Crystal structures of polyphosphates MCs5(PO3)8 (M = Pr,Eu, and Gd)

Crystals of double polyphosphates EuCs₅(PO₃)₈ (I) and GdCs₅(PO₃)₈ (II) have been studied by X-ray diffraction. The isostructural crystals of I and II are monoclinic, space group C2. Only unit cell parameters have been determined for the crystals of double Pr and Cs polyphosphate (III). This crystal is isostructural with earlier studied La₃Cs₁₅P₂₄O₇₂ · 6H₂O (IV). The crystals of compounds III and IV are triclinic, space group P1, Z = 1; a = 11.987(2) and 12.178(5) Å, b = 14.754(8) and 14.740(8) Å, c = 14.692(8) and 14.847(9) Å, α = 60.15(4)° and 60.87(5)°, β = 67.04(4)° and 66.35(4)°, γ = 78.76(3)° and 77.54(4)°, respectively. In compounds I and II, the polyphosphate anions exist as infinite chains. The M^IIIO₈ polyhedra are isolated from each other but share edges and faces with the CsO _n polyhedra.