New pseudo-one-dimensional metals: M2Mo6Se6 (M = Na,In, K,TI), M2Mo6S6 (M = K,Rb, Cs), M2Mo6Te6 (M = In,TI)

We present a new series of ternary chalcogenides, derived from divalent molybdenum: M₂Mo₆X₆. These compounds crystallize in a hexagonal lattice with a ≈ 9 Å, c ≈ 4.5 Å, and space group $\text{P6}{}_3\text{m}$. The compounds are characterized by clusters (Mo₃)¹_∞ in the form of linear chains, resulting from a linear condensation of Mo₆ octahedral clusters. The (Mo₃)¹_∞ clusters are well separated from each other, with the shortest MoMo intercluster distance larger than 6 Å. The resulting pseudo-one-dimensional structures show remarkable anisotropy of physical properties.