Yb{sub 5}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 10} and Yb{sub 7}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 13}: New polar intermetallics with 3D framework structures

The title compounds have been obtained by solid state reactions of the corresponding pure elements at high temperature, and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Yb{sub 5}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 10} adopts the Sc{sub 5}Co{sub 4}Si{sub 10} structure type and crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm (No. 127) with cell parameters of a=13.785(4) A, c=4.492 (2) A, V=853.7(5) A{sup 3}, and Z=2. Yb{sub 7}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 13} is isostructural with Yb{sub 7}Co{sub 4}InGe{sub 12} and crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/m (No. 83) with cell parameters of a=11.1429(6) A, c=4.5318(4) A, V=562.69(7) A{sup 3}, and Z=1. Both structures feature three-dimensional (3D) frameworks based on three different types of one-dimensional (1D) channels, which are occupied by the Yb atoms. Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) indicate that both compounds are metallic. These results are in agreement with those from temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. - Graphical abstract: Two new ytterbium nickel stannides, namely, Yb{sub 5}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 10} and Yb{sub 7}Ni{sub 4}Sn{sub 13}, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Both their structures feature three-dimensional (3D) frameworks based on three different types of one-dimensional (1D) channels, which are situated by all the Yb atoms. more » Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) indicate that both compounds are metallic, which are in accordance with the results from temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. « less