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Updated: May 25, 2026

A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 8, 2016
{N-[1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl-idene-κN]-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propan-1-amine-κN}dibromidomercury(II).
Qing Wang1, Zhong-Ye Fu, Liang-Min Yu
1Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry and Technology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
This study details the crystal structure of a novel mercury(II) compound, [HgBr2(C15H17N5)], revealing tetrahedral coordination and unique hydrogen bonding that forms helical chains and layered structures.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Crystal Engineering
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Mercury(II) complexes are of interest due to their diverse coordination geometries and potential applications.
- Understanding the self-assembly of metal-organic compounds is crucial for designing novel materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new mercury(II) complex with a specific N-donor ligand.
- To investigate the coordination environment around the mercury(II) ion.
- To elucidate the intermolecular interactions driving the crystal packing.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to determine the molecular structure and crystal packing.
- The coordination geometry and hydrogen bonding networks were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The mercury(II) ion exhibits tetrahedral coordination, bound by two nitrogen atoms from the N-[1-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl-idene-κN]-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propan-1-amine ligand and two bromide anions.
- Intermolecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds between benzimidazole and imidazole moieties link molecules into helical chains along the b-axis.
- C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds further connect these chains into layers parallel to the bc plane.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized mercury(II) complex displays a defined tetrahedral coordination geometry.
- The crystal structure is stabilized by a combination of N-H⋯N and C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of helical chains and layered supramolecular architectures.
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