Distorted perovskite structured organic–inorganic hybrid compounds for possible multiferroic behavior: [n-alkyl]2FeCl4

Perovskite structured compounds have shown multifunctional properties and therefore attracted attention recently because of their potential applications. To explore such materials we have prepared simple double salts, distorted perovskite structured compounds, Cn2FeCl4, Cn = n-propyl or n-butyl ammonium ions. (C3)2FeCl4 crystallize in orthorhombic space group, Cmc21, having lattice constants a = 7.223(9) Å, b = 7.439(9) Å, c = 25.303(8) Å with unit cell volume of 1359.95 cm3, at room temperature. The overall structure consists of two-dimensional Fe(II)–chloride network, parallel to the ac-plane, interlayered by the ammonium ions. Magnetic measurements using SQUID magnetometer show that these compounds are antiferromagnets with TN ∼ 90 K. Preliminary studies using DSC and AC-conductivity have shown promising transitions above room temperature.

Graphical abstractWe have synthesized simple double salts, distorted perovskite structured compounds, with formula Cn2FeCl4, (Cn = n-propyl or n-butyl ammonium ions). (C3)2FeCl4, crystallize in orthorhombic space group, Cmc21, at room temperature. The overall structure consists of two-dimensional Fe(II)–chloride network, parallel to the ac-plane, interlayered by the ammonium ions. Magnetic measurements using SQUID magnetometer show that these compounds are antiferromagnets with TN ∼ 90 K. Preliminary studies using DSC and AC-conductivity have shown promising transitions above room temperature.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide