Layer perovskites of the (CnH2n+1NH3)2MX4 and NH3(CH2)mNH3MX4 families with M = Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn OR Pd and X = Cl OR Br: Importance, solubilities and simple growth techniques

Two families of layer-structure halide perovskites with unbranched organic chains are considered: (CnH2n+1NH3)2MX4 and NH3(CH2)mNH3MX4 with M = Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn or Pd, X = Br or Cl, n = 1, 2, ..., 18, and m = 2, 3, ..., 8. Their importance for solid state research (in particular two dimensional magnetism and structural phase transitions) are discussed. Their synthesis, solubility and crystal growth are investigated. They dissolve in a large variety of solvents, from extremely soluble to nearly insoluble. A few compounds dissolve incongruently. Depending on solvent and growth method, the thickness to length ratio of the “platelets” can be varied from 1 to 10-2. Under stable conditions large single crystals can be grown. The crystals are characterized by chemical, optical and X-ray methods. The lattice perfection depends on chain type and metal.