Synthesis and characterization of a mercury-containing trimetalloboride

Abstract

The reaction of phenylmercuric chloride with an anionic dimanganese borylene (Li⁺[Cp₂(CO)₄Mn₂B]⁻) led to the formation of a trimetalloboride featuring the first reported bond between mercury and a non-cluster boron atom. Examination by ¹⁹⁹Hg NMR indicated ¹¹B–¹⁹⁹Hg scalar coupling. Theoretical calculations indicated the nature of bonding to be σ-donation from a B–Mn π-orbital to Hg, in conjunction with weak Hg_d → π* back-donation.