The crystal structures of Ni3+xSn4Zn and Ni6+xSn8Zn and their structural relations to Ni3+xSn4, NiSn and Ni5−δZnSn4

• The crystal structures of Ni6+xSn8Zn and Ni3+xSn4Zn were determined using single crystal XRD.
• Topological relations to Ni–Sn and Ni–Sn–Zn compounds were established and discussed.
• Common structural units were identified and their interconnection patterns described.

The crystal structures of two new compounds were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements: Ni3+xSn4Zn, (x~1.35, a=7.110(2) Å, b=4.123(1) Å, c=10.346(3) Å, β=90.23(2)°, space group I2/m, Z=2. R1=0.025, wR2=0.059 for 748 unique reflections, 35 variable parameters) and Ni6+xSn8Zn, x~1.35 (a=12.379(3) Å, b=4.095(1) Å, c=12.155(3) Å, β=116.25(3)°, space group C2/m, Z=2. R1=0.026, wR2=0.052 for 1346 unique reflections, 60 variable parameters). In addition, a structural refinement was performed for Ni3+xSn4, x~0.13 (a=12.264(3) Å, b=4.066(1) Å, c=5.223(2) Å, β=104.85(3)°, space group C2/m, Z=2. R1=0.019, wR2=0.046 for 617 unique reflections, 29 variable parameters). The three compounds show pronounced similarities among each other as well as to the crystal structures of surrounding binary Ni–Sn and ternary Ni–Sn–Zn compounds. In particular, the two new compounds form a homologous series with Ni3+xSn4, x~0.13. They contain “Ni4Sn4” and “Ni2Sn4” building blocks which by different interconnection build up the distinct structures. Topological relations with NiSn and Ni5−δSn4Zn, δ~0.25 are evident.

Projection of the structure of Ni6+xZnSn8, x~1.35 and constituent building blocks.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide