Mechanochemical Syntheses of Metal Phosphonates
- Mechanochemistry is a suitable method for synthesizing a variety of metal phosphonates. By varying the ratio of the reactants, it is possible to control the reaction pathway. With this approach targeted synthesis of a certain composition is possible. Several new metal phosphonate structures were solved from the powder X-ray diffraction data including molecular metal phosphonates. The results demonstrate a new fast, facile, and environmental friendly alternative for the preparation of metal phosphonates. In situ investigations of the milling processes provided insights into the formation process of metal phosphonates. A multi-step diffusion mechanism was identified for most systems. Crystalline phases were obtained intermediately, suggesting that the synthesis is following Ostwald’s rules of stages.