Intercalation compounds NbOXO4. 2C(n)H(2)n(+1)OH (X= P, As; and n = 2-18) and NbOXO4. CnH2n(OH)(2) (n = 2-10) have been prepared, The molecules of alcohols are placed between the host layers in a bimolecular way, being anchored to them by donor-acceptor bonds between the oxygen atom of an OH group and a niobium atom as well as by hydrogen bonds. The molecules of diols are arranged in a monomolecular may and form bridges linking the adjacent layers of the host, The aliphatic chains of the guest molecules possess the all-trans configuration and are inclined with respect to the host layers. The stability of the intercalates of NbOPO4 with 1-tetradecanol and 1,10-decanediol has been studied by XRD as a function of temperature and by thermogravimetry. (C) 1998 Academic Press.