Y[Fe1-xCox(CN)6]•4H2O (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solutions: Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal decomposition and spectroscopic and magnetic properties

The series of solid solutions Y[Fe1-xCox(CN)(6)]center dot 4H(2)O (0 <= x <= 1) were prepared and characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Infrared and Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The thermal decomposition process has been followed by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The crystal structure of the complexes was refined by means of Rietveld analysis. The Y[Fe1-xCox(CN)(6)]center dot 4H(2)O complexes crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Cmcm. The Y3+ ion is eight-coordinated forming a bicapped distorted trigonal prism YN6O2. The Fe3+ and Co3+ ions are six-coordinated in the form of an irregular octahedra (Fe,Co)C-6 group and cyanide linkages between YN6O2 and (Fe,Co)C-6 groups build an infinite polymeric array. The Mossbauer spectra of all solid solutions Y[Fe1-xCox(CN)(6)]center dot 4H(2)O present quadrupolar splittings with negative isomer shifts values due to the existence of a strong pi back-bonding effect from the Fe3+ ion towards the CN ligands. All compounds follow the Curie-Weiss law showing anti-ferromagnetic interactions at very low temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.