Synthesis and structure of new metal hydrides

Synthesis and structural characterization by neutron diffraction experiments of ternary metal hydrides AxMyHz, in which A is an alkali or alkaline-earth metal and M is a transition metal, led to the discovery of anionic complex groups of the form [MHz]. Although there are obvious structural similarities to the corresponding halides and oxides, the dynamic properties of the hydride ligand are somewhat unusual and are responsible for the numerous phase transformations. Transitions throughout the range from salt-like to metallic behaviour make us expect interesting physical properties and applications. (author). 34 refs., 19 figs