Structure types and phase transformations in KMnCl3 and TlMnCl3

KMnCl₃ and TlMnCl₃ are known to crystallize in tetragonal and cubic perovskite structures, respectively. Room temperature X-ray diffraction data obtained in our laboratory proved that the perovskite structure of KmnCl₃ is orthorhombic. The space group is Pnma and Z = 4. Unit cell parameters are a = 7.08(1), b = 9.97(1), and c = 6.98(1) Å. Experimental data showed that the perovskite structures of KMnCl₃ and TlMnCl₃ are not stable, and that both materials transform slowly into another orthorhombic, nonperovskite KCdCl₃ structure with space group Pnma and Z = 4. Cell parameters of these structures are a = 8.769(7), b = 3.883(9), and c = 14.42(1) Å for KMnCl₃ and a = 8.926(8), b = 3.839(9), and c = 14.77(1) Å for TlMnCl₃. The nonperovskite structures of KMnCl₃ and TlMnCl₃ transform on heating to the perovskite structures and these phase transitions are not immediately reversed. No correlation could be found between the KCdCl₃ structure and water incorporation in the crystal lattice as has been previously suggested. An analysis of the factors that cause the K structure to be exhibited in chloride and to be absent in the fluoride compounds is also presented.