Structural Inorganic Chemistry – Solid State Chemistry

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture on Structural Inorganic Chemistry.

Close packing motifs

Arrangements of atoms or ions in a crystal structure that maximize the density and efficiency of packing.

Alloy

A substance composed of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal, which are mixed together to create a new material with enhanced properties.

Interstitial phases

Metallic phases that include non-metal atoms such as H, C, or N within the metal's structure, filling the spaces between metal atoms.

Hägg border

The threshold metric used to predict the formation of interstitial phases based on the size ratio of metal to non-metal atoms.

Phase diagram

A graphical representation of the physical states of a substance under varying conditions of temperature and pressure.

Solid Solution

A homogenous mixture of two or more substances that can form within a single crystal lattice.

Superlattice

A periodic structure of layers of two or more materials, often created in ordered alloys.

Cubic close packing

A crystal structure where all octahedral holes are completely filled, as seen in structures like NaCl.

Hexagonal close packing

A crystal arrangement where octahedral holes are located directly above one another, creating a layered structure.

Carbides

Compounds formed between metals and carbon, often characterized by high hardness and thermal stability.

Reactiveness of carbides

The tendency of certain types of carbides to react with water or acids, influenced by the packing and structural arrangement.

Intermetallic compounds

Compounds formed from two or more metals that have distinct ordered arrangements differing from their elemental forms.

Laves Phase

A type of intermetallic phase characterized by a composition of AB2, known for its dense packing and specific structural types.