Equiatomic intermetallic europium compounds:: Syntheses, crystal chemistry, chemical bonding, and physical properties

The crystal chemistry of ternary equiatomic europium compounds EuTX (T = transition metal; X = element of the III, IV, or V main group) is reviewed. Besides preparation techniques we have especially focused on the structure-property relationships and peculiarities in chemical bonding. A main interest in these compounds is the valence state of the europium atoms. The magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity data, Eu-151 Mossbauer spectroscopic results and L-III X-ray absorption experiments are discussed in detail.