Abstract: | The new compound Yb2+3—xPd12—3+xP7 x = 0.40(4)) was synthesized by sintering of a mixture of elemental components at 1100 °C with subsequent annealing at 800 °C. The crystal structure of Yb2+3—xPd12—3+xP7 was solved and refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data: space group P6¯, a = 10.0094(4)Å, c = 3.9543(2)Å, Z = 1; R(F) = 0.022 for 814 observed unique reflections and 38 refined parameters. The atomic arrangement reproduces a structure motif of the hexagonal Zr2Fe12P7 type in which one of the transition metal positions is substituted predominantly by ytterbium (Yb : Pd = 0.86(1) : 0.14). The ytterbium atoms are embedded in the 3D polyanion formed by palladium and phosphorus atoms. Two different environments for ytterbium atoms are present in the structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and XAS spectroscopy at the Yb LIII edge show the presence of ytterbium in two electronic configurations, 4?13 and 4?14. The following model was derived. Ytterbium atoms in the 3k site are in the 4?13 state, the two remaining positions contain ytterbium in intermediate‐valence states, giving totally 79 % ytterbium in the 4?13 electronic configuration. |