Preparation, crystal structure, and properties of KLi2As

The novel arsenide KLi2As has been synthesized either from the elements or from mixtures of the binary components Li3As and K3As in sealed Nb ampoules at 823 K and 623 K, respectively. It crystallizes in the space group Pmmn (no. 59) with a = 445.8(9); b = 671.5(11); c = 627.0(12) pm and Z = 2 formula units. The metallic reflecting silvercoloured platelets hydrolize rapidly under wet air. The compound (Pearson code oP8) is isopuntal with BaLi2Si and an intermediate between the Li3N and the Na3As type of structure. Potassium is distorted tetrahedrally coordinated by four As atoms (d(K-As) = 355 and 367 pm), arsenic by four potassium and six lithium atoms (d(As-K) = 355 - 367 pm; d(As-Li) = 260-265 pm) in form of a sphenocorona. Lithium is threefold coordinated (distorted trigonal planar) by arsenic and this unit is enveloped by a monocapped trigonal prism build by three lithium and four potassium atoms.