The R2Pd3Ge5 (R = La–Nd, Sm) germanides: synthesis, crystal structure and symmetry reduction

Direct synthesis and structural characterization of a series of polar rare earth palladium germanides of R2Pd3Ge5 composition (R = La–Nd, Sm) is reported. The crystal structure of the Nd representative was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (U2Co3Si5-type, SG: Ibam, oI40, Z = 4, a = 10.1410(6), b = 12.0542(8), c = 6.1318(4) Å, wR2 = 0.0306, 669 F2 values, 31 variables). The crystal structures of the other homologues were ensured by powder X-ray diffraction pattern analysis. A smooth variation of the cell dimensions is observed through the rare earth series. The structure of the studied compounds can be interpreted as consisting of a complex three-dimensional [Pd3Ge5]δ− network spaced by the rare earth cations. Within the concept of symmetry reduction, a Bärnighausen tree is used to rationalize the related crystal structures of the RPd2Ge2, RPdGe3 and R2Pd3Ge5 ternary compounds, enriching the large family of the BaAl4 derivatives. Moreover, syntheses with metal fluxes were performed, some of which were successful to obtain large crystals of La2Pd3Ge5 (using Bi as solvent) and Nd2Pd3Ge5 (using Pb as solvent) stoichiometry.