Supramolecular self-assembly in the crystal structures of methylmercury xanthates, MeHgS(S)COR, R = Et, iPr and CH2Ph

Methylmercury(II) xanthates, MeHgS(S)COR, with R = Et, Pr-i and CH2Ph, form unidimensional, supramolecular self-assembled, tape-like arrays in the solid state, based upon Hg...S intermolecular secondary interactions. In the compounds with R = Et and Pr-i the individual molecules form double chains (tapes) weakly interacting with neighbouring arrays, while the compound with R = CH2Ph forms dimeric units, which are further associated into infinite tapes, not interacting with each other. Primary Hg-S bonds are in the range 2.378(5)-2.391(3) Angstrom, intramolecular Hg...S secondary bonds leading to chelation are in the range 3.179(5)-3.259(3) Angstrom, whereas intermolecular Hg...S secondary interactions cover a broader range, from 3.403(4) to 4.22(1) Angstrom. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.