[Te8][NbOCl4]2containing an infinite chain-like {[Te–Te–Te–(Te5)]2+}npolycation
The title compound, [Te8][NbOCl4]2, was obtained as translucent black crystals by reaction of elemental tellurium, niobium(V) chloride and niobium(V) oxychloride in the ionic liquid BMImCl (BMImCl is 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride). The synthesis was performed in argon-filled glass ampoules. According to X-ray structure analysis based on single crystals, the title compound crystallizes with triclinic lattice symmetry and consists of infinite {[Te8]2+}ncations associated with pyramidal [NbOCl4]−anions. The novelcatena-octatellurium(2+) cation is composed of Te5rings that are linkedviaTe3units [Te—Te = 2.6455 (18)–2.8164 (19) Å]. The composition and purity of [Te8][NbOCl4]2were further confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) analysis.