Pentastrontium tris[tetraoxovanadate(V)] catena-monoxocuprate(I), Sr-5(VO4)(3)(CuO) - An apatite derivative with inserted linear (1)(infinity)[CuO](1-) chains

Sr-5(VO4)(3)(CuO) was prepared via solid state reactions from mixed powders of the metal oxides or carbonates in corundum crucibles in air (1173-1740 K). The compound is transparent and stable in air. The color changes with t he preparation temperature from light gray (1173 K) to gray (1740 K). The c rystal structure (space group P6(3)/m, No. 176; Z = 2; a = 10.126 Angstrom, c = 7.415 Angstrom) is a derivative of the apatite Ca-5(PO4)(3)OH, and is characterized by isolated [VO4](3-) anions ((d) over bar(V-O) = 1.710 Angst rom) and infinite linear (1)(infinity)[CuO](1-) chains (d(Cu-O) = 1.854 Ang strom) inserted in the channels parallel to the hexagonal axis. The compoun d prepared at 1740 K contains vacancies at the copper and oxygen positions of the linear chains (about 10% and 5%, respectively).