MAIN SUBDIVISIONS OF THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMATIZATION OF CUPRATES

Structures of complicated oxides containing copper atoms in the fourfo ld coordination have been considered. It is shown that (Cu,O)-polyhedr a are connected (''polymerized'') to form complexes of various dimensi onalities and structures. Using analogies with silicates, berates, etc ., one can single out compounds with such complexes into an individual class of cuprates. Cuprates with finite (island) and one-, two-, and three-dimensional (Cu,O)-complexes are distinguished, and the general scheme of their structural systematization is suggested.