Novel ternary phases EuZn(2-x)Ga(2+x), EuZn(2-x)Al(2+x), Eu(2)Zn(14.32)Al(2.68) and Eu(3)Zn(17.68)Al(4.32) have been synthesized at 400 degrees C, and characterized by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction at room temperature and magnetic measurements down to 1.72 K. EuZn(2-x)Al(2+x) and EuZn(2-x)Ga(2+x) compounds crystallize with tetragonal unit cells of the BaAl(4)-type. Representatives of these series, namely EuZn(1.25)Al(2.75) and EuZnGa(3), order ferromagnetically below 25 K and 14 K, respectively, due to the presence of divalent Eu ions. The other two ternaries studied, i.e. Eu(2)Zn(14.32)Al(2.68) and Eu(3)Zn(17.68)Al(4.32), adopt the rhombohedral Th(2)Zn(17)- and the tetragonal Ce(3)Zn(22)-type structure, respectively. Both compounds form with Eu(2+) ions and possibly order antiferromagnetically at the lowest temperatures investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.