Structural Chemistry of Hydrides of Intermetallic Compounds

The contemporary state of the structural chemistry of the hydrides of intermetallic compounds is discussed. X-ray and neutron diffraction data on hydride phases are surveyed and critically analysed. Tetrahedral and octahedral coordination are shown to be most typical for hydrogen atoms in the structures of multi-component hydride phases. Rules for the structure of intermetallic hydrides are formulated, permitting us to forecast the structures of compounds not yet studied and to predict the maximum capability of the parent intermetallic compounds to absorb hydrogen. 204 references are given.