Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)2O41, a Bi5+ Oxycarbonate with an Original 10L Structure

The layered structure of Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)2O41 (Z = 2) was determined by transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction refinement in space group P63/mcm (No. 194), with a = 10.0966(3)A and c = 26.3762(5)A. This original 10L-type structure is built from two structural blocks, namely, [Sr15Bi6Cu2(CO3)O29] and [Sr6Bi2(CO3)O12]. The Bi5+ cations form [Bi2O10] dimers, whereas the Cu2+ and C atoms occupy infinite tunnels running along c. The nature of the different blocks and layers is discussed with regard to the existing hexagonal layered compounds. Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)2O41 is insulating and paramagnetic.