Mercuration of Organotellurium(IV) Derivatives: Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

New organometallic compounds of the formula (R′COO-IIg C₆H₄)₂TeX₂ and [(R′COOHg) (P-MeOC₆H₃)]₂TeX₂ (R′= CH_3′ CE₃ x = cl-OCOCH₃ ⁻ and OCOCF₃ ⁻) were prepared by mercuration of Ph₂TeX₂ and (P-MeOC₆H₄)₂TeX₂, respectively, with electrophiles such as Hg(OCOCH₃)₂/Hg(OCOCF₃)2 in non-aqueous media. The products obtained in more than 70% yield are stable towards atmospheric oxygen and moisture. The site of mercuration and possible geometry around the central tellurium atom has been suggested.