Multistep soft chemistry method for valence reduction in transition metal oxides with triangular (CdI2-type) layers.

Transition metal (M) oxides with MO2 triangular layers demonstrate a variety of physical properties depending on the metal oxidation states. In the known compounds, metal oxidation states are limited to either 3+ or mixed-valent 3+/4+. A multistep soft chemistry synthetic route for novel phases with M(2+/3+)O2 triangular layers is reported.