Rare earth-nickel-indides Dy5Ni2In4 and RE4Ni11In20 (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy)

The new rare earth metal (RE)-nickel-indides Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Well-shaped single crystals were obtained by special annealing sequences. The four indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₅Ni₂In₄ type, Pbam, Z=2, a=1784.2(8), b=787.7(3), c=359.9(1) pm, wR₂=0.0458, 891 F² values, 36 variables for Dy₅Ni₂In₄, U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C2/m, a=2254.0(9), b=433.8(3), c=1658.5(8) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0794, 2154 F² values, 108 variables for Gd₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, a=2249.9(8), b=432.2(1), c=1657.9(5) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0417, 2147 F² values, 108 variables for Tb₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, and a=2252.2(5), b=430.6(1), c=1659.7(5) pm, β=124.58(2)°, wR₂=0.0550, 2003 F² values, 109 variables for Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The 2d site in the dysprosium compound shows mixed Ni/In occupancy. Most nickel atoms in both series of compounds exhibit trigonal prismatic coordination by indium and rare earth atoms. Additionally, in the RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ compounds one observes one-dimensional nickel clusters (259 pm Ni₁-Ni₆ in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20) that are embedded in an indium matrix. While only one short In₁-In₂ contact at 324 pm is observed in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, the more indium-rich Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20 structure exhibits a broader range in In-In interactions (291-364 pm). Together the nickel and indium atoms build up polyanionic networks, a two-dimensional one in Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and a complex three-dimensional network in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. These features have a clear consequence on the dysprosium coordination, i.e. a variety of short Dy-Dy contacts (338-379 pm) in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, while the dysprosium atoms are well separated (430 pm shortest Dy-Dy distance) within the distorted hexagonal channels of the [Ni_10.80In_20.20] polyanion of Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The crystal chemistry of both structure types is comparatively discussed.     

Conformational and stereoelectronic investigation of chloromethyl methyl sulfide and its sulfinyl and sulfonyl analogs

Three compounds based on polyoxometalate building blocks, [Cu(en)₂]{[Cu(en)₂]₂[Mo^VI₅Mo^V₃V^IV₈O₄₀(PO₄)]} · 4H₂O (1), [Co(en)₂]{[Co(en)₂]₂[HMo^VI₄Mo^V₄V^IV₈O₄₀(PO₄)]} · 5H₂O (2) and [Ni(en)₂]{[Ni(en)₂]₂[Mo^VI₅Mo^V₃V^IV₈O₄₀(VO₄)]} · 2H₂O (3) (en = ethylenediamine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, XPS, XRD, TGA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The result of structure determination shows that isomorphic compounds 1, 2 and 3 feature a one-dimensional chain built from the reduced tetra-capped pseudo-Keggin polyoxoanion, which is further interconnected by [M(en)₂]²⁺ (M = Cu, Co and Ni) groups via the terminal oxygen atoms of polyoxoanions. The crystal data for these compounds are the following: 1, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.702(3) Å, b = 13.4539(14) Å, c = 19.5987(19) Å, β = 108.650(2)°, V = 6671.0(12) Å³, Z = 4; 2, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.244(3) Å, b = 13.5070(17) Å, c = 19.581(3) Å, β = 106.881(2)°, V = 6641.8(15) Å³, Z = 4; 3, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.2789(15) Å, b = 13.5408(6) Å, c = 19.6312(9) Å, β = 106.2590(10)°, V = 6706.1(6) Å³, Z = 4. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of compounds 1 and 3 reveal the feature of antiferromagnetic exchange in these compounds.     

Ab initio crystal structure of nickel(II) hydroxy-terephthalate by synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic study

The structure of the new hybrid compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(tp)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (tp = C₈H₄O₄²⁻) has been determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction data and refined with the Rietveld method: space group P-1, a = 10.2077(6) Å, b = 8.0135(5) Å, c = 6.3337(4) Å, α = 97.70 (1)°, β = 97.21(1)°, γ = 108.77(1)°, D_x = 2.124 g/cm³, Rp = 0.045, R_B = 0.095 (757 independent reflections). H atoms were placed geometrically and their position optimized by DFT calculation. The repeating structural unit is the chain [Ni(1)O₆]₂Ni(2)O₆, consisting of two edges sharing octahedrons related by the symmetry center and linked via μ3-OH to a vertex of Ni(2) octahedron. The Ni(1) coordination is ensured by two oxygen atoms from two water molecules, two OH and two oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups. The linkage of the chains by the tp anions forms infinite layers parallel to the (010) planes. Interchain hydrogen bonds between the water molecules coordinating the metal ensure the cohesion of the 2D structure. The structural and magnetic properties are compared with that of the 3D fumarate-based compound [Ni₃(OH)₂(fum)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O (fum = C₄H₂O₄²⁻).     

