Sodium Zinc Hydroxide Sulfite with a Novel Zn₃OH Geometry

The synthesis and crystal structure of a new sodium zinc hydroxide sulfite, Na[(Zn(OH)]3(SO3)2, with novel structural features and bonding geometry are reported. In Na[(Zn(OH)]3(SO3)2, Zn2+ and O2- alternate to form an interesting corrugated hexagonal sheet with rings consisting of (ZnO)3. Another rare occurrence is the bonding geometry of one-third of the O sites within the sheet. These O sites form a planar Zn3O unit, unlike other known compounds, in which Zn3O is pyramidal.