A facile preparation of two new isostructural metal–organochalcogen clusters from simple starting materials: Sonochemical synthesis, X-ray structures and spectroscopic remarks

In this work, the formation and characterisation of two new isostructural metal–organochalcogen clusters from simple starting materials was investigated. A sonochemical synthesis was performed in a one-pot procedure without the isolation of synthetic intermediates. This methodology offers a new approach to prepare cluster compounds, and this experiment led to the formation of [(PhTe)12Hg8(S)X2(Py)2]·Py (X = Br, I; Py = Pyridine) in good yield. The X-ray analyses reveal that the framework of the clusters contains a similar [Hg8(μ4-S)Te12] core as the central unit. The sulphur atom present in the core of both structures has a tetrahedral coordination geometry achieved by four S–Hg(II) bonds. The complete characterisation of the synthesised materials also includes elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and UV–Vis absorption data.

Graphical abstractThe work herein describes the sonochemical synthesis using simple starting materials and the structural characterisation of two new isostructural metal–organochalcogen clusters containing [Hg8(μ4-S)Te12] cores. The results concerning the structural features and spectroscopic remarks are presented and discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis and X-ray structures of two new metal–organochalcogen cluster compounds. ► A facile and one-pot reaction promoted by ultrasonic irradiation. ► Optic behaviour of the [(PhTe)12Hg8(S)X2(Py)2] (X = Cl, Br) clusters.