Polymorphism in mercury(I) selenite(IV): preparation, crystal structures of α-, β-and γ-Hg2SeO3, and thermal behavior of the α- and β-modification |
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Authors: | Matthias Weil |
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Affiliation: | Institute for Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Division of Structural Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/164-SC, A-1060 Vienna, Austria |
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Abstract: | Mercury(I) selenite(IV) is polymorphic and crystallizes at least in three modifications, named α-, β-and γ-Hg2SeO3. Polycrystalline β-Hg2SeO3 was prepared by precipitation of a concentrated mercurous nitrate solution with selenous acid. Hydrothermal treatment of the colorless β-Hg2SeO3 powder in demineralized water at 250°C (10 days) yields light-yellow single crystals of α-Hg2SeO3 which show the highest density of the three modifications. Colorless needle-shaped single crystals of β-Hg2SeO3 and very few single crystals of γ-Hg2SeO3 co-crystallize from strongly diluted Hg2(NO3)2 and H2SeO3 solutions and were grown by a diffusion technique. All crystal structures were solved and refined from single crystal diffractometer data sets and are based on Hg22+ dumbbells and trigonal pyramidal SeO32− anions as the main building units. A common structural feature of all modifications is the formation of open channels extending parallel to the shortest crystallographic axis. The non-bonding orbitals of the SeIV atoms are stereochemically active and protrude into the channels. Upon heating in an open system under N2 atmosphere, both α- and β-Hg2SeO3 decompose in a well-separated three-step mechanism. The first step (T > 250°C) involves disproportionation into elementary mercury and α-HgSeO3 which at ca. 400°C subsequently transforms into β-HgSeO3. The second step between T = 400 and 500°C is accompanied by a loss of Hg and SeO2 and the formation of the basic salt Hg3SeO6. In the third step, at temperatures between T = 500° and 600°C, this material decomposes completely. Upon heating in a closed system (sealed silica capillaries), β-Hg2SeO3 transforms between 320-340°C into the more dense α-Hg2SeO3 which on further heating likewise converts into elementary mercury and β-HgSeO3. |
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Keywords: | Hg2SeO3 Mercury(I) Oxoselenites(IV) Crystal structure Polymorphism Thermal behavior |
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