The β-modification of trizinc borate phosphate, Zn3(BO 3)(PO4)

Abstract

Crystals of β-Zn3(BO3)(PO4) have been grown by the Kyropoulos method. The asymmetric unit contains three Zn sites, three B-atom sites (all with symmetry 3), two P sites (both with m symmetry) and nine O-atom sites (four with m symmetry). The fundamental building units of the title structure are isolated BO3 triangles and PO4 tetrahedra, which are bridged by ZnO4 tetrahedra or ZnO5 trigonal bipyramids through common O atoms, leading to a threedimensional framework structure. Some significant structural differences between the β-polymorph and the α-polymorph are discussed.