SYNTHESIS AND X-RAY STRUCTURE OF THE THIOETHEREAL MERCURY(II) COMPLEX[N(CH2CH2SCHME2)(3)HGCL](2)(HG2CL6)

The thioethereal mercury complexes [N(CH2CH2SCHMe2)(3)HgX](2)(Hg2X6) ( X = Cl, Br) have been prepared by reaction of HgX2 with the tripodal l igand N(CH2CH2SCHMe2)(3). The chloro derivative has been fully charact erized by a crystal structure determination: space group P (1) over ba r, a = 10.114(2), b = 11.230(5), c = 12.196(7) Angstrom, alpha = 86.11 (4), beta = 73.47(4), gamma = 74.45(4)degrees, Z = 2. The complex show s a geometry intermediate between the trigonal bipyramidal and the tet rahedron, These distortions have been compared with those found in a s eries of mercury complexes [LHgX](+) containing the ligand tris (2-dip henylphosphinoethyl)amine, np(3), or tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine, Me(6)tren, the differential weakening of the apical N-Hg bond being re lated to the electronegativity and to the sigma-bonding capability of the ligand trans to the apical nitrogen. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A .