Syntheses and crystal structures of new vanadium(IV) oxyphosphates M(VO)2(PO4)2 with M = Co,Ni

We have extended our research interest on titanium oxyphosphates (M^II(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂, with M^II = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) to vanadium oxyphosphates M^II(V^IVO)₂(PO₄)₂ (M^II = Co, Ni). For each compound two phases, named α and β according to synthesis conditions, have been stabilized at room temperature, then characterized. The four crystal structures M(VO)₂(PO₄)₂ (α and β for M = Co, Ni) have been determined in monoclinic P2₁/c space group using X-ray single crystals diffraction data. Structure of the α phase is derived from the Li(TiO)(PO₄) (orthorhombic Pnma) and LiNi_0.50(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂ (monoclinic P2₁/c) types, with cell parameters: a = 6.310(1) Å, b = 7.273(1) Å, c = 7.432(1) Å, β = 90.43(1)° for M = Co, and a = 6.297(2) Å, b = 7.230(2) Å, c = 7.421(2) Å, β = 90.36(2)° for M = Ni. Structure of the β phase is derived from the Ni(TiO)₂(PO₄)₂-type (monoclinic P2₁/c) with cell parameters: a = 7.2742(2) Å, b = 7.2802(2) Å, c = 7.4550(2) Å, β = 120.171(2)° for M = Co, and a = 7.2691(2) Å, b = 7.2366(2) Å, c = 7.4453(2) Å, β = 120.231(2)° for M = Ni. All these structures consist of a three dimensional (3D) framework built up of infinite chains of tilted corner-sharing [VO₆] octahedra, cross-linked by corner-sharing [PO₄] tetrahedra. The M²⁺ ion (M = Co, Ni) is located in a triangular based antiprism which shares faces with two [VO₆] octahedra. Structural filiation is discussed based on a common structural unit, a sheet where divalent cations M²⁺ (M = Co, Ni) are inserted. A thermal study of the α ? β transition is also presented.     

Structure and properties of Gd4Pd10In21

Gd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ was synthesized from the elements in a glassy carbon crucible in an induction furnace and investigated by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: C2/m, a = 2293.3(2), b = 444.49(3), c = 1934.3(1) pm, β = 133.00(1)°, wR2 = 0.0496, 1564 F² values, and 106 variable parameters. The five crystallographically independent palladium atoms have all a trigonal prismatic coordination. Together, the palladium and indium atoms build up a three-dimensional [Pd₁₀In₂₁] network in which the gadolinium atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that Gd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁ orders antiferromagnetically at T_N = 14.2(1) K. Two further magnetic transitions were found at temperatures 11.8 and 6.4 K, respectively. Below T_irr = 10 K, strong irreversibility between ZFC and FC magnetic susceptibilities are observed. The zero-field specific heat measurements show a clear peak around the magnetic transition temperatures T_N. Measured quadrupole interaction constants by ¹⁵⁵Gd Mössbauer spectroscopy give estimations for the V_zz component of the electric field gradient tensor at both gadolinium sites in Gd₄Pd₁₀In₂₁.     

Inhomogeneous 2D linear intergrowth structures among novel Y–Cu–Mg ternary compounds with yttrium/copper equiatomic ratio

