The Layered Coordination Polymer Bi(SCN)3·1/2H2O

Yellow crystals of Bi(SCN)3·1/2H2O are obtained by reacting (BiO)2CO3 and HSCN in aqueous solution. X‐ray diffraction on a single‐crystal revealed a triclinic lattice (space group P$\rm \overline1$) with a = 843.6(2) pm, b = 920.4 (2) pm, c = 1210.7(2) pm, α = 109.16(3) °, β = 109.06(3) °, γ = 90.22(3) °, V = 832.8(3)·106 pm3, and Z = 4. All thiocyanate anions bind with both ends to different cations. The coordination network expands in plane layers parallel (1 $\rm\overline1$ 0). The water molecule coordinates one of the two independent Bi3+ cations. Dehydration sets in at 100 °C, followed by stepwise thermal decomposition to Bi2S3.