Sr11Ge4N6: a new nitride composed of [GeN2Sr7]^4+ antiperovskite-type slabs and [Sr4Ge]^4+ layers, separated by sheets of bent [GeIIN2]^4- ions

The layered nitride Sr11Ge4N6 contains Ge^4- Zintl anions in both [Sr4Ge]^4+ layers and [GeN2Sr7]^4+ antiperovskitetype slabs which are separated by sheets of bent [GeIIN2]^4- ions; the observed range of formal germanium oxidation states in nitrides thus extends between +4 and -4.