Sc(sub 5)Ni(sub 2)Te(sub 2): synthesis, structure, and bonding of a metal-metal-bonded chain phase, a relative of Gd3MnI3

The structure of Sc(sub 5)Ni(sub 2)Te(sub 2) prepared by high-temperature solid-state techniques was investigated. The structure contained pairs of eclipsed zigzag chains of nickel atoms that were coated by scandium atoms and demarcated from other chains by tellurium atoms. The structure was isotypic with that of Hf5Co(sub 1+x)P(sub 3-x) but shifted atomic positions and a different ordering of the main group and late transition elements gave it a clearly one-dimensional character.