Synthesis of a Self-Assembled Hg(II)-Dithiocarbamate Metallomacrocycle.

This report illustrates a successful mercury-directed self-assembly strategy via the design and synthesis of a new bifunctional bis-dithiocarbamate ligand K2L. This ligand efficiently self-assembles with Hg(II) to afford a novel bimetallic 28-membered macrocycle, Hg2L2. This supramolecular complex persists as a discrete macrocyclic structure in solution as evidenced by two-dimensional DOSY NMR. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of the bimetallic metallomacrocycle where both bis-dithiocarbamate units are asymmetrically bound to the mercury centers. Analysis of noncovalent interactions in the crystalline state reveals very close HgHg intramolecular mercurophilic contacts (? 3.3 Å) and the action of C?H? (chelate) interactions.