Crystal chemical studies of the 5f-series of elements. VIII. Crystal structure studies of uranium silicides and of CeSi₂, NpSi₂, and PuSi₂

Crystal structures are deduced for the compounds [alpha]-USi₂, NpSi₂, PuSi₂, CeSi₂, [beta]-USi₂, USi, U₃Si₂ and U₃Si. Each silicon atom forms three covalent bonds with other silicon atoms in the disilicides, two such covalent bonds in USi, one in U₃Si₂ and none in U₃Si. The various crystal structures and observed interatomic distances are discussed in some detail.