Crystal architecture of R(2)SnS(5) (R = Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb): crystal structure relationships in chalcogenides.

The crystal structure of the R(2)SnS(5) (R = Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb) compounds has been investigated using X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Crystal architecture and structural relationships among U(3)S(5), Y(2)HfS(5), R(2)SnS(5) compounds are discussed and a structural origin is determined. It is shown that the complex architecture of the crystal structure of Eu(5)Sn(3)S(12) is a result of interweaving of the simple crystal structures. The location of the copper ions in the non-stoichiometric compound Y(2)Cu(0.20)Sn(0.95)S(5) is proposed on the basis of comparative analysis of the R-S interatomic distances in the R(2)SnS(5) series of compounds.