Synthesis and crystal structure of a new strontium nitridomolybdate oxide, Sr4[MoN4]O

Abstract

The new ternary nitride oxide Sr₄[MoN₄]O was synthesised by the reaction of strontium nitride with molybdenum nitride under a low partial pressure of oxygen in a sealed stainless steel crucible. Structure determination from single crystal X-ray data showed the structure to be monoclinic in the space group P2₁/m (no. 11). The crystal morphology and strontium/molybdenum ratios were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis by X-rays. The structure contains isolated [MoN₄]⁶⁻ tetrahedra. Oxygen is ordered in the anion sublattice and is found only in the co-ordination sphere of the alkaline earth metal.