ChemInform Abstract: Networks of Icosahedra in the Sodium—Zinc—Stannides Na₁₆Zn_13.54Sn_13.46(5) (I), Na₂₂Zn₂₀Sn₁₉₍₁₎ (II), and Na₃₄Zn₆₆Sn₃₈₍₁₎ (III).

Abstract

. -The new phases are prepared from the elements (Ta ampules, 300-500°C, 30 d) and characterized by single crystal XRD. (I) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with Z = 8, (II) in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with Z = 4, and (III) in the trigonal space group R3 with Z = 3. The structures consist of complex three-dimensional cluster networks made of Zn and Sn atoms with the common motif of Kagome nets of icosahedra. In addition to the new {Zn12-xSnx} icosahedra, triangular units, cages, and pairs of triply fused icosahedra fill the cavities of the