REACTION OF MERCURY(II) DIBROMIDE WITH TRIS(N-BUTYL)PHOSPHINE TELLURIDE - FORMATION OF AN UNUSUAL (HGTE)(3) RING-SYSTEM

Tris(M-butyl)phosphine telluride (R3PTe) yields, with HgBr2 from aceto ne solution, a very thermally and air sensitive crystalline solid. Thi s solid has been identified as (HgBr2)(4) .(TePR3)(3). X-ray diffracti on analysis reveals that this compound contains a dimeric cation, [(Hg TePR3)(3)Br-5](2)(2+), in which each unit is characterized by a six-me mbered ring made of alternating bonds between mercury and tellurium. T he counter ion is a dinuclear anion [Hg2Br6](2-). The crystal belongs to the triclinic system, <P(1)over bar> group with a = 12.206(9) A, b = 17.613(10) A, c = 18.065(9) A, and Z = 2. The preparation of this Me w heterocyclic system and its decomposition under different conditions into Hg3Te2Br2 or HgTe are presented. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc .