Homologous Series of Rare-Earth Zinc Arsenides REZn2–xAs2·n(REAs) (RE = La–Nd, Sm; n = 3, 4, 5, 6)

Four series of ternary rare-earth zinc arsenides have been prepared by reaction of the elements at 750 °C: RE4Zn(2-x)As5 forming for RE = La-Nd, Sm; and RE5Zn(2-x)As6, RE6Zn(2-x)As7, RE7Zn(2-x)As8 forming for RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm. They crystallize in trigonal structure types in space group P3m1 with Z = 1 for RE4Zn(2-x)As5 and RE7Zn(2-x)As8, or space group R3m1 with Z = 3 for RE5Zn(2-x)As6 and RE6Zn(2-x)As7. Through the structural principle of intergrowing rocksalt-type [REAs] slabs of variable thickness within a parent CaAl2Si2-type structure containing Zn-deficient [Zn(2-x)As2] slabs built from edge-sharing Zn-centered tetrahedra, these ternary arsenides belong to a homologous series with the formulation REZn(2-x)As2·n(REAs) (n = 3, 4, 5, 6). Quaternary derivatives Ce4(Mn,Zn)(2-x)As5 and Ce6(Mn,Zn)(2-x)As7 were also obtained in which Mn partially substitutes for Zn. Band structure calculations predict that the electronic properties can be gradually modified from semiconducting to semimetallic behavior as more [REAs] slabs are introduced.