2m, a = 708.2(2) pm, c = 433.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.1264, 321 F-2 values, and 14 variables. The Guinier powder pattern reveals weak superstructure reflections pointing to a TiFeSi-type structural arrangement: I2cm, a = 708.1(1) pm, b = 1225.2(2) pm, c = 869.9(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0787, 5556 F-2 values, and 49 variables. So far the growth of high-quality single crystals failed. Determination of the superstructure was partly based on merohedral triplet X-ray data augmented by Sn-119 Mossbauer spectroscopy and Sn-119 and Sc-45 solid-state NMR data. In particular, the observation of three crystallographically inequivalent sites in Sc-45 NMR triple quantum magic-angle spinning (TQ-MAS) NMR spectra provided unambiguous proof of the superstructure proposed. The ScAgSn structure consists of a three-dimensional [AgSn] network (with Ag-Sn distances between 273 and 280 pm) in which the scandium atoms are located in distorted hexagonal channels, each having five tin and two silver nearest neighbors. Both crystallographically independent tin sites have a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination, that is, [Sn1Sc(6)Ag(3)] and [Sn2Ag(6)Sc(3)] environments, which are well distinguished in the Sn-119 NMR and Mossbauer spectra because of their different site symmetries.
Inorganic Chemistry, Vol.46, No.3, 771-779, 2007
New stannide ScAgSn: Determination of the superstructure via two-dimensional Sc-45 solid state NMR
The new stannide ScAgSn was synthesized by induction melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum tube and subsequent annealing. ScAgSn crystallizes with a pronounced subcell structure: ZrNiAl type,