Insights in the sol–gel processing of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3. The synthesis and crown structure of a new lead magnesium cluster: Pb6Mg12(μ-OAc)6(μ2,η2-OAc)18(μ3,η2-OC2H4OPri)12

The synthesis and molecular structure of a Pb–Mg bimetallic acetatoalkoxide (Pb6Mg12(μ-OAc)6(μ2,η2-OAc)18(μ3,η2-OC2H4OPri)12, space group R-3, a=b=30.032(2), c=18.855(2) Å, α=β=90°, γ=120°) are discussed in this article. This compound was isolated as an intermediate during the elaboration of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) using sol–gel process. It results from the reaction of a bimetallic Mg/Nb species with lead acetate in 2-isopropoxyethanol.