R4Ir13Ge9 (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) and RIr3Ge2 (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd): Crystal structures with nets of Ir atoms

► The Ir-rich ternary germanides R4Ir13Ge9 (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) and RIr3Ge2 (R=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) have been synthesized. ► The RIr3Ge2 compounds exist only in as-cast samples and decompose during annealing at 800 °C with the formation of R4Ir13Ge9. ► The structure of R4Ir13Ge9 contains intersecting slightly puckered nets of Ir atoms. ► In the structure of RIr3Ge2 the Ir atoms form planar Kagomé nets.