The preparation and X-ray crystal structure of Te(N3)3SbF6 containing the triazidotellurium(IV) cation, Te(N3)3+

Abstract

The crystal structure of Te(N3)3SbF6 containing the first binary tellurium–nitrogen cation, triazidotellurium(IV) (Te(N3)3+), has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Single crystals of Te(N3)3SbF6 are monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 9.201(6), b = 8.445(4), c = 13.582(7) Å, β = 100.36(5)°, Z = 4, final R1 = 0.036 for 1286 observed reflections. The structure consists of discrete Te(N3)3+ cations and distorted octahedral SbF6− anions, with some cation–anion interactions. The average Te—Nα—Nβ—Nγ bond distances in Te(N3)3+ are Te—Nα, 1.994(7); Nα—Nβ, 1.237(11); and Nβ—Nγ, 1.116(12) Å. The average bond angles about the Te, Nα, and Nβ atoms are 94.1(3)°, 116.5(6)°, and 173.7(9)°. Structural correlations with other TeX3+ species have yielded an estimate of the electronegativity of the N3− group to be 3.1 ± 0.1. Keywords: tetratellurium (2+) cation, triazidotellurium(IV) cation, electronegativity, azide.