Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of Mg3B36Si9C and related rare earth compounds RE3−xB36Si9C (RE=Y, Gd-Lu)

Single crystals of the new boridesilicide Mg3B36Si9C were obtained from the elements in a Si-melt. Besides B12-icosahedra and ethan-like Si8-units it contains a disordered SiC-dumbbell. Correct distances were obtained by relaxation calculation based on the X-ray data.