The stabilization of quantum spin liquids is vital to realize applications in spintronics and quantum computing. The unique magnetic structure of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_2{\mathrm{CuTeO}}_6$ comprising coupled spin ladders with finite interladder coupling brings the system close to the quantum critical point. This opens up possibilities to stabilize unconventional magnetic phases by tailoring the intra- and interladder exchange couplings. Here, we demonstrate a spin-liquid-like phase in ${\mathrm{Ba}}_2{\mathrm{CuTeO}}_6$ using the method of chemical substitution. We choose nonmagnetic ${\mathrm{La}}^{3+}$ cation to substitute the ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{2+}$ in ${\mathrm{Ba}}_2{\mathrm{CuTeO}}_6$ and present signature fingerprints such as a deprived magnetic transition, nondispersive ac susceptibility, magnetic-field-independent heat capacity, and a broad Raman continuum supporting the emergence of a spin-liquid-like phase. We believe that increased magnetic frustration and spin fractionalization upon chemical substitution play a crucial role in driving such a state. In addition, temperature and magnetic-field-dependent phonon responses indicate the presence of magnetostriction (spin-lattice coupling) in La-doped ${\mathrm{Ba}}_2{\mathrm{CuTeO}}_6$, a notable property of spin liquids.

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• Frustrated magnetism
• Magnons
• Phonons
• Spin liquid
• Spin-phonon coupling
• AC susceptibility measurements
• Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy
• Magnetization measurements
• Raman spectroscopy
• Specific heat measurements
• X-ray powder diffraction