Synthesis, electrochemical behaviour and structural characterization of the mercury complex [Hg([18]aneN 6)]·(HgCl 4)

Abstract

Reaction of HgCl 2, in slight excess of 1 molar equivalent of the ligand ([18]aneN 6) in water, produces a colourless solution containing [Hg([18]aneN 6)](HgCl 4). The X-ray structure of this complex shows that the six nitrogen donor atoms of the macrocycle surround the mercury(II) atom in a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination. Cyclic voltammetry of [Hg([18]ane)] 2+ shows a chemically reversible reduction at a HDM electrode, with E 1 2 = −0.293 V vs S.C.E. at pH 9.37 and a scan rate of 200 mV s −1. The global oxidation-reduction process involves two electrons and two protons.