Synthesis, structure and properties of hydrazinium germanate pharmacosiderite, (N2H5)3Ge7O15(OH)·2.5H2O

The first hydrazinium-bearing zeolite-like compound, (N2H5)3Ge7O15(OH)·2.5H2O, has been synthesized by low-temperature hydrazine-induced hydrolysis of fluorogermanic acid, H2GeF6. The crystal structure of hydrazinium germanate has been solved by direct methods and refined by the Rietveld method. The compound is related to the pharmacosiderite structure type and possesses chemical properties inherited from the presence of hydrazinium ions in the structure. The germanate does not contain volatile- or acid-forming anions and is thermally stable up to 140 °C. These features allow considering the new compound as a stable, solid-supported hydrazine source, possibly being a safe alternative to vaporized hydrazine in heterogeneous solid/gas reactions.