Structure and Physical Properties of the New Pseudo-binary Intermetallic Compound Ti

The new pseudo-binary intermetallic compound, Ti{sub 11}(Sb,Sn){sub 8}, has been synthesized by reacting Ti and Sb in a Sn flux at 1100 C and its structure determined from both single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction data (orthorhombic, Pnma, Z=4, X-ray diffraction at 90 K: a=14.6877(6) {angstrom}, b=5.5677(2) {angstrom}, c=17.7207(7) {angstrom}, V=1449.14(10) {angstrom}3, neutron diffraction at room temperature: a=14.677(6) {angstrom}, b=5.577(3) {angstrom}, c=17.716 (6) {angstrom}, V=1450(1) {angstrom}3). The structure contains two differently oriented repeating layers and interstitial atoms that are closely connected to make linear chains aligned along the crystal b axis. The compound exhibits mixed site occupancies of Sb and Sn on the anion sites. The phase width (Sb/Sn ratio=0.98-1.40) was determined by microprobe elemental analysis. The electrical resistivity of a single crystal as a function of temperature is anisotropic (b=1{approximately}2 x 10{sup {minus}1} m {center_dot}cm, b = 0.5 x 10{sup {minus}1} m {center_dot} cm) and confirms that this compound is metallic. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show Pauli paramagnetism.