Single crystals of the Y₅Cu₅Mg₈, Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₃, Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₆ and YCuMg₄ compounds were synthesized by heating in a resistance furnace evacuated quartz vials containing Ta-crucibles with element pieces. SEM-EDXS analyses were performed to check phases composition. The structures were refined from X-ray single crystal diffraction data. Y₅Cu₅Mg₈, Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₃ and Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₆ represent new structure types: Y₅Cu₅Mg₈ – orthorhombic, Pmma, oP36, a = 2.63723(15), b = 0.40066(2), c = 0.74115(6) nm, Z = 2, wR₂ = 0.0597, 939 F² values, 60 variables; Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₃ – orthorhombic, Cmcm, oS92, a = 0.40973(2), b = 1.92794(8), c = 2.57907(11) nm, Z = 4, wR₂ = 0.1134, 1208 F² values, 75 variables; Y₅Cu₅Mg₁₆ – orthorhombic, Cmcm, oS104, a = 0.41360(8), b = 1.9239(4), c = 2.9086(6) nm, Z = 4, wR₂ = 0.0760, 1383 F² values, 84 variables. YCuMg₄ crystallizes in the TbCuMg₄ structure type (Cmmm, oS48, a = 1.35754(4), b = 2.03153(6), c = 0.39060(1) nm, Z = 8, wR₂ = 0.0401, 661 F² values, 45 variables). The crystal chemistry of these two-layer structures is comparatively discussed. Majority of novel compounds were characterized as members of inhomogeneous 2D intergrowth structure series of R₅M₅X₅, X₄ (Mg₄) and empty Mg octahedra building blocks of general formula R_5kM_5kX_{5k + 4l + m}. The common pentagonal prism derivative structural fragments around the most electropositive yttrium atoms were outlined in all these intermetallics.     

Structure,chemical bonding,and 45Sc solid state NMR of Sc2RuSi2

The silicide Sc₂RuSi₂ was synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. The structure was refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Zr₂CoSi₂ type, C2/m, a = 1004.7 (2), b = 406.8 (1), c = 946.6 (2) pm, β = 117.95 (2), wR2 = 0.0230, 743 F² values, and 32 variables. The structure consists of a rigid three-dimensional [RuSi₂] network in which the two crystallographically independent scandium atoms fill larger cages of coordination numbers 16 and 15, respectively. The [RuSi₂] network shows short Ru–Si distances (234–247 pm) and two different Si₂ pairs: Si1–Si1 at 247 and Si2–Si2 at 243 pm. Each silicon atom has trigonal prismatic Sc₆ (for Si2) or Sc₄Ru₂ (for Si1) coordination. These building units are condensed via common edges and faces. The various Sc–Sc distances between the prisms range from 327 to 361 pm. From electronic structure investigation within DFT, chemical bonding shows a major role of Ru–Si bonding and the presence of strong electron localization around Si–Si pairs pointing to a polyanionic silicide network [RuSi₂]^δ?. The ⁴⁵Sc MAS-NMR spectra recorded at 11.7 and 9.4 T clearly resolve the two distinct scandium sites. The large electric field gradients present at both scandium sites result in typical line shapes arising from second-order quadrupole perturbation effects.     

Reactivity of intramolecularly coordinated aluminum compounds to R3EOH (E = Sn,Si). Remarkable migration of N,C,N and O,C,O pincer ligands

The reaction of organoaluminum compounds containing O,C,O or N,C,N chelating (so called pincer) ligands [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]AlⁱBu₂ (Y = MeO 1, ^tBuO 2, Me₂N 3) with R₃SnOH (R = Ph or Me) gives tetraorganotin complexes [2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnR₃ (Y = MeO, R = Ph 4, Y = MeO, R = Me 5; Y = ^tBuO, R = Ph 6, Y = ^tBuO, R = Me 7; Y = Me₂N, R = Ph 8, Y = Me₂N, R = Me 9) as the result of migration of O,C,O or N,C,N pincer ligands from aluminum to tin atom. Reaction of 1 and 2 with (ⁿBu₃Sn)₂O proceeded in similar fashion resulting in 10 and 11 ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]SnⁿBu₃, Y = MeO 10; Y = ^tBuO 11) in mixture with ⁿBu₃SnⁱBu. The reaction 1 and 3 with 2 equiv. of Ph₃SiOH followed another reaction path and ([2,6-(YCH₂)₂C₆H₃]Al(OSiPh₃)₂, Y = MeO 12, Me₂N 13) were observed as the products of alkane elimination. The organotin derivatives 4–11 were characterized by the help of elemental analysis, ESI-MS technique, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy and in the case 6 and 8 by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Compounds 12 and 13 were identified using elemental analysis,¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si NMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Rare earth metal-rich indides RE14Rh3−xIn3 (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu)

