Synthesis and Optical Properties of Trivalent Metal Methanesulfonates Containing Y(III), Bi(III), In(III), and Sb(III)

Methanesulfonate salts have garnered interest as candidates for optical crystals; however, there are relatively little empirical data to thoroughly understand their structure-property relationships. Furthermore, there is only one trivalent main group methanesulfonate reported in the solid state, Al(H2O)6(SO3CH3)3. We report the synthesis and characterization of four new trivalent methanesulfonates, such as (I) Y(SO3CH3)3, (II) Bi(SO3CH3)3, (III) In2(SO3CH3)6(H2O)6, and (IV) Sb2O2(OH)(SO3CH3). Compounds I, II, and IV crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c (no. 13), whereas III crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1̅ (no. 2). Each compound exhibits wide optical transparency from 300 to 1200 nm and is thermally stable up to 300-400 °C. Their synthesis, structure, optical properties, and thermal stabilities are discussed.