Synthesis and structure of new Schiff base derivatives obtained from 2-(formylphenyl)mercury bromide

Reactions of (2-formylphenyl)mercury(II) bromide 10 with primary amines give mono-, bis- and tris- Schiff base derivatives (11–18). Structures of the synthesized compounds show the presence of five-membered intramolecular Hg⋯N interaction. Luminescence studies of the compounds have been performed. Attempts to use the synthesized compounds for binding neutral donor molecules or fluoride ions were unsuccessful.

Graphical abstractA series of Schiff base derivatives of 2-(formylphenyl)mercury(II) bromides have been synthesized and studied. The isolation of enantiomerically pure arylmercury bromide due to the presence of an intramolecular coordination is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A series of organomercury Schiff base derivatives are synthesized. ► These derivatives exhibit intramiolecular secondary Hg⋯N interactions. ► Schiff base derivative of aniline is chiral without a stereocentre. ► Organomercury derivative of phenylenediamine exhibits weak Hg⋯Hg interaction.