Synthesis and crystal structure of a new strontium nitridomolybdate oxide,Sr-4[MoN4]O

The new ternary nitride oxide Sr-4[MoN4]O was synthesised by the reaction o f strontium nitride with molybdenum nitride under a low partial pressure of oxygen in a sealed stainless steel crucible. Structure determination from single crystal X-ray data showed the structure to be monoclinic in the spac e group P2(1)/m (no. 11). The crystal morphology and strontium/molybdenum r atios were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispe rsive analysis by X-rays. The structure contains isolated [MoN4](6-) tetrah edra. Oxygen is ordered in the anion sublattice and is found only in the co -ordination sphere of the alkaline earth metal.