Supramolecular self-assembly in the crystal structures of methylmercury xanthates, MeHgS(S)COR, R=Et, iPr and CH2Ph

Methylmercury(II) xanthates, MeHgS(S)COR, with R=Et, iPr and CH2Ph, form unidimensional, supramolecular self-assembled, tape-like arrays in the solid state, based upon Hg⋯S intermolecular secondary interactions. In the compounds with R=Et and iPr the individual molecules form double chains (tapes) weakly interacting with neighbouring arrays, while the compound with R=CH2Ph forms dimeric units, which are further associated into infinite tapes, not interacting with each other. Primary HgS bonds are in the range 2.378(5)–2.391(3) Å, intramolecular Hg⋯S secondary bonds leading to chelation are in the range 3.179(5)–3.259(3) Å, whereas intermolecular Hg⋯S secondary interactions cover a broader range, from 3.403(4) to 4.22(1) Å.