Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new ternary indides REPd2In4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

The rare-earth-palladium-indides REPd2In4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing at 750 °C. The compounds crystallize in a new structure type, space group Pmc21, Z = 10, Pearson code oP70. The structures can be described as built of Pd-centered trigonal prisms condensed via common edges. A structural comparison between the new structures and the related isostoichiometric compounds is discussed. The magnetic and electrical transport behavior of the REPd2In4 phases was studied from room temperature down to 1.7 and 4.2 K, respectively. While LaPd2In4 is a weak diamagnet, CePd2In4, PrPd2In4, and NdPd2In4 exhibit Curie–Weiss paramagnetism and long-range magnetic ordering below 2.4, 2.1 and 5.0 K, respectively. All the compounds studied exhibit metallic character of their electrical conductivity.