Synthesis of the One-dimensional Compound (Ph4P)[In(P2Se6)] in a Ph4P+-Containing Selenophosphate Flux,and Structure of [In(P2Se6)2]5– – a Discrete Molecular Fragment of the [In(P2Se6)]nn– Chain

The reaction of one equivalent of In with a molten flux of (Ph₄P)₂Se₅ and P₂Se₅ (1 : 2), at 250 °C gave the (Ph₄P)[In(P₂Se₆)] ( I ). Stoichiometric elemental synthesis at 750 °C produced the Cs₅In(P₂Se₆)₂ ( II ). The thin, yellow crystals of ( I ), and the irregular, dark orange crystals of ( II ), appear to be air- and water-stable. Compound ( I ) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (no. 15) and at 23 °C: a = 23.127(7) Å, b = 6.564(1) Å, c = 19.083(3) Å, β = 97.42(2)°, V = 2873(1) ų, Z = 4, final R/R_w = 4.4/5.2%. Compound ( II ) crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4₂/m (no. 84) and at 23 °C: a = b = 13.886(1) Å, c = 7.597(2) Å, V = 1464.9(3) ų, Z = 2, final R/R_w = 3.9/5.1%. Compound ( I ) contains infinite [In(P₂Se₆)]_n^n– with a structure related to that of K₂FeP₂Se₆. Compound ( II ) contains the discrete [In(P₂Se₆)₂]^5– which can be viewed as a fragment of the [In(P₂Se₆)]_n^n– chain.