The thiosquarate ligand bis-1,2-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dione-cyclobut-1 -enylsulfan
yl)-ethane and its lead(II) complex have been prepared. According to the cr
ystal structure analysis the complex has a unique layer structure in the so
lid state, The layers consist of a superposition of cyclic dimeric complexe
s and of chain like polymeric complexes. The shortest nonbonding Pb . . . P
b distances are 4.0 Angstrom.