SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF A NEW CLASS OF ORGANOBIMETALLIC COMPOUNDS

Abstract

A new class of organobimetallic compounds of general formula (SCN)₂Zn(NCSHgR)₂ and (SCN)₂Co(NCSHgR)₂ (R=CH₃, C₂H₅, n-C₄H₉ and iso-C₄H₉) have been synthesized. The cobalt analogs have been found to act as Lewis acids hence their complexes with pyridine, nicotinamide and 2,2 ' -bipyridyl have also been prepared. The corresponding zinc compounds decompose on reaction with these bases. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, molecular weight determination, infrared spectral (4000–50 cm⁻¹), electronic spectral and magnetic moment studies. These studies indicate that the Lewis acids are monomers and the cobalt or zinc and mercury atoms are connected through bridging thiocyanate groups. The cobalt or zinc atoms acquire a tetrahedral coordination geometry, whereas mercury retains its linearity.