Crystal Structures of AlCr₂ and MoSi₂: Same Structure Type vs. Different Bonding Pattern

Abstract

In a joint effort utilizing modified sample preparation, microscopy, X-ray diffraction and micro-fabrication, it became possible to prepare single crystals of the "hidden" phase AlCr 2 . High-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis is described in detail for two crystals with the similar overall composition, but different degree of disorder, which seems to be the main cause for the differing unit cell parameters. Chemical bonding analysis of AlCr 2 in comparison to prototypical MoSi 2 shows pronounced differences reflecting the interchange of main group element vs. transition metal as majority component.