Geometrically unprecedented 3-, 5- and 7-membered Hg(II)–Cu(I) and Hg(II)–Ag(I) thiolate clusters: precursors to intermetallics

The syntheses of three polynuclear heterobimetallic complexes through the use of a homoleptic mercuric thiolate anion as a template for the assembly of coinage metal are presented. The complexes, [(PPh3)3Ag3(μ-SPh)7Hg2] (1), [Hg(μ-SPh)4{Cu(PPh3)2}2] (2) and [(dppe)2Cu5(μ-SPh)7Hg2(SPh)2] (3) were utilized as precursors for the fabrication of Hg–Ag and Hg–Cu intermetallics.