A new class of organometallic compound

Summary Organometallic compounds of general formula (SCN)₂M(NCSeHgR)₂ (M=Co^II, Ni^II, R=n-C₅H₁₁,i-C₅H₁₁) have been prepared. They behave as Lewis acids, forming complexes with pyridine and 2,2-bipyridyl, characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight, molar conductance, i.r. spectral (4000–200 cm^–1), electronic spectral and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The Lewis acids are monomeric with bridging thiocyanate, or selenocyanate between M²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Cobalt and nickel acquire tetrahedral and octahedral configurations respectively through axial bridging, whereas mercury retains its linearity. Pyridine links to the metal in the Lewis acid and forms L₂(SCN)₂M(NCSeHgR)₂ complexes. Bipyridyl ruptures the NCX bridge and forms cationic-anionic [M(bipy)₃][(NCS)(NCSe)HgR]₂ complexes.