Synthesis, crystal structure, and dielectricity of a displacement-type organic-inorganic hybrid phase transition compound: (C4H9NH3)6[InCl6]Cl3

An In(III)-based organic-inorganic hybrid phase transition compound, (C4H9NH3)6[InCl6]Cl3 (1, C4H9NH3+ = isobutyl-ammonium cation) was synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test reveals that 1 experiences a second-order phase transition at 193/199 K (Tc). Crystal structure analyses prove that the phase transition is associated with the displacement motion and structural distortion of isobutyl-ammonium cations. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant for 1 displays apparent step-like anomalies around the Tc, which makes it a potential dielectric response material. It is expected that this work will be beneficial to explore novel organic-inorganic hybrid compounds.