(CuI)(3)P4Se4: beta-P4Se4 cages between columns of copper iodide

Pure orange (CuI)(3)P4Se4 was prepared by reaction of stoichiometric amount s of CuI, red P, and Se in evacuated silica ampules. The crystal structure was determined from single crystals at room temperature. (CuI)(3)P4Se4 crys tallizes in the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)cm with a = 19.601(2) An gstrom, c = 6.7196(6) Angstrom, and Z = 6. The compound consists of beta-P4 Se4 cages that are embedded between columns of copper iodide. These columns can be considered as sections of a wurtzite-type structure, which is not y et known for copper iodide. Three of four phosphorus atoms are coordinated by copper, whereas selenium is exclusively bonded to phosphorus.