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The Synthesis of [Sn10(Si(SiMe3)3)4]2- Using a Metastable Sn(I) Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique
Published on: November 28, 2016
Solid-state structures of the covalent hydrides germane and stannane
Iain J Maley1, Daniel H Brown, Richard M Ibberson
1School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, Scotland.
Low-temperature neutron diffraction reveals the crystal structures of perdeuterogermane and perdeuterostannane. Silane shares structural similarity with germane below 38 K.
Area of Science:
- Solid State Chemistry
- Crystallography
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding the low-temperature behavior of Group IV hydrides is crucial for predicting their solid-state properties.
- Previous studies on similar tetrahedral molecules provide a basis for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the low-temperature crystal structures of perdeuterogermane (GeD4) and perdeuterostannane (SnD4).
- To compare these structures with other Group IV hydrides and investigate the structural relationship of silane at low temperatures.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution neutron powder diffraction at 5 K.
- In situ gas-condensation techniques for sample preparation.
Main Results:
- Perdeuterogermane (GeD4) crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure (space group P2(1)2(1)2(1)) with an average Ge-D bond length of 1.517 Å.
- Perdeuterostannane (SnD4) adopts a monoclinic structure (space group C2/c) with an average Sn-D bond length of 1.706 Å.
- Evidence suggests silane is isostructural with germane below 38 K.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed low-temperature structural data for GeD4 and SnD4.
- The findings contribute to understanding structure-property relationships in Group IV hydrides.
- The structural similarity between silane and germane at low temperatures is highlighted.
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