Crystal structure of defect scheelite-type Nd2/3[WO₄]

Neodymium(III) ortho -oxidotungstate(VI) was synthesized as a side-product in an unsuccessful synthesis attempt at fluoride derivatives of neodymium tungstate in fused silica ampoules, using neodymium(III) oxide, neodymium(III) fluoride and tungsten trioxide. Violet, platelet-shaped single crystals of the title compound emerged of the bulk, which crystallize in the defect scheelite type with a trigonal dodecahedral coordination of oxide anions around the Nd 3+ cations and the hexavalent tungsten cations situated in the centers of oxide tetrahedra.