Thermochromism, the Alexandrite effect, and dynamic Jahn-Teller distortions in Ho2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2.

A 3d-4f heterobimetallic material with mixed anions, Ho2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2, has been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Ho2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2 exhibits both thermochromism and the Alexandrite effect. Variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy reveal that changes in the Cu(II) coordination geometry result in negative thermal expansion of axial Cu-O bonds that plays a role in the thermochromic transition of Ho2Cu(TeO3)2(SO4)2. Magnetic studies reveal an effective magnetic moment of 14.97 μB. which has a good agreement with the calculated value of 15.09 μB.