Preparation and properties of rare-earth-molybdenum(V) oxides Ln3MoO7

Phase equilibrium studies in Ln₂O₃MoO₂MoO₃ systems indicate, for a Ln₂O₃:Mo ratio of 3:2, the existence of a new molybdenum (V)-rare-earth oxide Ln₃MoO₇. Ternary oxides have been prepared for Ln ≡ La-Ho and Y. For Ln ≡ La-Eu, Ln₃MoO₇ compounds form at 1473 K under oxygen partial pressures ranging from 10^−7.3 to 10^−11.6 atm. For Ln ≡ Gd-Ho and Y compounds form above 1573 K and at 1473 K the stability range is about 10⁻⁹ to about 10⁻¹⁰ atm. Lattice parameters deduced from X-ray diffraction patterns are reported. For the large Ln cations, lanthanum to europium, all reflections could be indexed in an orthorhombic C-centred cell isotypic to Nd₃NbO₇. For Ln ≡ Gd-Ho and Y, strong f.c.c.-type reflections show that the structure is defect fluorite. Stability ranges in terms of oxygen partial pressure and crystal chemical properties are discussed with respect to the rare-earth elements. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of La₃MoO₇ confirm the oxidation state + 5 for molybdenum.