Crystal structure of new phosphide La3Ni12P7

X-ray single crystal method has determined the crystal structure of new ternary phosphide La3Ni12P7. It represents a new type of crystal structure with space group Cmc21 and lattice constants a=0.3806(3)6, b=3.030(2), c=1.0730(7) nm, R=0.040 for 240 independent reflections with Fhkl>6σ(Fhkl). The structure consists of trigonal prisms, which are formed by metal atoms, with phosphorus atoms in the center of them. Trigonal prisms are connected by ribs forming structural fragments La2Ni7P4 and LaNi6P3, separated from each other by half a height of prism. (author)