Pyrochlore-type tin niobate

Abstract

A single crystal of Sn(1.59)Nb(1.84)O(6.35) was grown at 1273 K from a mixture of sodium niobate and tin(II) chloride. The structure is of pyrochlore type A(2)B(2)O(7). The tin is partially oxidized to tin(IV) and competes with niobium for the occupation of site B. The stereoactivity of the Sn(2+) lone pair induces displacement of tin towards the O atoms of the tunnel.