Observation of a re-entrant phase transition in the molecular complex tris(μ₂-3,5-diiso-propyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ²N¹:N²)trigold(I) under high pressure.

ABSTRACT: We report a molecular crystal that exhibits four successive phase transitions under hydro-static pressure, driven by aurophilic interactions, with the ground-state structure re-emerging at high pressure. The effect of pressure on two polytypes of tris(μ₂-3,5-diiso-propyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ²N¹:N²)trigold(I) (denoted Form-I and Form-II) has been analysed using luminescence spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and first-principles computation. A unique phase behaviour was observed in Form-I, with a complex sequence of phase transitions between 1 and 3.5 GPa. The ambient C2/c mother cell transforms to a P2₁/n phase above 1 GPa, followed by a P2₁/a phase above 2 GP

SUBMITTER: Woodall CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5391858 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature