Mise en evidence d'une nouvelle serie de pnictures ternaires de formule generale Ln6Ni 20X13 ( X = P, As)

Twenty five new compounds Ln₆Ni ₂₀X₁₃, where X = P or As, were synthesized. They crystallize with the hexagonal Zr ₆Ni ₂₀P ₁₃ type of structure. Their lattice constants are reported. The structural model previously used for the description of the transition metal phosphides has been applied to the structural analysis of these compounds. This Ln₆Ni ₂₀X₁₃ structure derives from the Rh ₂₀Si ₁₃ one by filling up the empty prismatic sites in the same manner as the Ln₂Ni ₁₂X₇ structure derives from the Cr ₁₂P ₇ structure.