2]₂ of edge‐sharing octahedra, and by additional incorporation of Ca from disordered zigzag chains, to linear infinitive [AlF_4/1F_2/2] chains of corner‐sharing octahedra has been established.     

Die Kristallstruktur von SCl3[Re2Cl9] und ihre Verwandtschaft zum RuBr3‐Typ

The Crystal Structure of SCl₃[Re₂Cl₉] and its Relation to the RuBr₃ Type SCl₃[Re₂Cl₉] was obtained from the reaction of rhenium and SCl₂ at 400 °C. The X‐ray crystal structure determination revealed a monoclinic structure, a = 834.1 pm, b = 1053.3 pm, c = 866.1 pm, β = 91.90°, space group P2₁/m, R₁ = 0.058. The SCl₃⁺ and Re₂Cl₉^– ions have the known structures; the ReRe bond length in the face‐sharing bioctahedron is 272.2 pm. The crystal packing can be derived from the RuBr₃ structure type, which has infinite columns of face‐sharing octahedra; one quarter of the metal atoms are removed and another quarter are replaced by sulfur atoms. The chlorine atoms form a slightly distorted hexagonal closest‐packing. The symmetry relationships are shown in a family tree of group–subgroup relations.     

Isokite,CaMg(PO4)F0.8(OH)0.2, isomorphous with titanite

This study presents the first structural report of natural isokite (calcium magnesium phosphate fluoride), with the formula CaMg(PO₄)F_0.8(OH)_0.2 (i.e. some substitution of OH for F), based on single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Isokite belongs to the C2/c titanite mineral group, in which Mg is on an inversion centre and the Ca, P and F/OH atoms are on twofold axes. The structure is composed of kinked chains of corner‐sharing MgO₄F₂ octahedra that are crosslinked by isolated PO₄ tetrahedra, forming a three‐dimensional polyhedral network. The Ca²⁺ cations occupy the interstitial sites coordinated by six O atoms and one F anion.     

Ba3Li2V2O7Cl4, a new vanadate with a channel structure

The tribarium dilithium divanadate tetrachloride Ba₃Li₂V₂O₇Cl₄ is a new vanadate with a channel structure and the first known vanadate containing both Ba and Li atoms. The structure contains four non‐equivalent Ba²⁺ sites (two with m and two with 2/m site symmetry), two Li⁺ sites, two nonmagnetic V⁵⁺ sites, five O²⁻ sites (three with m site symmetry) and four Cl⁻ sites (m site symmetry). One type of Li atom lies in LiO₄ tetrahedra (m site symmetry) and shares corners with VO₄ tetrahedra to form eight‐tetrahedron Li₃V₅O₂₄ rings and six‐tetrahedron Li₂V₄O₁₈ rings; these rings are linked within porous layers parallel to the ab plane and contain Ba²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. The other Li atoms are located on inversion centres and form isolated chains of face‐sharing LiCl₆ octahedra.     

New Boron‐Centered Mixed‐Halide Zirconium Cluster Phases with a Cubic Structure: NaZr6Cl12–xI2+xB (x È 6) and AII0.5Zr6(Cl, I)14B (AII = Ca,Sr, Ba)

The boron‐centered mixed‐halide zirconium cluster phases were obtained from reactions of appropriate amounts of NaCl or ACl₂ (with A = Ca, Sr, Ba), ZrCl₄, ZrI₄, Zr (powder), and elemental B in sealed tantalum containers at 800–850 °C. Single crystals of NaZr₆Cl_10.94(1)I_3.06B and Sr_0.5Zr₆Cl_11.34(2)I_2.66B have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction at room temperature (cubic, Pa 3, Z = 4, a = 1331.3(1) pm, and a = 1326.2(2) pm, respectively). The Zr₆ octahedra in these phases are centered by boron and three‐dimensionally connected by exo‐iodide atoms which bridge simultaneously three octahedra. Six out of the twelve inner chlorides (one symmetry independent site) which bridge the edges of each octahedron, but are not involved in inter‐cluster bridging (according to AZr₆I^a–a–a_6/2(Cl_12–xI_x)ⁱB), can be completely substituted by iodide. Such a substitution is not possible for the remaining six inner halides on the second symmetry independent site, because the larger iodide atom on this site would experience strong repulsive forces from short anionic contacts. This gives the phase width of NaZr₆Cl_12–xI_2+xB to x È 6. The size of the voids that cover the cations A limits this structure to members with A = Na, Ca, Sr, and Ba. This structure type requires the existence of two differently sized halide types simultaneously.     