The rare earth (RE) metal-rich indides RE₁₄Rh_3-xIn₃ (RE=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) can be synthesized from the elements by arc-melting or induction melting in tantalum crucibles. They were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₁₄Co₃In₃ type, space group P4₂/nmc, Z=4, a=961.7(1), c=2335.5(5) pm, wR2=0.052, 2047 F² values, 62 variables for Y₁₄Rh₃In₃, a=956.8(1), c=2322.5(5) pm, wR2=0.068, 1730 F² values, 63 variables for Dy₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, a=952.4(1), c=2309.2(5) pm, wR2=0.041, 1706 F² values, 63 variables for Ho₁₄Rh_2.85(1)In₃, a=948.6(1), c=2302.8(5) pm, wR2=0.053, 1977 F² values, 63 variables for Er₁₄Rh_2.86(1)In₃, a=943.8(1), c=2291.5(5) pm, wR2=0.065, 1936 F² values, 63 variables for Tm₁₄Rh_2.89(1)In₃, and a=937.8(1), c=2276.5(5) pm, wR2=0.050, 1637 F² values, 63 variables for Lu₁₄Rh_2.74(1)In₃. Except Yb₁₄Rh₃In₃, the 8g Rh1 sites show small defects. Striking structural motifs are rhodium-centered trigonal prisms formed by the RE atoms with comparatively short Rh-RE distances (271-284 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃). These prisms are condensed via common corners and edges building two-dimensional polyhedral units. Both crystallographically independent indium sites show distorted icosahedral coordination. The icosahedra around In2 are interpenetrating, leading to In2-In2 pairs (309 pm in Y₁₄Rh₃In₃).     

High-throughput investigation and characterization of strontium-phosphonatoethanesulfonates

Using the polyfunctional ligand 2-phosphonethanesulfonic acid (H₃L) a high-throughput (HT) study was started for the systematic investigation of the system SrCl₂/H₃L/NaOH/H₂O. The HT experiment comprising 48 individual reactions were performed to systematically investigate the influence of pH of the starting mixture as well as the molar ratio Sr²⁺:H₃L. Two new compounds SrH(O₃P–C₂H₄–SO₃) (1) and Sr₃(O₃P–C₂H₄–SO₃)₂(H₂O)₂ (2) were obtained and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reaction products synthesized under hydrothermal conditions always contain traces of SrSO₄, which are due to the decomposition of small amounts of the ligand. While compound 2 could only be obtained under hydrothermal conditions, the synthesis of 1 could be accomplished under milder reaction conditions and a reaction scale-up could be performed. Compound 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic system with space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 534.73(11) pm, b = 1648.7(3) pm, c = 825.43(17) pm, β = 105.34(3)°, V = 701.8(2)–10⁶ pm³, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0268, and wR₂ = 0.0642 for I > 2σ(I). Compound 2 crystallizes in a triclinic system with space group P-1 (no. 2), a = 700.97(14) pm, b = 1008.5(2) pm, c = 1274.8(3) pm, α = 97.63(3)°, β = 92.03(3)°, γ = 92.03(3)°, V = 843.7(3)–10⁶ pm³, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0360, and wR₂ = 0.0896 for I > 2σ(I). In the structure of compound 1 the phosphorous and sulfur atoms cannot be distinguished due to identical crystallographic positions. Thus, an averaged structure was obtained which is built up by edge-sharing SrO₈ polyhedra that form infinite M–O–M chains. Compound 2 contains corner-, edge-, and face-sharing SrO₈ polyhedra which form inorganic M–O–M layers. These M–O–M chains (1) and layers (2) are connected to a three-dimensional network by the –CH₂CH₂– group of the ligand, respectively. Additional characterization by thermogravimetric analysis and IR-spectroscopy for compound 1 is also presented.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of sodium copper tetrametaphosphimate heptahydrate Na2Cu(PO2NH)4·7H2O and sodium potassium copper tetrametaphosphimate heptahydrate KxNa2−xCu(PO2NH)4·7H2O

