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Related Concept Videos

Ionic Crystal Structures02:42

Ionic Crystal Structures

Ionic crystals consist of two or more different kinds of ions that usually have different sizes. The packing of these ions into a crystal structure is more complex than the packing of metal atoms that are the same size.
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
Ionic Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature03:34

Ionic Compounds: Formulas and Nomenclature

An element composed of atoms that readily lose electrons (a metal) can react with an element composed of atoms that readily gain electrons (a nonmetal) to produce ions through complete electron transfer. The compound formed by this transfer is stabilized by the electrostatic attractions (ionic bonds) between the oppositely charged ions.
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes02:58

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy01:29

Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Non-Stoichiometric Defects01:29

Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Non-Stoichiometric Defects

Non-stoichiometric defects refer to a type of defect in the crystal structure of a compound where the ratio of its constituent elements deviates from the ideal stoichiometric ratio. There are two main types of non-stoichiometric defects: metal excess defects and metal deficiency defects.Metal excess defects occur when there is a slight surplus of metal ions than what is required by the stoichiometric ratio of the compound. For example, heating a sodium chloride crystal in sodium vapor results...
Structural Isomerism02:34

Structural Isomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...

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Safflorite, (Co,Ni,Fe)As(2), isomorphous with marcasite.

Hexiong Yang1, Robert T Downs, Carla Eichler

  • 1Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, 1040 E. 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85721-0077, USA.

Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Structure Reports Online
|January 5, 2011
PubMed
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Safflorite, a cobalt-nickel-iron diarsenide, has a marcasite-type structure. Its chemical formula (Co,Ni,Fe)As(2) reflects the essential interaction of multiple metals with arsenide anions for structural stability.

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Area of Science:

  • Mineralogy
  • Crystallography
  • Inorganic Chemistry

Background:

  • Safflorite is a naturally occurring diarsenide mineral with the general formula (Co,Ni,Fe)As(2).
  • It crystallizes in the marcasite-type structure, characterized by specific cation and anion site symmetries.
  • The structure involves MAs(6) octahedra sharing edges to form chains along the c-axis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the accurate chemical representation of safflorite.
  • To explain the structural stabilization mechanism in safflorite.
  • To highlight the electronic interactions governing safflorite's crystal structure.

Main Methods:

  • Crystallographic analysis of safflorite structure.
  • Chemical formula determination based on structural observations.
  • Theoretical analysis of electronic interactions between cations and anions.

Main Results:

  • Safflorite exhibits a marcasite-type structure with specific cation (M = Co + Ni + Fe) and anion (As) arrangements.
  • The MAs(6) octahedra form chains parallel to the c-axis.
  • The study confirms that the formula (Co,Ni,Fe)As(2) is more appropriate than end-member formulas like CoAs(2).

Conclusions:

  • The stabilization of safflorite's structure is dependent on the synergistic electronic interactions between cobalt, nickel, iron, and the arsenide (As(2) (2-)) dianions.
  • The chemical formula (Co,Ni,Fe)As(2) accurately represents the complex cationic composition and electronic requirements for structural integrity.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending the properties and formation of safflorite and related minerals.