Structure and properties of the noncentrosymmetric oxide borate K2Ga2O(BO3)2

Crystals of a new, noncentrosymmetric oxide, orthoborate have been grown, and the structure of the material has been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The material crystallizes in the space group P321. The structure consists of a continuous, three-dimensional gallium borate framework with channels that run parallel to the [001] direction wherein the potassium atoms are located. The triangular orthoborate groups and the trigonal bases of the gallium-centered tetrahedra form two-dimensional layers through GaOB linkages; these layers are parallel to (001) planes. GaOGa linkages interconnect adjacent layers to complete the three-dimensional framework. Use as a nonlinear optical material is unlikely because of nonoptimal alignment of the triangular orthoborate groups.