(CuI)₃P₄Se₄: β-P₄Se₄ Cages between Columns of Copper Iodide^†

Pure orange (CuI)3P4Se4 was prepared by reaction of stoichiometric amounts of CuI, red P, and Se in evacuated silica ampules. The crystal structure was determined from single crystals at room temperature. (CuI)3P4Se4 crystallizes in the hexagonal system, space group P63cm with a = 19.601(2) Å, c = 6.7196(6) Å, and Z = 6. The compound consists of β-P4Se4 cages that are embedded between columns of copper iodide. These columns can be considered as sections of a wurtzite-type structure, which is not yet known for copper iodide. Three of four phosphorus atoms are coordinated by copper, whereas selenium is exclusively bonded to phosphorus.