Polysulfides crystal growth

Final comment. Complete thermodynamic and kinetic studies have been made to identify new individual polysulfide phases. The static membrane gauge method appears to be the most promising for controlling the equilibrium state in the systems. This method is also the main source in constructing Ps T-x equilibrium diagrams, which provide valuable data for crystal-growth processes of the intermediate polysulfides. 

The complex is obtained as dark-red crystals insoluble in water. The structure5 is different from that of other polysulfide complexes in that it consists of non-chelated S6 chains linking planar palladium(II) ions. Chains appear to abort in their growth from the palladium, giving a defect structure accounting for the unusual formula. 

Final comment. The spontaneous growth from fluxes does not always provide only the desired phase. In the case of heterophase growth a first selection of the crystals on the basis of some diagnostic properties is the best way to avoid an incorrect representation of the phase state in the polysulfide systems. 

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