Templated assembly of 1,2-bis(chloromercurio) tetrafluorobenzene in the presence of THF

Slow evaporation of a THF solution containing the bidentate Lewis acid 1,2-bis(chloromercurio) tetrafluorobenzene (1) , yields colorless crystals of the complex 1₂-THF (2) as indicated by elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis and ¹³C CPMAS solid-state NMR spectroscopy. As shown by X-ray analysis, the oxygen atom of the THF molecules bridges the two mercury center of the bidentate Lewis acid. Compound 2 forms an extended structure that features channels filled with THF molecules. In this structure, the individual molecules of the organomercurial are held together by - and Hg Cl interactions. Immersion of 2 in water results in THF loss to afford 1,2-bis(chloromercurio) tetrafluorobenzene in a pure form. Exposure to THF vapor results in a stoichiometric uptake and formation of a solid whose composition corresponds to that of 2.