Crystal chemistry of MX · MgX2 · 6H2O type compounds

The following MX · MgX₂ · 6H₂O compounds (double salt hexahydrates) were synthesized by variation of the M⁺ and X^? ions: CsCl · MgCl₂ · 6 H₂O, Li(H₂O)Cl · MgCl₂ · 6H₂O, NH₄Br · MgBr₂ · 6 H₂O, RbBr · MgBr₂ · 6 H₂O, CsBr. MgBr₂ · 6 H₂O, KI · MgI₂ · 6 H₂O, NH₄I. Mgl₂ · 6 H₂O and RbI · MgI₂ · 6H₂O. By X-ray analysis of powder samples the lattice parameters and the space group were determined. On the basis of the results thus obtained, an identification with structural types was carried out. In accordance with the findings, the structure is made up of (M⁺)X₆^?octahedra which are linked into perovskite type units by sharing vertices. Their interstices are occupied by the Mg(H₂O)₆²⁺ octahedra. A “tolerance factor” t which has been calculated on the basis of the proportion of radii and which attains values between 1.045 and 1.061 is a criterion for the upper limit of the area of existence of this structure. Carnallite has a higher to value and, therefore, a different structure.