On the composition and crystal structure of the new quaternary hydride phase Li4BN3H10.

X-ray data on single crystals of the quaternary metal hydride near the composition LiB(0.33)N(0.67)H(2.67), previously identified as "Li3BN2H8", reveal that its true composition is Li4BN3H10. The structure has body-centered-cubic symmetry [space group I2(1)3, cell parameter a = 10.679(1)-10.672(1) Angstroms] and contains an ordered arrangement of BH4- and NH2- anions in the molar ratio 1:3. The borohydride anion has an almost ideal tetrahedral geometry (angleH-B-H approximately 108-114 degrees), while the amide anion has a nearly tetrahedral bond angle (angleH-N-H approximately 106 degrees). Three symmetry-independent Li atom sites are surrounded by BH4- and NH2- anions in various distorted tetrahedral configurations, one by two B and two N atoms, another by four N atoms, and the third by one B and three N atoms. The Li configuration around B is nearly tetrahedral, while that around N resembles a distorted saddlelike configuration, similar to those in LiBH4 and LiNH2, respectively.