The Crystal Structure of Ba3Cu2Al2F16: a Relative of Ba4Cu2Al3F21

Ba₃Cu₂Al₂F₁₆ is monoclinic: a = 7.334(1)Å, b = 5.320(2)Å, c = 16.022(1)Å, β = 96.34(1)°, Z = 2. Its crystal structure was solved in the space group P2₁ (No. 4) from synchrotron X‐ray single crystal data using 2685 unique reflections (2639 with F_o/σ(F_o) > 4). The final R factor is 0.044. The structure consists of a succession along the c‐axis of the cell of three layers of two different kinds of sheets developing in the (a, b) plane. The first one, formulated [(AlF₅)₂]_∞^4— and hereafter named A, is built up from infinite cis‐chains of aluminium‐fluorine octahedra [AlF₆], linked by two vertices and distanced by a. The second one, formulated [Cu₂AlF₁₁]_∞^4— and named B, is bidimensional. It is constituted of distorted copper‐fluorine octahedra [CuF₆], linked by edges, which form infinite chains interconnected by three vertices of isolated [AlF₆] octahedra. The stacking sequence of the sheets is (A, B, B)_∞. The barium ions, 12‐coordinated, are inserted between the sheets. The crystal structure of Ba₃Cu₂Al₂F₁₆ is closely related to that of Ba₄Cu₂Al₃F₂₁. Only the proportion and the stacking sequence of the two kinds of sheets in the c‐direction differ, according to two different compositions and two different symmetries.     

Copper scandium zirconium phosphate: occupancy of the M1 and M2 sites in the temperature range 100–300 K

The title compound, with nominal formula Cu₂ScZr(PO₄)₃, has a beige coloration and displays fast Cu⁺ cation conduction at elevated temperatures. It adopts a NASICON‐type structure in the space group Rc. The examined crystal was an obverse–reverse twin with approximately equal twin components. The [Sc^IIIZr^IV(PO₄)₃]²⁻ framework is composed of corner‐sharing Sc/ZrO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra. The Sc and Zr atoms are disordered on one atomic site on a crystallographic threefold axis. The P atom of the phosphate group lies on a crystallographic twofold axis. Nonframework Cu⁺ cations occupy three positions. Two of the Cu⁺ positions generate an approximately circular distribution around a site of symmetry, referred to as the M1 site in the NASICON‐type structure. The other Cu⁺ position is situated close to the twofold symmetric M2 site, displaced into a position with a distorted square‐based pyramidal coordination geometry. The structure has been determined at 100, 200 and 300 K. Changes in the refined site‐occupancy factors of the Cu⁺ positions suggest increased mobility of Cu⁺ around the circular orbit close to the M1 site at room temperature, but no movement into or out of the M2 site. Free refinement of the Cu site‐occupancy factors suggests that the formula of the crystal is Cu_1.92(1)ScZr(PO₄)₃, which is consistent with the low‐level presence of Cu²⁺ exclusively in the M2 site.     

