Synthesis and crystal structure of MgB12

Single crystals of MgB12 were synthesized from the elements in a Mg/Cu melt at 1600 °C. MgB12 crystallizes orthorhombic in space group Pnma with image, image and image. The crystal structure (image, 5796 reflections, 510 variables, image, image) consists of a three dimensional net of B12 icosahedra and B21 units in a ratio 2:1. The B21 units are observed for the first time in a solid compound. Mg is on positions with partial occupation. The summation reveals the composition MgB12.35 or Mg0.97B12 , respectively. This is in good agreement with the value of MgB11.25 as expected by electronic reasons to stabilize the boron polyhedra image and image.