The Crystal Structure of LaCu₆

Abstract

The crystal structure of LaCu₆ has been determined by an X-ray precession method and Rietveld analysis on powder X-ray diffraction data. The crystal system is monoclinic (space group P2₁⁄c) with lattice parameters a=5.143 Å, b=10.204 Å, c=8.144 Å and β=91.49°. The unit cell contains four formula units La₄Cu₂₄. The structure is a slight modification of the orthorhombic CeCu₆ structure accompanied by a monoclinic deformation and minor shifts of the atomic positions.