An Investigation of the Crystal Structure of Mn2P2O7

Abstract

<p> Mn2P2O7 belongs to the monoclinic space group C2/m. The manganese atoms are six-fold coordinated to oxygen atoms forming distorted octahedra. The bonding in P2O7^4- ion is discussed with reference to values predicted by Cruickshank and Baur.</p> <p> The central oxygen atom in P2O7^4-ion shows enhanced motion, a feature common to all the members of the thortveitite series. By collecting X-ray data at -180°C, an attempt has been made to understand the nature of this enhanced motion.</p>