Magnesium and cadmium in covalently bonded networks. Synthesis and structure of AETMg and AETCd (AE = Ca, Sr; T = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) with TiNiSi type structure and the solid solution Yb2-xPtMgx

The equiatomic intermetallic compounds AETMg and AETCd (AE = Ca, Sr; T = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) and the whole solid solution Yb2-xPtMgx were synthesized from the elements in sealed niobium tubes in a high-frequency or a muffle furnace. All samples were characterized on the basis of their powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The structures of SrAuCd, CaPdCd, CaPtCd, CaPdMg, SrPtMg, CaAg1.017Mg0.983, SrAg1.032Mg0.968, and Yb1.792PtMg0.208 were refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data. Some of the crystals showed small homogeneity ranges. All compounds crystallize with the orthorhombic TiNiSi type structure, space group Pnma. The crystal chemistry is briefly discussed and variations in chemical bonding as a result of the electronegativity of the transition metal are described. (orig.)