Synthesis and Crystal Structure of LiZn13

By simultaneous deposition of zinc and lithium onto a cooled sapphire substrate, LiZn₁₃ was obtained for the first time. It crystallizes in the NaZn₁₃ structure type (Fmc, a = 1234.92(6) pm, R_p = 5.4 %, R_wp = 6.9 %, structure analysis with the Rietveld‐method). Single‐phase LiZn₁₃ forms from a hexagonal Li_0.07Zn_0.93 alloy, deposited at –196 °C, during heating up to room temperature. Above room temperature LiZn₁₃ decomposes.