We have synthesized the heavy-fermion compound ${\mathrm{UPd}}_2$${\mathrm{Ga}}_3$, crystallizing in a structure closely related to the hexagonal ${\mathrm{PrNi}}_2$${\mathrm{Al}}_3$ lattice. The physical properties show ${\mathrm{UPd}}_2$${\mathrm{Ga}}_3$ to behave very similar to the heavy-fermion superconductor ${\mathrm{UPd}}_2$${\mathrm{Al}}_3$. It orders antiferromagnetically at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$=13 K, while a large decrease in the electrical resistivity below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$ and electronic specific-heat coefficient γ=230 mJ/mol ${\mathrm{K}}^2$ classify the new compound as a heavy fermion. The magnetic structure is equivalent to that of ${\mathrm{UPd}}_2$${\mathrm{Al}}_3$, although the ordered moment of 0.50(5)${\mathrm{\mu }}_{\mathit{B}}$ is smaller. No superconductivity has been observed in ${\mathrm{UPd}}_2$${\mathrm{Ga}}_3$ above 50 mK.

• Received 17 May 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.52.12784