Structure refinement of the S-phase precipitate MgCuAl2

Abstract

The technologically important S-phase precipitate MgCuAl2 has been synthesized from the elements in a sealed tantalum tube in an induction furnace. The aluminide was investigated by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods: Cmcm, a = 401.19(9), b = 926.5(2), c = 712.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0425, 234 F2 values, and 16 variable parameters. The new crystallographic data fully confirm the original work by Perlitz and Westgren [Ark. Kemi, Mineral. Geol. 16, 1 (1943)], but the present structure refinement has led to a much higher precision. The crystal chemical peculiarities of MgCuAl2 are briefly discussed. © 2005 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung.