Synthesis and structure of NbPdSi

The new silicide NbPdSi was prepared by melting the elements in an arc-furnace. Well-shaped single crystals were obtained by annealing the sample in an induction furnace. The structure of NbPdSi has been studied by X-ray powder and single crystal diffractometer data: TiNiSi type, Pnma, Z = 4, a 643.6(1), b = 376.7(1), c = 744.4(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0330, 346 F2 values, and 20 variables. The palladium and silicon atoms build up a three-dimensional [PdSi] network where each palladium atoms has a strongly distorted tetrahedral silicon coordination at Pd-Si ranging from 242 to 250 pm. The niobium atoms fill channels left in the [PdSi] network. (orig.)