A combination of neutron diffraction, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements has been used to clarify the correlations between long- and local-range structural distortions across the spin-state transition in powders of LaCoO3 and La0.5Sr0.5Co0.75Nb0.25O3. The analysis of the diffraction data has revealed that the isotropic thermal parameters of Co–O bond abnormally increase below 100 K in both samples, while the temperature dependence of the average Co–O bond lengths is linear from 10 to 300 K. We also have found that the Co–O bond lengths are larger in La0.5Sr0.5Co0.75Nb0.25O3, as compared with the ones in LaCoO3. The X-ray absorption data showed an anomalous decrease of the Co–O bond lengths only for LaCoO3, in contrast to the bond length values obtained by diffraction. The structural anomalies observed by spectroscopy measurements are discussed in terms of the spin-state transition model.

Structural measurements have been performed on the La0.7Sr0.3Mn3+ 0.85Nb5+ 0.15O3 compound with oxidation state of manganese close to +3. The composition undergoes a structural transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic symmetry below room temperature. The calculated structural parameters show that the orthorhombic phase is not long-range orbitally ordered and that the structural transition is associated with a steric effect. The compound is ferromagnetic with a Curie point of around 150 K and a magnetic moment of 3.1 μ B/Mn. It is suggested that ferromagnetism is originated from superexchange interactions via oxygen. Covalence enhances the positive part of the superexchange interactions whereas structural disorder leads to suppression of ferromagnetism.

Neutron diffraction studies of the La0.5Ba0.5CoO2.8 at the different temperatures has been performed. This solid solution crystallizes in the cubic structure (Pm3m space group) and exhibits below TN ~ 250K G-type antifferomagnetic ordering. Applied pressure suppresses magnetic ordering. Anomalous changes of the lattice parameters under pressure have been found.