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[C7H10N][In3Se5]: a layered selenide with two indium coordination environments
Sarah J Ewing1, Anthony V Powell, Paz Vaqueiro
1Department of Chemistry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
Inorganic Chemistry
|June 22, 2012
Summary
A novel layered indium selenide material was synthesized solvothermally. This new compound features anionic [In(3)Se(5)](-) layers with coexisting octahedral and tetrahedral indium coordination, separated by organic cations.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state chemistry
- Inorganic materials synthesis
- Crystal engineering
Background:
- Layered indium selenides are of interest for their unique structural and electronic properties.
- Controlling the dimensionality and cation environment is key to tuning material characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new layered indium selenide using a specific organic amine as a structure-directing agent.
- To investigate the crystal structure and coordination environment of indium within the anionic layers.
Main Methods:
- Solvothermal synthesis utilizing 3,5-dimethylpyridine.
- Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction for structural determination.
- Thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis for material characterization.
Main Results:
- A new layered indium selenide, [C(7)H(10)N][In(3)Se(5)] (1), was successfully synthesized.
- The crystal structure reveals anionic [In(3)Se(5)](-) layers with coexisting octahedral and tetrahedral indium coordination.
- Monoprotonated 3,5-dimethylpyridinium cations intersperse the anionic layers.
Conclusions:
- The solvothermal method with 3,5-dimethylpyridine effectively yields novel layered indium selenide structures.
- The coexisting indium coordination environments contribute to the unique layered architecture.
- A related compound was formed using 2,6-dimethylpyridine, highlighting the influence of the organic cation structure.
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