We have synthesized an intermetallic compound with a distorted Heusler structure, ${\text{YbRh}}_2\text{Pb}$. We present a study of the magnetic, thermal, and transport properties. Heat capacity measurements revealed that ${\text{YbRh}}_2\text{Pb}$ magnetically orders below $T_N=0.57\text{K}$ from a paramagnetic state with substantial crystal electric field splitting. Magnetic field further splits the ground state, which leads to the suppression of magnetic order in ${\text{YbRh}}_2\text{Pb}$.

• Received 28 March 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.77.174401