Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure of the coordination polymer Zn(II) with thiosemicarbazone of glyoxalic acid and their inhibitory properties against some metabolic enzymes

A new coordination polymer Zn(II) with thiosemicarbazone glyoxalic acid H₂GAT was obtained in this study. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the coordination of the Zn(II) ion is carried out by one sulfur atom, in the thiol form, one nitrogen atom of the azomethine group and two oxygen atoms of the carboxylate groups, one of which belongs to neighbouring complex molecule. The oxygen atom of the water molecule completes Zn(II) ion environment to a distorted square-pyramidal structure. The binding of the monomer complex into polimer occurs through the bridge oxygen atom of carboxylate group. This complex is effective inhibitor of the α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), cytosolic carbonic anhydrase I and II isoforms (hCA I and II), and acetylcholinesterase enzymes (AChE) enzymes with Ki values of 1.45 ± 0.23 µM for hCA I, 2.04 ± 0.11 µM for hCA II, 3.47 ± 0.88 µM for α-glycosidase, 0.47 ± 0.10 µM for BChE, and 0.58 ± 0.13 µM for AChE, respectively.     

Unusual copper(II) coordination mode from a potential Schiff-base reaction

The Schiff-base ligands (1-3) formed from the reaction of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde with three alkyl diamines have been synthesised and characterised. They are stable both in solution and in the solid state for several weeks, with no degradation to the starting amines and aldehyde observed. The reactions of the three Schiff-base ligands with various MX₂ salts (M = Cu, Ni or Zn; X = chloride, perchlorate or acetate) resulted in the cleavage of the imine bond and formation of metal-amine complexes, as well as the entrapment of a two coordinate CuCl₂ molecule within the lattice in one particular case.     

Two new copper(II) polyamine compounds: Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure

Two new compounds of Cu(II) of stoichiometry CuCl₄(polyamineH₂) containing the polyamines (PA): spermidine or spermine were prepared. Their synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization are herein described. The obtained complex with spermidine was characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, electronic and infrared spectroscopy. In the case of the compound with spermine, crystals were obtained. So, beside all other techniques the compound was also characterized by single crystal X-ray diffractometry. In both cases the species [CuCl₄]²⁻ is present and displays a similar polymeric structure. The X-ray, infrared and electronic spectra are herein discussed based on structural peculiarities of the compounds.     

Anion-directed supramolecular assembly of cobalt(II)-fluconazole coordination polymers: Structural diversity, fluorescent and magnetic properties

Six fluconazole-bridged cobalt(II) coordination polymers, namely [Co(HFlu)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Co(HFlu)₂(H₂O)(AcO)](AcO)·2C₂H₅OH (2), [Co(HFlu)₂Cl₂]·2C₂H₅OH (3), [Co₃(Flu)₂(acac)₄]·C₂H₅OH (4), [Co(HFlu)₂(malo)(H₂O)]·3H₂O (5), and [Co(HFlu)₂(fum)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (6) (HFlu = 2-(2′,4′-difluorophenyl)-1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol, AcOH = acetate acid, Hacac = acetylacetonate, H₂malo = malonate acid, H₂fum = fumaric acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized, and the thermal, fluorescent and magnetic properties investigated. The crystal structures display the one-dimensional cationic double-bridged chain consisting of 20-membered macrocycles to be parallel in 1 and perpendicular in 2. The structure of 3 consists of two-dimensional neutral rhombic grid in bc plane with (4,4) topology and alternative P/M helices intersecting at the Co sites along b direction. Complex 4 shows one-dimensional polymeric chain, in which binuclear Co₂(Flu)₂(acac)₂ units act as bridging blocks to link Co(acac)₂ nodes through triazolyl nitrogen atoms. The structure of 5 shows dimeric 20-membered macrometallacyclic motif. Complex 6 shows HFlu-bridged one-dimensional chain, which is stabilized by hydrogen-bonding interactions to produce alternative hydrophobic and hydrophilic architecture. Complexes 1-3 and 5-6 exhibit the similar electronic absorption and fluorescent spectra as those of HFlu, while complex 4 shows a fluorescent quenching phenomenon. Fluorescence titration of HFlu suggests that the fluorescent intensities at the maximal emission decrease upon the addition of Co(acac)₂. The variable-temperature magnetic measurement of 4 reveals weak ferromagnetic interaction combined with the spin-orbit coupling effect in the 1-D Co(II) chain.     

