Crystal structure and magnetic properties of YbZn8.3–9.2Ga2.7–1.8 with BaHg11 structure type

The ternary YbZn8.3–9.2Ga2.7–1.8 compound has been synthesized by reacting the elements at 900 °C, followed by annealing at 400 °C. The crystal structure of the compound was solved from single crystal as well as powder X-ray counter data. The above mentioned compound crystallizes in a cubic symmetry, with BaHg11 structure type (space group Pm3¯m, Pearson symbol cP36). The study of the magnetic properties of the compound reveals a diamagnetic behavior.

Research highlights▶ The ternary YbZn8.3-9.2Ga2.7-1.8 compound crystallizes in a cubic symmetry with BaHg11 structure type. ▶ The shortest Yb-M and M-M bonds occurring in the structure of this compound are 3.187 and 2.592 Å, respectively. ▶ Magnetic properties point to a nonmagnetic divalent state of ytterbium in YbZn9Ga2.