SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF NEW METAL-HYDRIDES

The synthesis and structural characterization by X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments of ternary metal hydrides A(x)M(y)H(z), in which A is an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal and M is a transition metal, led to the discovery of anionic complex groups of the form [MH(z)](n-). Although there are obvious structural similarities to the corresponding halides and oxides, the dynamic properties of the hydride ligand are somewhat unusual and are responsible for the numerous phase transformations. Transitions from salt-like to metallic behaviour within this range of compounds lead us to expect interesting physical properties and applications.