Das Lanthaniodidethanid o‐La5I9(C2) – Die orthorhombische Hochtemperaturmodifikation

The Lanthanumiodideethanide o-La5I9(C2) – The Orthorhombic High Temperature Modification o-La5I9(C2) is synthesized by reaction of LaI3, La metal and graphite powder in sealed Ta containers at 850 °C < T < 900 °C. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 8.0247(16) A, b = 16.887(3) A, c = 35.886(7) A. o-Ce5I9(C2) is isotypic with the lattice parameters a = 7.9284(4) A, b = 16.714(1) A, c = 35.530(3) A. o-La5I9(C2) transforms at 800 °C to the triclinic low temperature modification t-La5I9(C2). The transformation is reversible. The La atoms form trigonal bipyramids centered by C2 groups. These units are connected by iodine atoms above the faces (f), edges (e) and corners according to La5(C2)I(f)iI(e)i−i2/2I(e)i−a7/2I(e)a−i7/2. The C-C distance in the C2 unit is 1.45(2) A. The crystals with greenish luster are moisture sensitive.