Microwave-assisted metathesis synthesis of Schoenfliesite-type MSn(OH)6 (M = Mg, Ca, Zn, and Sr) materials

Technologically important Schoenfliesite type MSn(OH)(6) (M = Mg, Ca, Zn, and Sr) materials were synthesized by a simple solid state metathesis (SSM) approach, assisted by microwave energy. The SSM nature of the reaction is strongly suggested by the formation of NaCl byproduct. The synthesized materials are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and diffuse reflectance (DR) in the UV-VIS range, to determine physical properties and establish structure-property relationships for these materials.