Method of preparing superconducting "orthorhomibic"-type compounds in bulk using C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkanoic acid salts

A process of making substantially orthorhombic superconducting composition of the formula A.sub.n Q.sub.m Cu.sub.3 O.sub.y wherein A is a Cuprate Superconducting Facilitating rare earth element, Q is a cuprate Superconducting Facilitating alkaline earth element, m is 1 or 2, n is 1 or 2 and y is 3n+2m+4/2 comprising the steps of:

• (a) mixing together at least two of a salt of A, Q and Cu selected from the group consisting of a carbonate, nitrate and mixtures thereof to form a mixed salt of at least two of A, Q and Cu;
• (b) treating said mixed salt with a strong alkali metal base to precipitate and recover a mixed product of at least two of A, Q and Cu;
• (c) wet mixing the mixed product of at least two of A, Q and Cu with a lower alkyl carboxylic acid containing 1-6 carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid to form together the respective organic acid salts;
• (d) as needed, adding and wet mixing the stoichiometric quantity of the necessary acid salt selected from the group consisting of a carbonate, nitrate and mixtures thereof or oxide of A, Q or Cu to a form mixed compound of A, Q, and Cu;
• (e) recovering and air drying said mixture compound;
• and
• (f) heating said wet mixed compounds from ambient temperature at a ratio of about 20.degree. C. or less per minute to a preselected temperature in the range from about 500.degree. C. to about 950.degree. C.;
• (g) holding said preselected temperature for at least 30 minutes and recovering the substantially orthorhombic superconducting composition.