The crystal structure of cobalt orthophosphate Co3(PO4)2

The crystal structure of cobalt orthophosphate has been refined by full-matrix least-squares procedures using automatic diffractometer data to a residual R = 0.039 (Rw = 0.058). The space group is P2lc, with a = 5.063(1), b = 8.361(2), c = 8.788(2) Å, and β = 121.00(2)°. Co3(PO4)2 is isotypic with the previously reported γ-Zn3(PO4)2 and Mg3(PO4)2. Cobalt ions occupy two distinct coordination polyhedra, one five and one six-coordinated, in a ratio of two to one. The structure is described in detail.