Structures of (ND₄)₂V(SO₄)₂.6D₂O and (ND₄)₂V_0.45Zn_0.55(SO₄)₂.6D₂O At 5.8 K by Neutron Diffraction

Abstract

The crystal structures of (ND₄)₂V(SO₄)₂.6D₂O and (ND₄)₂V_0.45Zn_0.55(SO₄)₂.6D₂O have been determined at 5.8 K by neutron diffraction. The 663 and 857 unique reflections measured respectively refined to give R(F²) 0.035 and 0.045. The crystals are monoclinic, P2₁/a, isostructural with the other members of the series of Tutton salts. The V-O bond length of 211.8 pm [210.4 pm for mean (V/Zn)-O in the solid solution with Zn] is intermediate between these for the Mn (214.9 pm) and the Ni(205.5 pm) salts. It is shorter than the value determined by X-ray diffraction at 295 K. The major departure from a regular VO₆ octahedron is a shortened V-O(9) bond, such as is observed in the other Tutton salts, to give a tetragonal distortion.