Zr7(Sb,Se)4 – eine polare Variante des Nb7P4-Strukturtyps

Zr₇(Sb,Se)₄ – a Polar Variant of the Nb₇P₄ Structure Type Single crystals of Zr₇Sb_1.6(1)Se_2,4 were obtained by arc-melting of compressed mixtures of Zr, ZrSb₂, and ZrSe₂, followed by annealing at 1300 °C in an induction furnace using traces of iodine to promote crystal growth. The crystal structure (a = 375.98(4), b = 1662.6(2), c = 1476.7(2) pm, V = 923.1(2) 10⁶ pm³, Cmc2₁, Z = 4) was determined by single crystal X-ray means. Zr₇Sb_1.6(1)Se_2.4 forms a unique polar structure composed of condensed tri-capped trigonal prismatic Zr₉ clusters, being stabilized by interstitial Sb/Se atoms. The remaining Sb and Se atoms reside in mono- and bi-capped trigonal prismatic Zr₇ and Zr₈ clusters, respectively, of the extended cluster network. Characteristic structural distinctions and relations between Zr₇(Sb,Se)₄ and congeneric Zr₇P₄ are highlighted.