Synthesis, structural evolution, and electrical properties of the novel Mo12 cluster compounds K(1+x)Mo12S14 (x = 0, 1.1, 1.3, and 1.6) with a tunnel structure.

The new structural type (1) K(2.3)Mo12S14 was prepared by solid-state reaction at 1500 degrees C in a sealed molybdenum crucible. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P1c, Z = 2, (1) a = 9.1720(7) Angstroms, c = 16.403(4) Angstroms. Its crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and consists of interconnected Mo12S14 units that form an original and unprecedented three-dimensional framework in which large tunnels are occupied randomly by a part of the K+ ions. The remaining K+ ions are localized between two consecutive Mo(12)S(14) units along the c axis. By carrying out topotactic oxydo-reduction reactions at low temperature (<100 degrees C), we were able to remove or insert K+ ions in the channels and thus form isostructural phases K(1+x)Mo12S14 (0 < or = x < or = 1.6). Thus, we have solved the crystal structures for the following three compositions: (2) K(2.1)Mo12S14, (3) KMo12S14, and (4) K(2.6)Mo12S14 ((2) a = 9.1476(4) A, c = 16.421(1) Angstroms; (3) a = 9.0797(9) Angstroms, c = 16.412(6) Angstroms; and (4) a = 9.1990(4) Angstroms, c = 16.426(4) Angstroms). Electrical resistivity measurements carried out on single crystals of K(2.3)Mo12S14 and KMo12S14 indicate that the former is semiconducting, whereas the latter is metallic. The evolution of the Mo-Mo distances with respect to the stoichiometry in potassium is discussed.