Synthesis and structure of the zintl phase SrSn3Sb4

The new Zintl compound strontium tin antimonide, SrSn3Sb4, has been synthesized, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group D-2h(16)-Pnma with a 10.060(2) Angstrom, b = 4.361(1) Angstrom, c = 22.934(4) Angstrom, and Z = 4 at 22 degrees C, The structure of SrSn3Sb4 may be described as consisting of large, narrow channels running along [010] defined by 30-membered rings constructed from an anionic framework of linked SnSb4 tetrahedra, SnSb3 trigonal pyramids, and zigzag Sb-Sb chains. Sr2+ cations are situated within these channels. The channel structures of SrSn3Sb4 and Ba-2-Sn3Sb6 are closely related.