Bronzes with a tunnel structure KxP4O8(WO3)2m: The tenth member of the series—KP8W40O136

The crystal structure of KP₈W₄₀O₁₃₆, the tenth member of the series K_xP₄O₈(WO₃)_2m, has been resolved by three-dimensional single-crystal X-ray analysis. The space group is $\text{P2}{}_1\text{c}$ and the cell parameters are a = 19.589(3) Å, b = 7.5362(4) Å, c = 16.970(3) Å and β = 91.864(14)°. The framework is built up from ReO₃-type slabs connected through pyrophosphate groups. The structure is compared to those of the other members of the series: although the ReO₃-type slabs show a different type of tilting of the WO₆ octahedra, the dispersion of WO distances is always higher for the octahedra linked to one or two P₂O₇ groups and decreases in proportion as W is farther from these groups. The perovskite cages of the slabs are described and compared to those encountered in the structures of WO₃ and of the bronzes A_xWO₃.