Synthesis, solid-state NMR, and X-ray powder diffraction characterization of group 12 coordination polymers, including the first example of a C-mercuriated pyrazole

Cadmium and mercury acetates have been reacted with pyrazole (Hpz) and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (Hdmpz), affording distinct mixed-ligand species, selectively prepared upon slightly modifying the reaction conditions. Two polymorphs of {Cd(mu-ac)2(Hpz)2}n], as well as the {Cd(mu-ac)2(Hdmpz)2}n] species (Hac = acetic acid), were obtained by solution chemistry, while the two-dimensional {Cd3(mu3-ac)4(mu-pz)2(Hpz)2}n] and {Cd(mu-ac)(mu-pz)}n] polymers were prepared upon controlled thermal treatment of one of the {Cd(mu-ac)2(Hpz)2}n] forms. Two mercury derivatives, {Hg3(mu-ac)3(mu-pz)3}n] and {Hg(ac)(mu-dmpz)}n], were also prepared, the latter containing one-dimensional chains of Hg(II) ions bridged by C-mercuriated Hdmpz ligands. All their crystal structures (but one) were determined by powder diffraction methods using conventional X-ray laboratory equipment, supported by 13C CPMAS NMR measurements. The latter method helped in assigning a C-metalated nature to an amorphous material of Hg(ac)(pz)] formula, obtained by employing EtOH as a solvent. A few other Hdmpz-containing cadmium acetates were also prepared, but their polyphasic nature, evidenced by diffraction methods, hampered their complete structural characterization.