Na₂Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O and K_xNa_2−xCu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O (x ≈ 0.5) were synthesized by gel crystallization in sodium silicate gels. The crystal structures were solved by single-crystal X-ray methods and found to be isotypic (Pnma, Z = 4; Na₂Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O: a = 627.5(2) pm, b = 1456.0(3) pm, c = 1900.5(4) pm, R1 = 0.0352; K_0.47Na_1.53Cu(PO₂NH)₄·7H₂O: a = 632.2(2) pm, b = 1460.0(3) pm, c = 1936.4(4) pm, R1 = 0.0345). The P₄N₄ rings of the tetrametaphosphimate anion exhibit a distorted chair-2 conformation with admixtures of saddle and crown conformation. The M⁺ ions are six- and sevenfold coordinated by oxygen atoms, the Cu²⁺ ions are fivefold coordinated, respectively. The MO₇ and the CuO₅ units form pairs of face-sharing polyhedra, which are connected by common corners forming chains and are further interconnected by tetrametaphosphimate anions, forming a three-dimensional network structure with channels along [100] and [010]. The MO₆ units form chains of face-sharing polyhedra, which are situated in the channels along [100]. Extended hydrogen bonding reinforces the three-dimensional framework structure of the compounds. ²³Na-MAS NMR experiments were conducted to verify the K/Na distribution on the M sites derived from the X-ray crystal structure refinement.     

Ca3Ni8In4—An Ordered Noncentrosymmetric Variant of the BaLi4 Type

The title compound was synthesized by reacting the elements in an arc-melting apparatus under purified argon and subsequent annealing at 870 K. Ca₃Ni₈In₄ was investigated using X-ray diffraction on both powders and single crystals: P6₃mc, a=898.9(1) pm, c=752.2(2) pm, wR2=0.0591, 327 F² values, and 35 parameters. This structure is an ordered, noncentrosymmetric variant of the BaLi₄ type. The nickel and indium atoms build a complex three-dimensional [Ni₈In₄] polyanion in which the calcium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. To a first approximation the formula may be written as (3 Ca²⁺)⁶⁺ [Ni₈In₄]⁶⁻. Within the polyanion the Ni1, Ni3, and Ni4 atoms form one-dimensional cluster units which extend in the c direction while the Ni2 atoms have only indium neighbors in a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The Ni–Ni distances in the cluster range from 241 to 266 pm. The cluster units are surrounded and interconnected by indium atoms. The group– subgroup relation from centrosymmetric BaLi₄ to noncentrosymmetric Ca₃Ni₈In₄ is presented. Chemical bonding in Ca₃Ni₈In₄ and the structural relation with Lu₃Co_7.77Sn₄, Ca₃Au_6.61Ga_4.39, and Co₂Al₅ is briefly discussed.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and magnetic properties of coordination polymers Ni(NO2)2 and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO2)2

Two new coordination polymer frameworks Ni(NO₂)₂ (1) and Ni(4,4′-bipy)(NO₂)₂ (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were synthesized by solvothermal reaction in formamide, and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurement. In compound 1, each Ni²⁺ ion is linked with four neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through μ_1,3-nitrito bridges forming 2D layered structure. In compound 2, each Ni²⁺ ion is bridged with six neighboring Ni²⁺ ions through four μ_1,3-nitrito groups and two 4,4′-bipy ligands forming 3D structure. Magnetic measurements show weak ferromagnetism within framework of the two compounds with T_N = 19 K (1) and 21 K (2).     

New rare earth metal-rich indides RE14Ni3In3 (RE=Sc, Y, Gd-Tm, Lu)—synthesis and crystal chemistry

