The solvothermal synthesis and characterization of quaternary arsenic chalcogenides CsTMAsQ3 (TM = Hg, Cd; Q = S, Se) using Cs+ as a structure directing agent: from 1D anionic chains to 2D anionic layers.

Four new quaternary transition metal arsenic chalcogenide Cs-TM-As-Q compounds (TM = Hg, Cd; Q = S, Se) were synthesized using different mixed solvents. A 1,4-diaminobutane(1,4-dab)/water mixed solvent system was used to solvothermally synthesize the selenoarsenates CsTMAsSe3 (TM = Hg (1), Cd (2)). In 1, the eight-membered ring anion chain consists of trigonal-planar [HgSe3] and trigonal-pyramid [AsSe3]. Compound 2 is similar to the eight-membered ring chain anion of compound 1, and [CdAsSe3]- further joins, through µ3-Se and Cd, to form the layer anions [CdAsSe3]-. A 2-diaminopropane (1,2-dap) and water mixed solvent system was used to synthesize two thioarsenates, Cs2TM2As2S6 (TM = Cd (3), Hg (4)). Compounds 3, 4 and 2 are isostructural; the Cd and Hg atoms are four coordinated. Compounds 1-4 utilize Cs+ cations as a structural directing agent. Finally, the structural and optical properties of the novel series of arsenic chalcogenides were characterized.

Two Mercury Antimony Chalcogenides Cs2HgSb4S8 and Cs2Hg2Sb2Se6 with Cesium Cations as Counterions.

Two novel layer structure compounds, Cs2HgSb4S8 and Cs2Hg2Sb2Se6, were synthesized in organic solvent under solvothermal conditions. The Cs2HgSb4S8 is formed of [HgSb4S8]2- ribbons and S atoms by corner sharing. The Cs2Hg2Sb2Se6 is made up of [SbHg2Se6]5- ribbon and disorder trigonal-pyramidal SbSe3 by sharing µ3-Se. These compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state optical absorption spectra, and so on.