The simplest representative of a complex series: the Hg-rich amalgam Yb11Hg54

Abstract

Abstract Yb11Hg54 is a new member of a series of amalgams with composition close to MHg5. Its crystal structure was solved and refined on the basis of single crystal data. The structure model was confirmed with a Rietveld refinement. Yb11Hg54 has the first crystal structure in this family in which no disorder effects such as mixed occupation, split positions or superstructure formation is observed. It therefore can be regarded as a parent structure for all other amalgams. The crystal structure of Yb11Hg54 can be derived from the Gd14Ag51 structure type, the aristotype of this family. We give a detailed crystal structure description for Yb11Hg54 and discuss it in the context of the further known crystal structures closely related. A ranking within this structure family can be established by calculating features for the structural complexity for all structures, including the individual disorder phenomena.