First ditelluride containing Schiff base functionality: Synthesis and instantaneous ligand exchange with other ditelluride investigated by 125Te NMR

The first ditelluride having Schiff base functionality (2-HOC6H4(CH3)Cdouble bond; length as m-dash NCH2CH2Te)2 (4) has been synthesized by reacting H2NCH2CH2TeTeCH2CH2NH2 with 2-hydroxyacetophenone under anaerobic conditions. Compound 4 gives in 125Te{1H} NMR spectrum signal at 98.0 ppm, which is characteristic of a ditelluride. The 125Te{1H} NMR spectral studies on the mixture of 4 and (4-CH3OC6H4Te)2 indicate the instantaneous formation of 2 HOC6H4(CH3)Cdouble bond; length as m-dashNCH2CH2Te–TeC6H4-4-OCH3 (6) in equilibrium with the precursor ditellurides. This ligand exchange equilibrium is attained instantaneously. It is supported by 13C{1H} NMR spectra also.