Gd sub(7)I sub(12)Zn: A Group 12 Atom in the Octahedral Gd sub(6) Cluster

The title compound was synthesized from Gd, GdI sub(3) and Zn under Ar atmosphere at 850 [degrees]C. It crystallizes in the space group R3(No. 148) with lattice constants a = 15.686(1) [Angstrom] and c = 10.4882(8) [Angstrom]. The structure features isolated Zn-centered Gd sub(6) octahedra with all edges and corners capped by I atoms. The disorder of the Gd atoms is rationalized via electron microscopic techniques. A computational analysis using the extended Huckel method has been carried out in order to understand the bonding of this compound. The structure of isotypic La sub(7)I sub(12)Co is also remarked (a = 16.040(1) [Angstrom] and c = 10.905(2) [Angstrom]).