A New Rare-Earth Indium Antimonide, (RE)In(1)(-)(x)()Sb(2) (RE = La-Nd), Featuring In Zigzag Chains and Sb Square Nets.
A new series of ternary rare-earth indium antimonides, (RE)In(1)(-)(x)()Sb(2) (RE = La-Nd), has been synthesized through reaction of the elements at 950 degrees C. The structure of LaIn(0.81(1))Sb(2) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (monoclinic space group -P2(1)/m, Z = 2, a = 4.521(3) Å, b = 4.331(3) Å, c = 11.913(7) Å, beta = 99.6680(11) degrees ). The structure is built up of alternating layers of compositions and separated by the La atoms. The layer is described as a nearly square net of Sb atoms held by weak one-electron bonds, while the layer is derived from edge-sharing InSb(4) tetrahedra distorted in such a way as to produce In-In zigzag chains. Extended Hückel band structure calculations are used to explain the bonding and predict that anisotropic metallic behavior should be observed.
Ferguson
Michael J.
MJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2.
Ellenwood
Robert E.
RE
Mar
Arthur
A