Solid State Syntheses and Structure of LaPdCd2 and PrNi0.951(4)Cd2
The intermetallic cadmium compounds LaPdCd2 and PrNi0.951(4)Cd2 were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in an induction furnace. Both phases were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: MgCuAl2-type, Cmcm, Z = 4, a = 431.9(1), b = 1015.7(4), c = 835.7(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0436, 326 F2 values, 16 variables for LaPdCd2 and a = 420.26(8), b = 981.0(2), c = 815.3(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0404, 604 F2 values, 17 variables for PrNi0.951(4)Cd2. A small nickel deficit was observed for the PrNi0.951(4)Cd2 crystal. The cadmium atoms build up orthorhombically distorted three-dimensional networks (Cd-Cd distances: 302 - 334 pm) that resemble the structure of hexagonal diamond, lonsdaleite. Together with the palladium (nickel) atoms, [PdCd2] and [Ni0.951(4)Cd2] networks are formed which leave distorted hexagonal channels for the rare earth atoms.