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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Combining Solid-state and Solution-based Techniques: Synthesis and Reactivity of Chalcogenidoplumbates(II or IV)
Published on: December 29, 2016
The new pentaborate Na3SrB5O10.
Li Wu1, Georg Roth, Karine Sparta
1Institut für Kristallographie, RWTH-Aachen, Jägerstrasse 17-19, 52056 Aachen, Germany. wu@xtal.rwth-aachen.de
Sodium strontium pentaborate exhibits a novel crystal structure, confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This discovery corrects prior findings and highlights potential for optical applications in novel borate materials.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state chemistry
- Crystallography
- Materials science
Background:
- Sodium strontium pentaborate (Na(3)SrB(5)O(10)) is an alkali-alkaline earth borate.
- Previous structural determination relied on powder diffraction data, leading to potential inaccuracies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately determine the crystal structure of sodium strontium pentaborate.
- To clarify structural relationships with similar borate compounds.
- To evaluate the potential of this material for optical applications.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at variable temperatures (200, 250, and 293 K).
- Analysis of crystal structure, coordination environments, and building units.
- Crystallochemical comparison with related borate structures.
Main Results:
- The compound maintains a previously unobserved structure type across the studied temperature range.
- Anionic [B(5)O(10)](5-) groups are identified as fundamental building units.
- Strontium (Sr) atoms exhibit eightfold coordination, forming trigonal dodecahedra.
- Sodium (Na) atoms occupy three distinct crystallographic sites.
- The single-crystal data corrects a previous monoclinic cell assignment based on powder data.
- Structural differences were noted compared to the analogous calcium-containing compound.
Conclusions:
- The precise crystal structure of sodium strontium pentaborate has been elucidated.
- This work corrects previous structural assignments and provides a basis for understanding structure-property relationships.
- These novel borates show promise as host materials for optical applications, such as phosphors.
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