Metal complexes of a tetrathiafulvalene 4,5-dithiolate. Synthesis, characterisation and properties of dianionic and neutral mercury complexes

Dianionic mercury bis(tetrathiafulvalene dithiolate) complexes [NMe(4)](2)[Hg(R(2)C(6)S(8))(2)] (R = Et or Bu) and the corresponding oxidised neutral complex [Hg(R(2)C(6)S(8))(2)] (R = Et) have been prepared. The crystal structure of [NMe(4)](2)[Hg(R(2)C(6)S(8))(2)] (R = Et) has been determined and shows that the tetrathiafulvalene dithiolate units are tetrahedrally co-ordinated around the central Hg atom. Cyclic voltammetry and ESR studies indicated that there is very little interaction between the two ligands. PI compressed pellet of the powdered neutral complex exhibited an electrical conductivity df 10(-5) S cm(-1) at room temperature.