Synthesis and structure of new aryltellurenyl halides derived from (dmpTe)2 (dmp = 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)

[RTeTeR] (R = dmp = 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl) (1) reacts with bromine to give [RTeTe(Br)2R] (2) and [RTeBr3] (3), and with SOCl2 to yield [RTeTe(Cl)2R] (5) and [RTeCl3] (6). The recrystallization of compound 3 in acetone produces [RTeBr2(CH2–C(O)–CH3)] (4). The hydrolysis of 2 in aqueous ammonia and methanol containing media affords the methoxy/oxo-derivative [RTe(μ-O)(OCH3)]2 (7). All the title compounds were obtained with good yields, and strong Te⋯O(methoxy), as well as Te⋯X (X = Br, Cl) secondary interactions, support the distorted octahedral configurations shown mostly in the polymeric compounds 3, 4, 5 and 6. Complexes 2 and 5 close the series of compounds with the structure [RTeTe(X)2R] (X = Cl, Br, I), started earlier with [RTeTe(I)2R].

Graphical abstractComplexes [RTeTeR]2 (R = dmp = 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl), [RTeTeBr2R], [RTeBr3], [RTeBr2(CH2–C(O)–CH3)], [RTeTeCl2R], [RTeCl3] and [RTe(μ-O)(OCH3)]2 were obtained with good yields. Strong Te⋯O(methoxy), and Te⋯halogen secondary interactions support the distorted octahedral configurations of the most part of the compounds.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Obtention of seven new organyltellurium halogenides starting from [RTe]2 (1) (R = 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl). ► X-ray structural characterization of 1, [RTeTe(Br)2R] (2), [RTeBr3] (3), [RTeBr2(CH2-C(O)-CH3)] (4), [RTeTe(Cl)2R] (5), [RTeCl3] (6) and [RTe(μ-O)(OCH3)]2. ► Strong Te⋯O(methoxy) as well Te⋯X (X = Br, Cl) secondary interactions stabilize the polymeric compounds 3, 4, 5 and 6. ► Complexes 2 and 5 close the series of compounds with the structure [RTeTe(X)2R] (X = Cl, Br, I), started earlier with [RTeTe(I)2R].