Epitaxial intergrowth of the layered crystals SnTaS2 and SnS2

Layered crystals were obtained, with an overall composition of about Sn₃Ta₂S₆, which gave unusual electron diffraction patterns. The patterns are explained in terms of an intergrowth of thin, alternating layers of SnTaS₂ and epitaxially deformed SnS₂. The SnS₂ has a monoclinic structure with $\text{a}\text{= 15.78}\text{A}\text{?}$, $\text{b}\text{= 5.67}\text{A}\text{?}$ and β = 95°. Similar crystals based on Nb rather than Ta have also been obtained.