MgCu2

MgCu2 is an intermetallic compound with the chemical formula MgCu2. It crystallizes in the cubic Laves phase structure, specifically the C15 type. This structure is characterized by a high packing density and is common for intermetallic compounds of the general formula AB2 where the atomic radii of A and B differ by about 20%. In MgCu2, magnesium and copper atoms occupy specific positions within this crystal lattice. The magnesium atoms are located at the corners of the cubic unit cell and at the body center, while the copper atoms occupy the face-centered positions and are tetrahedrally coordinated. This arrangement results in Mg atoms being surrounded by 16 Cu atoms, and each Cu atom being surrounded by 6 Cu atoms and 6 Mg atoms.

MgCu2 exhibits interesting physical properties, including metallic conductivity and a relatively high melting point. Its formation is driven by favorable interatomic interactions between magnesium and copper. This compound has been studied for its magnetic and electronic properties, although it is not strongly magnetic. Due to its specific crystal structure and composition, MgCu2 is often used as a model system in condensed matter physics research to understand the behavior of Laves phase compounds. It can be synthesized through various metallurgical techniques, such as arc melting or induction melting, followed by appropriate heat treatments to ensure the formation of the desired phase.