Electron-precise/deficient La(5-x)Ca(x)Ge4 (3.4 < or = x < or = 3.8) and Ce(5-x)Ca(x)Ge4 (3.0 < or = x < or = 3.3): probing low-valence electron concentrations in metal-rich Gd5Si4-type germanides

We report for the first time the syntheses of electron-precise/deficient alloys, Ln5-xCaxGe4 (Ln = La, Ce; x = 3.37, 3.66, 3.82 for La; x = 3.00, 3.20, 3.26 for Ce), in the metal-rich R5Tt4 Zintl system (R = rare earth metal; Tt = Si, Ge). The new alloys extend the phase width from electron-rich to open-shell electron-deficient region in the metal-rich Zintl system and demonstrate possible occurrence of varied electron deficiencies in Zintl phases without structural changes, as a result of other existing structure-forming factors.