Structural characterization, phase transition and switchable dielectric behaviors in a new zigzag chain organic–inorganic hybrid compound: [C3H7NH3]2SbI5

A novel zigzag chain organic–inorganic hybrid compound of the general formula R2MI5, [n-C3H7NH3]2[SbI5] (1), was successfully synthesized, in which the n-propylammonium cations were located in the free cavities between the one-dimensional zigzag chains. Systematic characterization was performed to investigate the phase transition of 1. A pair of sharp peaks at 211.8 K (heating) and 203.7 K (cooling) with a hysteresis 8.1 K were observed in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve, indicating the first-order phase transition behavior of 1. The temperature dependence dielectric measurement demonstrated a step-like change at around 211.8 K, which makes 1 a potential switchable dielectric material. Frequency dependence measurement revealed that the frequency exerts a weak influence on the dielectric permittivity. Further structural analysis shows that both anionic and cationic moieties contribute to the phase transition, accompanied by weak hydrogen bond interactions between cations and the [SbI5]n2− chains.