The crystal structure of the intercalates SnTaS2 and SnNbS2

The crystal structure of SnTaS₂ was determined by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. SnTaS₂ is hexagonal, $\text{a}\text{=3.307}\text{A}\text{?}$, $\text{c}\text{=17.442}\text{A}\text{?}$, space group P6₃/mmc with Ta and Sn at special positions. Ta is in trigonal-prismatic coordination by sulfur forming TaS₂ slabs; Sn is linearly coordinated by sulfur atoms of adjacent TaS₂ slabs. X-ray powder diffraction showed that SnNbS₂ is isostructural with SnTaS₂.