Preparation and the Crystal Structure of Non-centrosymmetric K₆Bi₂(P₂O₇)₃

Abstract

A new, noncentrosymmetric, potassium bismuth phosphate K₆Bi₂(P₂O₇)₃ has been synthesized by a solid state reaction, and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 6.985(2)Å, b = 9.045(2)Å, c = 10.256(4)Å, α = 111.87(2)°, β = 104.25(3)°, γ = 102.00(3)° and Z = 1. The structure can be described as infinite anionic layers parallel to the (010) plane connected via P-O-Bi bridges to form a three-dimensional framework enclosing interconnecting tunnels where K⁺ cations reside.