Synthesis, structure characterization and magnetic properties of tellurostannates [M(en)3]2(Sn2Te6) (M = Mn, Zn)

Two tellurostannates, [Mn(en)(3)](2)(Sn2Te6) (I) and [Zn(en)(3)](2)(Sn2Te6) (II), have been synthesized via low temperature solvothermal reactions. Both are Zintl compounds and contain (Sn2Te6)(4-) dimeric units and metal coordination complex cations. Compounds I and II were prepared at temperatures between 170 and 180 degrees C using ethylenediamine as solvent. [Mn(en)(3)](2)(Sn2Te6) crystallizes in orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pbca (No. 61), with a=15.797(2), b=12.640(2), c=20.175(2) Angstrom, Z=4. [Zn(en)(3)](2)(Sn2Te6) belongs to monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n (No. 14) with a=9.048(2), b=22.300(6), c=9.360(3) Angstrom, Z=4. Temperature dependent susceptibility measurements and isothermal magnetization on I show a typical paramagnetic behavior and a magnetic moment of mu=3.56 mu(B) was calculated for this compound. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.