On the Phase Transition of Bis(pyridinium)hexachlorometallates, (C5H5NH)2[MCl6], M = Sn, Te, Pb, Pt. An X-Ray and 35Cl NQR Study

Abstract

A phase transition has been observed in bis(pyridinium) hexachlorometallates (C5H5NH)2[MIVCl6]. M = Sn. Te. Pb. Pt. The crystal structure of the low temperature phase II of the salt with M = Sn was determined, space group C 1ḷ- P 1̅, Z = 1 (a = 734.1pm, b = 799.0 pm, c = 799.7 pm,α= 83.229°. β = 65.377°, γ= 84.387°, T = 297 K). The four compounds are isotypic in phase II as well as in the high temperature phase I (C2H2-B2 /m, Z = 2) for which the crystal structure is known for M = Te . The lattice constants of all compounds (both phases) are given. The temperature dependence of the 35Cl NQR spectrum was investigated. The three line 35Cl NQR spectrum is in agreement with the crystal structure. The dynamics of the pyridinium ring shows up in a fade out of part of the 35Cl NQR spectrum . The influence o f H ↔ D exchange on 35Cl NQR is studied and an assignment of ν (35Cl) ↔ Cl(i) is proposed. The nature of the phase transition P1̅ (Z = 1) ↔ B2 /m (Z = 2) is discussed.