Synthesis and characterization of zirconogermanates.

Six new zirconogermanates have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions using amines as bases. There are four new structure types (ASU-n) with a common motif of ZrGe(5). ASU-23 is a layered structure: ZrGe(3)O(8)(OH)F.

One-step synthesis and structure of an oligo(spiro-orthocarbonate).

The reaction of pentaerythritol and tetraethylorthocarbonate at 260 degrees C for 12 h yields a white crystalline material that was characterized by 13C CPMAS NMR, CHN analysis, FT-IR, electron and X-ray powder diffraction, and Rietveld analysis. The white crystalline material was found to have the formula C6H8O4 and a crystal structure with a monoclinic cell [a = 9.167 A, b = 5.