Crystal Structure,Phase Transition and Ferroelastic Properties of [N(CH3)4]3[As2Cl9]

The crystal structure of [N(CH₃)₄]₃[As₂Cl₉] is determined at 293 K. It crystallizes in trigonal space group P31c: a = 9.2199(8), c = 21.065(3)Å, Z = 2, R₁ = 0.0505, wR₂ = 0.1283. The crystal is built of the discrete bioctahedral [As₂Cl₉]^3— anions and the deformed tetramethylammonium cations. A structural phase transition in [N(CH₃)₄]₃[As₂Cl₉] is detected by the DSC and dilatometric techniques at 146/151 K (on cooling/heating). Dielectric relaxation studies in the frequency range 75 kHz — 5 MHz indicate reorientations of the tetramethylammonium cations within the high temperature phase. Optical observations show the existence of the ferroelastic domain structure below 146 K. The possible mechanism of phase transition is discussed on the basis of the presented results.