Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Mn3(Sb2O2)(VO4)2–x(SbO3)xCl2 (0.08 < x < 0.13), a Vanadium Oxochloride with a VV – SbIII Split Position

Abstract

AbstractThe compounds Mn3(Sb2O2)(VO4)2–x(SbO3)xCl2 (x = 0.08, 0.10, and 0.13) crystallize in the triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$. The compounds were synthesized through chemical reactions at 550 °C in sealed evacuated silica tubes. The crystal structure is a three‐dimensional framework structure having small channels running along [100]. The manganese oxochloride octahedra [MnO5Cl] and [MnO4Cl2] are connected by edge sharing to form chains that are separated by [VO4], [SbO4], and [SbO3] building blocks. The compound exhibits an unusual split position in between Sb3+ and V5+ so that either [VO4] or [SbO3] form when the two cations replace each other. The Sb/V ratio within the split position has been investigated by measuring three different crystals and the amount of antimony in the split position has shown to vary in the range of 4–6 %.