Abstract. Li 2 TeS 3 and Li 2 TeSe 3 were synthesized by the reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Li, Te and Q (Q ϭ S, Se) in the ratio 2 : 1 : 3. Both products are extremely air and moisture sensitive. The crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature. Red Li 2 TeS 3 and metallic black Li 2 TeSe 3 crystallize isotypically in the monoclinic space group P2