A linear bridging angle in the pyrovanadate group within the crystal structure of Hg₂V₂Te₂O₁₁

The title compound, dimercury(II) divanadium(V) ditellurium(IV) undecaoxide, Hg2V2Te2O11, is a new representative within the family of divalent oxovanadato(V)tellurates(IV). The anionic framework is made up of disphenoidal [TeO4] polyhedra that are linked by corner-sharing to two neighbouring pyrovanadate units, resulting in chains of six-membered rings propagating parallel to [1-10]. The bridging O atom of the pyrovanadate unit is located on an inversion centre, leading to a staggered conformation and a linear V-O-V angle between the two [VO4] tetrahedra. The anionic chains are connected by interjacent six-coordinate Hg(2+) cations into a three-dimensional framework. The 5s(2) lone electron pair of the Te(IV) atom is stereochemically active and protrudes into the free space of the chain links.