The rare earth-nickel-indides RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ (RE=Sc, Y, Gd-Tm, Lu) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent annealing. The compounds were investigated on the basis of X-ray powder and single crystal data: Lu₁₄Co₂In₃ type, P4₂/nmc, Z=4, a=888.1(1), c=2134.7(4), wR2=0.0653, 1381 F² values, 63 variables for Sc_13.89Ni_3.66In_2.45; a=961.2(1), c=2316.2(5), wR2=0.0633, 1741 F² values, 64 variables for Y_13.84Ni_3.19In_2.97; a=965.3(1), c=2330.5(5), wR2=0.0620, 1765 F² values, 63 variables for Gd₁₄Ni_3.29In_2.71; a=956.8(1), c=2298.4(5), wR2=0.0829, 1707 F² values, 64 variables for Tb_13.82Ni_3.36In_2.82; a=951.7(1), c=2289.0(5), wR2=0.0838, 1794 F² values, 64 variables for Dy_13.60Ni_3.34In_3.06; a=948.53(7), c=2270.6(1), wR2=0.1137, 1191 F² values, 64 variables for Ho_13.35Ni_3.17In_3.48; a=943.5(1), c=2269.1(5), wR2=0.0552, 1646 F² values, 64 variables for Er_13.53Ni_3.14In_3.33; a=938.42(7), c=2250.8(1), wR2=0.1051, 1611 F² values, 64 variables for Tm_13.47Ni_3.28In_3.25; a=937.3(1), c=2249.6(5), wR2=0.0692, 1604 F² values, 64 variables for Tm_13.80Ni_3.49In_2.71; and a=933.4(1), c=2263.0(5), wR2=0.0709, 1603 F² values, 64 variables for Lu_13.94Ni_3.07In_2.99. The RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ indides show significant Ni/In mixing on the 4c In1 site. Except the gadolinium compound, the RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ intermetallics also reveal RE/In mixing on the 4c RE1 site, leading to the refined compositions. Due to the high rare earth metal content, the seven crystallographically independent RE sites have between 9 and 10 nearest RE neighbors. The RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ structures can be described as a complex intergrowth of rare earth-based polyhedra. Both nickel sites have a distorted trigonal-prismatic rare earth coordination. An interesting feature is the In2-In2 dumb-bell at an In2-In2 distance of 304 pm (for Gd₁₄Ni_3.29In_2.71). The crystal chemical peculiarities of the RE₁₄Ni₃In₃ indides are briefly discussed.     

In search for mixed transition metal/lanthanide single-molecule magnets: Synthetic routes to NiII/TbIII and NiII/DyIII clusters featuring a 2-pyridyl oximate ligand

Employing the mononuclear complex [Ni{(py)C(Me)NO}₂{(py)C(Me)NOH}] (1) as ‘ligand’ [(py)C(Me)NOH = methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime], the use of the ‘metal complexes as ligands’ approach has led to the synthesis of the mixed Ni^II/Ln^III complexes [NiTb{(py)C(Me)NO}₂(NO₃)₃{(py)C(Me)NOH}] (2), [Ni₂Ln₂{(py)C(Me)NO}₆(NO₃)₄] (Ln = Dy, 3; Ln = Tb, 4) and [Ni₂Tb{(py)C(Me)NO}₆](NO₃) (5). The structures of 2, 3, and 5, and the magnetic properties of 2 and 5 are briefly discussed.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Ce7Ni5±xGe3±xIn6 and Pr7Ni5±xGe3±xIn6

The indides Ce₇Ni_5±xGe_3±xIn₆ and Pr₇Ni_5±xGe_3±xIn₆ were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting of the components. Single crystals were grown via special annealing sequences. Both structures were solved from X-ray single crystal diffraction data: new structure type, P6/m, Z=1, a=11.385(2), c=4.212(1) Å, wR₂=0.0640, 634F² values, 25 variables for Ce₇Ni_4.73Ge_3.27In₆ and a=11.355(6), c=4.183(2) Å, wR₂=0.0539, 563F² values, 25 variables for Pr₇Ni_4.96Ge_3.04In₆. Both indides show homogeneity ranges through Ni/Ge mixing (M sites). This new structure type can be derived from the AlB₂ structure type by a substitution of the Al and B atoms by CeM₁₂ and NiIn₆Ce₃ polyhedra (tricapped trigonal prism). Magnetic susceptibility measurements on a polycrystalline sample of Ce₇Ni₅Ge₃In₆ indicated Curie-Weiss like paramagnetic behavior down to 1.71 K with the effective magnetic moment slightly reduced in relation to the value expected for trivalent cerium ions. No magnetic ordering is evident.     

Heptanuclear high-spin complex compounds based on S-donors

The precursors [Fe(III)(^SYL)Cl] (^SYLH₂) = N,N′-bis(1-hydroxy-Y-2-benzyliden)-1,6-diamino-3-thiohexane, (Y = H, 3EtO, 5Me) are high-spin (S = 5/2) complexes. The precursors are combined with [Fe(II)(CN)₆]⁴⁻ and [Co(III)(CN)₆]³⁻ to yield star-shaped heptanuclear clusters, [Fe(II)(CN–Fe(III)^SYL)₆]Cl₂ and [Co(III)(CN–Fe(III)^SYL)₆]Cl₃. The star-shaped compounds are high-spin (HS) systems at room temperature. On cooling to 20 K some of the iron(III) centers perform some HS–HS transition.     

