Helical mono and dinuclear mercury(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

A series of mono and dicationic carbene precursors have been synthesized. Reactions of these precursors with Hg(OAc)2 produce helical mononuclear and dinuclear mercury(II) carbene complexes. Five structures, including two ligand precursors and three mercury(II) carbene complexes have been analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Several intermediates have been identified during the course of reaction. Based on these observed intermediates, three different reaction pathways have been proposed.