Syntheses and Structures of Two Selenite Chloride Hydrates: Co(HSeO3)Cl · 3 H2O and Cu(HSeO3)Cl · 2 H2O

The first selenite chloride hydrates, Co(HSeO₃)Cl · 3 H₂O and Cu(HSeO₃)Cl · 2 H₂O, have been prepared from solution and characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt phase adopts an unusual “one‐dimensional” structure built up from vertex‐sharing pyramidal [HSeO₃]^2–, and octahedral [CoO₂(H₂O)₄]^2– and [CoO₂(H₂O)₂Cl₂]^4– units. Inter‐chain bonding is by way of hydrogen bonds or van der Waals' interactions. The atomic arrangement of the copper phase involves [HSeO₃]^2– pyramids and Jahn‐Teller distorted [CuCl₂(H₂O)₄] and [CuO₄Cl₂]^8– octahedra, sharing vertices by way of Cu–O–Se and Cu–Cl–Cu bonds. Crystal data: Co(HSeO₃)Cl · 3 H₂O, M_r = 276.40, triclinic, space group P 1 (No. 2), a = 7.1657(5) Å, b = 7.3714(5) Å, c = 7.7064(5) Å, α = 64.934(1)°, β = 68.894(1)°, γ = 71.795(1)°, V = 337.78(7) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.036, wR(F) = 0.049. Cu(HSeO₃)Cl · 2 H₂O, M_r = 263.00, orthorhombic, space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 9.1488(3) Å, b = 17.8351(7) Å, c = 7.2293(3) Å, V = 1179.6(2) ų, Z = 8, R(F) = 0.021, wR(F) = 0.024.     

Halides of Titanium in Lower Oxidation States

New investigations on the di‐ and trihalides of titanium, TiX₂ and TiX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I), with their 3d² and 3d¹ electronic configurations, confirm the early observations and conclusions of Klemm. At sufficiently low temperatures, Ti–Ti single bonds are formed in the one‐dimensional trihalides, i.e., Ti–Ti dimers are observed. Equally, in the two‐dimensional dihalides, {Ti₃} triangles occur with three single bonds. Phase transitions were detected from single‐crystal or powder X‐ray diffraction data, from magnetic measurements and thermal analysis. Except for the binary halides a number of ternary halides ATiX₃ (extended chains of facesharing octahedra), K₄Ti₃Br₁₂ (triples of face‐sharing octahedra), Na₂Ti₃Cl₈ (triangular trimers), A₃Ti₂X₉ (dimers of face‐sharing octahedra), and A₃TiX₆ (isolated octahedra) as well as the mixed‐valent halides CsTi₂I₇ (tetrahedra and octahedra) and Na₅Ti₃Cl₁₂ (chains of octahedra) have been observed. Except for the triangles in titanium(II) halides, cluster compounds are rare but include K₄[{OTi₄}I₁₂] and {CTi₆}Cl₁₄.     

Nickel vanadium tellurium oxide,NiV2Te2O10

Single crystals of nickel(II) divanadium(V) ditellurium(IV) decaoxide, NiV₂Te₂O₁₀, were synthesized via a transport reaction in sealed evacuated silica tubes. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group P). The Ni atoms are positioned in the 1c position on the inversion centre, while the V and Te atoms are in general positions 2i. The crystal structure is layered, the building units within a (010) layer being distorted VO₆ octahedra and NiO₆ octahedra. The metal–oxide layers are connected by distorted TeO₄E square pyramids (E being the 5s² lone electron pair of Te^IV) to form the framework. The structure contains corner‐sharing NiO₆ octahedra, corner‐ and edge‐sharing TeO₄E square pyramids, and corner‐ and edge‐sharing VO₆ octahedra. NiV₂Te₂O₁₀ is the first oxide containing all of the cations Ni^II, V^V and Te^IV.     

