Squares of gold atoms and linear infinite chains of Cd atoms as building units in the intermetallic phases REAu4Cd2 (RE=La–Nd, Sm) with YbAl4Mo2-type structure

Abstract

Abstract The gold-rich intermetallic compounds REAu4Cd2 (RE = La–Nd, Sm) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules. Their characterization by X-ray powder and single crystal data confirmed the tetragonal YbAl4Mo2 type, space group I4/mmm. The basic building units are Au4 squares (278 pm Au–Au in CeAu4Cd2) and infinite linear cadmium chains (275 pm Cd–Cd in CeAu4Cd2). We exemplarily studied the solid solution CeAu4+ x Cd2− x for x = 0–1 up to CeAu5Cd. Electron diffraction patterns on a CeAu5Cd sample confirm the single crystal data. They give no hint for complete gold-cadmium ordering. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of CeAu4Cd2, CeAu5Cd, PrAu4Cd2 and NdAu4Cd2 show stable trivalent rare earth ions and give no hint for magnetic ordering above 3 K.