Abstract: | Y16I19C8B4 – a Yttrium Boride Carbide Halide Containing B2C4 Units The new compound Y16I19C8B4 was prepared from Y, YI3, C and B at 1050–1150 °C. The structure of a twinned crystal was determined by means of X-ray diffraction (space group P 1¯, a = 12.311(2) Å, b = 13.996(3) Å, c = 19.695(3) Å, α = 74.96(2)°, β = 89.51(2)°, γ = 67.03(2)°, Z = 2). Y16I19C8B4 is a semiconductor and contains nearly planar B2C4 units which are located in cages built up by 12 yttrium atoms. Assuming (B2C4)12–, these units can be regarded as isoelectronic with B2F4. The yttrium cages are connected via faces to form rods, which are surrounded by iodine atoms. Bridging iodine atoms connect the rods so that layers are formed. The characteristic twinning observed can be understood from the geometry of the crystal structure. |