A family of four aluminium benzylphosphonate phases has been synthesised us
ing hydrothermal methods. The effect of changing the synthetic conditions (
starting pH, starting Al : P ratio, aluminium source etc.) has been studied
and full structural characterisation of two of the phases by NMR, TGA and
X-ray diffraction methods has been completed; Al(OH)(O3PCH2C6H5). H2O, mono
clinic P2(1)/c, a = 14.985(9), b = 7.066(5), c = 9.613(9) Angstrom, beta =
113.9(3)degrees, and Al3H(PO3CH2C6H5)(5). H2O, monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 17.2
497(13), b = 25.7851(18), c = 9.4339(7) Angstrom, beta = 103.567(1)degrees.