Crystal structure, electric and magnetic behaviour of Ce2Pd9Sb3

Abstract

A new ternary compound in the Ce–Pd–Sb system has been observed and studied by single-crystal diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and resistivity. This new compound, Ce₂Pd₉Sb₃, was determined to crystallize in the Y₂Co₃Ga₉ structure type: Cmcm, a, = 13.769(2)Å, b= 8.0412(8)Å, c= 9.348(1)Å, wR2 = 6.7%, 709 F² values and 42 variables. An anti-site relationship exists between the p block and transition elements relative to the parent structure type. The magnetic susceptibility exhibits Curie–Weiss behaviour with an effective cerium moment of 2.51(3)µ_B, comparable to the free ion value of 2.54 µ_B and negligible exchange [θ= 2(2) K]. No ordering of moments is observed above 4.2 K. Resistivity measurements indicate simple metallic behaviour with no apparent evidence for interaction between the local cerium moments and conduction electrons.