Interaction of MeSHgO2CMe with Imidazole and Related Ligands

The complex methanethiolatomercury(II) acetate, MeSHgO2Me, reacts with imidazole (LH) in 1:l or 2:1 mol ratio in water at low pH to form a complex of stoichiometry (MeSHg)2(O2CMe)(L), but in the absence of acetic acid forms a new phase of bis(methanethiolato)mercury(II), Hg(SMe)2. Stirred suspensions of MeSHgO2CMe with imidazole or 2-methylimidazole in 1:l mol ratio in ethanol form (MeSHg)2(O2CMe)(L) and the 2-methylimidazole analogue. Solutions of MeSHgO2CMe or the new phase of Hg(SMe)2 in N-methylimidazole deposit crystals of the previously known phase of Hg(SMe)2.