The identification of the framework type in multilayer cancrinite- and sodalite-group minerals and synthetic compounds is predominantly based on the unit-cell dimensions determined from powder or single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, by analogy with previously characterized samples with known crystal structures. However, topological type of the framework cannot be reliably determined in this way because of the different possible ABC staking sequences and different sets of cages with the same number of layers in the repeat unit. To solve this problem, additional criteria are required. The use of infrared (IR) spectroscopy makes it possible to distinguish topologically different types with the same unit-cell parameters. The most important diagnostic range in the IR spectrum (the "finger-print region", from 510 to 760 cm-1) corresponds to the O-T-O bending vibrations (T = Si, Al). The spectral bands at 705 ± 8, 528 ± 5, 547 ± 4, and 555 ± 3 cm-1 indicate the presence of the sodalite, Losod, liottite, and giuseppettite cages, respectively. The band at 528 ± 5 cm-1 shifts towards ∼518 cm-1 in the case when Losod cage hosts carbonate group. The IR spectrum in the "finger-print region" can be also used to identify a mineral species belonging to two-layer or three-layer minerals with different extra-framework compositions. The wavenumber of the antisymmetric stretching mode of the 12CO2 molecule, which is a common admixed extra-framework constituent in minerals belonging to the cancrinite and sodalite groups, depends on the kind of the host cage or channel: 2340-2343 cm-1 for the sodalite cage, 2338 cm-1 for the Losod cage, and 2351-2353 cm-1 for the liottite cage and wide channel in the cancrinite-type framework.
Keywords: Cancrinite; Framework topology; IR spectroscopy; Microporous aluminosilicate; Multilayer cancrinite-related material; Sodalite.
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