Synthesis, Structure, and Electrical Properties of Ta 4 FeTe 4

Ta4FeTe4 has been synthesized and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. It crystallizes in the ortho-rhombic space group Pbam with Z = 4 and a = 10.514(5), b = 18.275(7), and c = 4.815(1) A. Ta4FeTe4 has a chain structure built up by Fe-centered Ta8-square antiprisms sharing common square faces. The resistivity of Ta4FeTe4 has been measured by a two-point method. Ta4FeTe4 shows metallic behavior. The structure of Ta4FeTe4 is discussed in relation to other early transition metal cluster compounds. A rational approach to the synthesis of related compounds is proposed.