A structure refinement of the high pressure modification BaI2-II

A high pressure phase BaI₂-II, which can be quenched and retained as a metastable form at ambient conditions, is reported. The structure has been determined by X-ray investigations using single crystals. BaI₂-II crystallizes in an anti-Fe₂P-type arrangement, space group $\text{P}\text{6}\text{2m, a = 9.142(6)}$Å, c = 5.173(3)Å, which is slightly denser than the PbCl₂-type structure found at normal pressure. Structural features of the two phases are discussed in comparison.