Crystal structures and new perspectives on Y3Au4 and Y14Au51

Abstract

Y3Au4 (triyttrium tetragold) and Y14Au51 (tetradecayttrium henpentacontagold), two binary representatives of Au-rich rare earth (R) systems crystallize with the space groups R\overline{3} and P6/m, adopting the Pu3Pd4 and Gd14Ag51 structure types, respectively (Pearson symbols hR42 and hP65). A variety of binary R–Au compounds have been reported, although only a few have been investigated thoroughly. Many reports lack information or misinterpret known compounds reported elsewhere. The Pu3Pd4 type is fairly common for group 10 elements Ni, Pd, and Pt, while Au representatives are restricted to just five examples, i.e. Ca3Au4, Pr3Au4, Nd3Au4, Gd3Au4, and Th3Au4. Sm6Au7 is suspected to be Sm3Au4 due to identical symmetry and close unit-cell parameters. The Pu3Pd4 structure type allows for full substitution of the position of the rare earth atom by more electronegative and smaller elements, i.e. Ti and Zr. The Gd14Ag51 type instead is more common for the group 11 metals, while rare representatives of group 12 are known. Y3Au4 can be represented as a tunnel structure with encapsulated cations and anionic chains. Though tunnels are present in Y14Au51, this structure is more complex and is best described in terms of polyhedral `pinwheels' around the tunnel forming polyhedra along the c axis.