Preparation,Thermal Behaviour and Crystal Structure of the Basic Mercury(II) Tetraoxotellurate(VI), Hg2TeO5, and Redetermination of the Crystal Structure of Mercury(II) Orthotellurate(VI), Hg3TeO6

Single crystals of Hg₂TeO₅ were obtained as dark‐red parallelepipeds by reacting stoichiometric amounts of Hg(NO₃)₂ · H₂O and H₆TeO₆ under hydrothermal conditions (250 °C, 10d). The crystal structure (space group Pna2₁, Z = 4, a = 7.3462(16), b = 5.8635(12), c = 9.969(2)Å, 1261 structure factors, 50 parameters, R[F² > 2σ(F²)] = 0.0295) is characterized by corner‐sharing [TeO₆] octahedra forming isolated chains [TeO_4/1O_2/2] which extend parallel to [100]. The two crystallographically independent Hg atoms are located in‐between the chains and interconnect the chains via common oxygen atoms. Amber coloured single crystals of Hg₃TeO₆ were prepared by heating a mixture of Hg, HgO and TeO₃ together with small amounts of HgCl₂ as mineralizer in an evacuated and sealed silica glass tube (520 °C). The previously reported crystal structure has been re‐investigated by means of single crystal X‐ray data which reveal a symmetry reduction from Ia3¯d to Ia3¯ (Z = 16, a = 13.3808(6) Å, 609 structure factors, 33 parameters, R[F² > 2σ(F²)] = 0.0221). The crystal structure is made up of a body‐centred packing of [TeO₆] octahedra with the Hg atoms situated in the interstices of this arrangement. Upon heating, both title compounds decompose in a one‐step mechanism under formation of TeO₂ and loss of the appropriate amounts of elementary mercury and oxygen.     

Synthesis and Thermal Behaviour of Compounds in the System [Ph4P]Cl/BiCl3 and the Crystal Structures of [Ph4P]3[Bi2Cl9] · 2 CH2Cl2 and [Ph4P]2[Bi2Cl8] · 2 CH3COCH3

Six polynuclear chlorobismuthates are formed in the reaction between BiCl₃ and Ph₄PCl by variation of the molar ratio of the educts, the solvents and the crystallisation methods: [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · 2 CH₂Cl₂, [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · CH₃COCH₃, [Ph₄P]₂[Bi₂Cl₈] · 2 CH₃COCH₃, [Ph₄P]₄[Bi₄Cl₁₆] · 3 CH₃CN, [Ph₄P]₄[Bi₆Cl₂₂], and [Ph₄P]₄[Bi₈Cl₂₈]. We report the crystal structure of [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ which crystallises with triclinic symmetry in the S. G. P1 No. 2, with the lattice parameters a = 13.080(3) Å, b = 14.369(3) Å, c = 21.397(4) Å, α = 96.83(1)°, β = 95.96(1)°, γ = 95.94(2)°, V = 3943.9(1) ų, Z = 2. The anion is formed from two face‐sharing BiCl₆‐octahedra. [Ph₄P]₂[Bi₂Cl₈] · 2 CH₃COCH₃ crystallises with monoclinic symmetry in the S. G. P2₁/n, No. 14, with the lattice parameters a = 14.045(5) Å, b = 12.921(4) Å, c = 17.098(3) Å, β = 111.10(2)°, V = 2894.8(2) ų, Z = 2. The anion is a bi‐octahedron of two square‐pyramids, joined by a common edge. The octahedral coordination is achieved with two acetone ligands. [Ph₄P]₄[Bi₄Cl₁₆] · 3 CH₃CN crystallises in the triclinic S. G., P1, No. 2, with the lattice parameters a = 14.245(9) Å, b = 17.318(6) Å, c = 24.475(8) Å, α = 104.66(3)°, β = 95.93(3)°, γ = 106.90(4)°, V = 5486(4) ų, Z = 2. Two Bi₂Cl₈ dimers in syn‐position form the cubic anion. Lattice parameters of [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · CH₃COCH₃ are also given. The solvated compounds are desolvated at approximately 100 °C. [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ and [Ph₄P]₃[Bi₂Cl₉] · CH₃COCH₃ show the same sequence of phase transitions after desolvation. All compounds melt into a liquid in which some order is observed and transform on cooling into the glassy state.