The new barium zinc mercurides Ba3ZnHg10 and BaZn0.6Hg3.4 - Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure

► Two new Hg-rich Ba mercurides, both synthesized from the elements in pure phase. ► BaZn0.6HgG3.4 and Ba3ZnHg10 with new complex structure types. ► Structure relation to other complex cubic intermetallics. ► Discussion of covalent and metallic bonding aspects, as found by the structure features and band structure calculations.