On the new ternary RZnSn2 compounds with HfCuSi2 structure type

Seven new ternary RZnSn2 (R = Y, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) compounds have been synthesized by reacting the elements at ∼1000 °C, followed by annealing at 400 °C. The crystal structure of the all compounds was solved from powder X-ray counter data and their compositions were confirmed by EDS analysis. It was found that the new compounds crystallize with tetragonal HfCuSi2 structure type. Ferromagnetic-like magnetisation curves are observed for YZnSn2 and LuZnSn2 with puzzling magnetisation σ(H) oscillations for the last one, while for RZnSn2 with Ho, Er and Tm antiferromagnetic ordering takes place at low temperatures.