Synthesis and structural characterization of LiI, ZnII, CdII, and HgII complexes containing a fluorinated β-diketiminate ligand

► New bimetallic M-Li (M = Zn, Cd, Hg) complexes based on a fluorinated β-diketiminate ligand. ► A fluorine atom participates as a neutral ligand to stabilize lithium center. ► Lithium center is stabilized by one, two and three molecules of Et2O in its mercury, zinc, and cadmium complex, respectively.