Cluster of framework considerations for the structures of Tl₇Sb₂, α-Mn, Cu₅Zn₈ and their variants Li₂₂Si₅₁, Cu₄₁Sn₁₁, Sm₁₁Cd₄₅, Mg₆Pd and Na₆Tl with octuple unit cells

Eight intermetallic compounds described so far by clusters are compared. It is shown that a common framework exists for all these crystal structures. The voids within this common part are filled in different ways. Moreover, for each of these crystal structures all atoms together form a three-dimensional connected framework. Therefore, the framework description seems to be more adequate than the cluster description.