Lithium–manganese–nickel-oxide electrodes with integrated layered–spinel structures for lithium batteries

A series of lithium–manganese–nickel-oxide compositions that can be represented in three-component notation, xLi[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄ · (1 − x){Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂}, in which a spinel component, Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄, and two layered components, Li₂MnO₃ and Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂, are structurally integrated in a highly complex manner, have been evaluated as electrodes in lithium cells for x = 1, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25 and 0. In this series of compounds, which is defined by the Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄–{Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂} tie-line in the Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄–Li₂MnO₃–Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ phase diagram, the Mn:Ni ratio in the spinel and the combined layered Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ components is always 3:1. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the end members and the electrochemical profiles of cells with these electrodes are consistent with those expected for the spinel Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄ (x = 1) and for ‘composite’ Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ layered electrode structures (x = 0). Electrodes with intermediate values of x exhibit both spinel and layered character and yield extremely high capacities, reaching more than 250 mA h/g with good cycling stability between 2.0 V and 4.95 V vs. Li° at a current rate of 0.1 mA/cm².     

Synthesis,spectroscopic studies and structures of square-planar nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes derived from 2-{(Z)-[furan-2-ylmethyl]imino]methyl}-6-methoxyphenol

Two new nickel(II) [Ni(L)₂] and copper(II) [Cu(L)₂] complexes have been synthesized with bidentate NO donor Schiff base ligand (2-{(Z)-[furan-2-ylmethyl]imino]methyl}-6-methoxyphenol) (HL) and both complexes Ni(L)₂ and Cu(L)₂ have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–vis, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, mass spectroscopy and room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement. The tautomeric equilibria (phenol-imine, O–H?N and keto-amine, O?H–N forms) have been systemetically studied by using UV–vis absorption spectra for the ligand HL. The UV–vis spectra of this ligand HL were recorded and commented in polar, non-polar, acidic and basic media. The crystal structures of these complexes have also been determined by using X-ray crystallographic techniques. The complexes Ni(L)₂ and Cu(L)₂ crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n and P2₁/c with unit cell parameters: a = 10.4552(3) Å and 12.1667(4) Å, b = 8.0121(3) Å and 10.4792(3) Å, c = 13.9625(4) Å and 129.6616(3)Å, V = 1155.22(6) Å³ and 1155.22(6) Å³, D_x = 1.493 and 1.476 g cm^?3 and Z = 2 and 2, respectively. The crystal structures were solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least squares to a find R = 0.0377 and 0.0336 of for 2340 and 2402 observed reflections, respectively.     

Synthesis of open-framework iron phosphates, [C5N2H14]2[FeIII2F2(HPO4)4]·2H2O and [C5N2H14][FeIII4(H2O)4F2(PO4)4], with one- and three-dimensional structures

The hydrothermal syntheses and structures of two new open-framework iron phosphates, [C₅N₂H₁₄]₂[Fe^III₂F₂(HPO₄)₄]·2H₂O, I, and [C₅N₂H₁₄][Fe^III₄(H₂O)₄F₂(PO₄)₄], II, are presented. While the structure of I consist of FeO₄F₂ octahedra and HPO₄ terahedra linked to form one-dimensional structure, that of II consist of FeO₄(H₂O)₂, FeO₄(H₂O)F, FeO₄F₂ and PO₄ units connected to give rise to a three-dimensional structure. The structure of I resembles the naturally occurring mineral tancoite while II resembles the iron phosphate, ULM-12, [C₆N₂H₁₄][Fe₄(PO₄)₂F₂(H₂O)₃]. Magnetic susceptibility studies indicate anti-ferromagnetic behavior in both the compounds with T_N=200 and 175 K for I and II, respectively. Crystal data: I, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=7.2261(6), b=16.5731(14), c=11.0847(10) Å, β=97.265(2)°, V=1316.8(2) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=1.952 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=1.446 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0448 and wR₂=0.1141 for 1882 data [I>2σ(I)]; for II, monoclinic, space group=P2₁/n (no. 14). a=9.9691(3), b=12.4013(3), c=17.3410(3) Å, β=103.762(1)°, V=2082.32(9) Å³, Z=4, ρ_calc=2.576 g cm⁻¹, μ_(MoKα)=3.162 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0510 and wR₂=0.1064 for 2979 data [I>2σ(I)].