Crystallochemistry of some new niobium bromides with (Nb6Br18) units: Structures of CsErNb6Br18 and Cs2EuNb6Br18

Two new series of Nb₆ bromides, CsRENb₆Br₁₈ (RE = all the lanthanides excepted Eu and Yb, + Y) (type H ) and M₂RENb₆Br₁₈ (M = Cs, Rb, Tl; RE = Eu, Yb) (type R ) have been isolated. The crystal structures of CsErNb₆Br₁₈ and Cs₂EuNb₆Br₁₈, isotypic with the corresponding chlorides, have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The (Nb₆Br₁₈) intra-unit strength is related to the nature and the charge of the counter cation. A comparison between the corresponding chlorides and bromides series, based on the chemical properties and the size of the halogen is discussed.