An outline of the crystal-structure of Bi2Mo2O9

An outline of the structure of the catalyser component Bi₂Mo₂O₉ has been determined from X-ray powder diffractometer diagrams. The space group is $\text{P}{}^2\text{l}\text{n}$ ($\text{=}\text{P}{}^2\text{l}\text{c}$) with cell constants: $\text{a}\text{= 11.946 (2)}\text{A}\text{?}$, $\text{b}\text{= 10.795 (2)}\text{A}\text{?}$, $\text{c}\text{= 11.876 (2)}\text{A}\text{?}$ and β = 90.15 (2)°. There are eight formula units per cell. The positions of the metal-ions could directly be derived from the intensities of the strongest reflexions. With difference terms calculated from 19 strong reflexions a Δ F-synthesis was calculated, which revealed the approximate positions of the O^2?-ions. From packing considerations it was apparent that of 9 0^2?-ions one is only coordinated by Bi³⁺ and that Mo⁶⁺ must be tetrahedrally surrounded by 0^2?. These tetrahedra may be strongly distorted. The structure is not related to the scheelite-structure as has been assumed by some authors.