The non-centrosymmetric layered compounds IrTe2I and RhTe2I

The previously unreported layered compounds IrTe2I and RhTe2I were prepared by a high-pressure synthesis method. Single crystal X-ray and powder X-ray diffraction studies find that the compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in a layered orthorhombic structure in the non-centrosymmetric, non-symmorphic space group Pca2(1) (#29). Characterization reveals diamagnetic, high resistivity, semiconducting behavior for both compounds, consistent with the +3 chemical valence and d(6) electronic configurations for both iridium and rhodium and the Te-Te dimers seen in the structural study. Electronic band structures are calculated for both compounds, showing good agreement with the experimental results.

Automated summary

The previously unreported layered compounds IrTe2I and RhTe2I were prepared and characterized by high-pressure synthesis method. The compounds crystallize in a layered orthorhombic structure in the non-centrosymmetric, non-symmorphic space group Pca2(1) (#29). The characterization results indicate that both compounds exhibit diamagnetic, high resistivity, semiconducting behavior, consistent with the chemical valence and electronic configurations for both iridium and rhodium and the Te-Te dimers observed in the structural study.