Redetermination of LaZn₅ based on single crystal X-ray diffraction data

The crystal structure of the already known binary title compound LaZn₅ (lanthanum penta­zinc) (space group P6/mmm, Pearson symbol hP6, CaCu₅ structure type) has been redetermined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. In contrast to previous determinations based on X-ray powder data [Nowotny (1942). Z. Metallkd. 34, 247-253; de Negri et al. (2008). Inter­metallics, 16, 168-178], where unit-cell parameters and assignment of the structure type were reported, the present study reveals anisotropic displacement parameters for all atoms. The crystal structure consists of three crytallographically distinct atoms. The La atom (Wyckoff site 1a, site symmetry 6/mmm) is surrounded by 18 Zn atoms and two La atoms. The coordination polyhedron around one of the Zn atoms (Wyckoff site 2c, site symmetry -6m2) is an icosa­hedron made up from three La and nine Zn atoms. The other Zn atom (Wyckoff site 3g, site symmetry mmm) is surrounded by four La and eight Zn atoms. Bonding between atoms is explored by means of the TB-LMTO-ASA (tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital atomic spheres approximation) program package. The positive charge density is localized around La atoms, and the negative charge density is around Zn atoms, with weak covalent bonding between the latter.