Synthesis and Crystal Structure of $UP_{2}S_{6}$

The new ternary phase $UP_2S_6$ has been prepared and structurally characterized. The compound is isostructural with $ZrP_2S_6$ and $ThP_2S_6$ but is different from $TiP_2S_6$. The structure has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. $UP_2S_6$ crystallizes in the the tetragonal system $({C^2}_{4h}-P4_2/m,\;a=6.797(7)\;{\AA},\;c=9.738(12)\;{\AA})$ with two formula units in the unit cell. The structure can be described in terms of $U^{4+}$ and ${P_2S_6}^{4-}$ ions. This hexathiohypodiphosphate anion $({P_2S_6}^{4-})$ has ideally staggered conformation. The $U^{4+}$ cation is coordinated by 8 sulfur atoms in a slightly distorted dodecahedral geometry (42m). The distribution of sulfur atoms is very well optimized for this geometry.