Rb(GaPO4)2(OH)(H2O)•H2O:: a hydrated rubidium gallium phosphate analogue of GaPO4•2H2O and leucophosphite

Crystals of the title hydrated rubidium gallium phosphate, rubidium aqua-mu(3)-hydroxo-di-mu-phosphato-digallium hydrate, were synthesized hydrothermally at 453 K under autogenous pressure. The solid crystallizes in the monoclinic system and its structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It is similar to dihydrated gallium phosphate, GaPO4.2H(2)O, which is isostructural with the mineral leucophosphite. The structure is built up from a three-dimensional anionic framework composed of corner-linked octameric Ga-4(PO4)(4) (OH)(2) (H2O)(2) units. The Ga atom is in an octahedral coordination. Connection of the Ga4P4 species generates eight-ring channels, in which are encapsulated the Rb+ cations and water molecules.