Out-of-plane dimeric Mn quadridentate Schiff-base complexes: Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Four Mn^III quadridentate Schiff-base compounds have been prepared and structurally characterized: [Mn(salpn)(CH₃OH)₂]BPh₄ (1), [Mn₂(salpn)₂(N₃)₂] (2), [Mn₂(salpn)₂(NCS)₂] (3), [Mn₂(salpn)₂(H₂O)₂](H₂O)(ClO₄)₂ (4) (salpn = N,N′-(1,2-propylene)-bis-(salicylideneiminate)). Among them, 1 is a discrete Mn^III monomeric complex with a square-bipyramidal geometry. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 form the similar phenolate-bridged out-of-plane dimers. Magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that 2, 3 and 4 all exhibit ferromagnetic intra-dimer coupling between Mn^III ions.     

Bimetallic copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of acyclic Schiff base ligands derived from amino acids

The acyclic Schiff-base ligands (2-(OH)-5-(R³)C₆H₂-1,3-(HCNC(R¹)(R²)CO₂H), derived from the dialdehyde 2-hydroxy-5-R-1,3-benzenedicarboxaldehyde (R = Me or t-Bu) and two equivalents of the amino acids glycine, 2,2-diphenylglycine or phenylalanine, have been reacted with the metal acetates M(OAc)₂ (M = Cu, Zn) in the presence of triethylamine, affording the complexes [HNEt₃][M₂(CH₃CO₂)₂(2-(O)-5-(t-Bu)C₆H₂-1,3-(HCNC(R¹)(R²)CO₂)₂] (M = Cu, R¹ = R² = C₆H₅, R³ = Me (1); M = Zn, R¹ = R² = H, R³ = t-Bu (2); M = Zn, R¹ = R² = C₆H₅, R³ = t-Bu (3); M = Zn, R¹ = H, R² = CH₂C₆H₅, R³ = t-Bu (4)) in good yields. The crystal structures of 1·MeCN, 2·, 3·2MeOH, and 4·3MeOH have been determined.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of new tetranuclear Cu(II) complexes of bis-bidentate Schiff-base ligands

Two tetranuclear copper(II) complexes with long rigid Schiff-base ligands [Cu₄(bmsbd)₂]·2DMF [H₂bmsbd = N,N′-bis-(3-methoxy-salicylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine] (1) and [Cu₄(besbd)₂]·DMF·5H₂O [H₂besbd = N,N′-bis-(3-methoxy-salicylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine] (2) have been synthesised and characterized. Single X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that both complexes exhibit interesting [2 × 2] molecular grid-like configuration assembled by four organic ligands in a head-to-tail mode to bind four copper(II) ions. Magnetic property investigations reveal weak antiferromagnetic interaction viaσ-bond pathway of long rigid Schiff-base ligand between the neighboring copper(II) ions in both complexes.     

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of nickel(II), manganic(II) and zinc(II) complexes containing pyridyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide and tris(2-benzimidazolymethyl)amine

Three new magnetic compounds were synthesized by using 2-(2′-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (NIT2Py) and tris(2-benzimidazolymethyl)amine (NTB) as ligands. The structures and magnetic properties of the complexes with formula [Ni(NIT2Py)(NTB)](ClO₄)₂(CH₃OH) 1, [Mn(NIT2Py)(NTB)](ClO₄)₂2 and {[Zn(NIT2Py)₂(CH₃OH)₂](ClO₄)₂}{[Zn(NTB)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂} 3 were characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 both have [M(NIT2Py)(NTB)] structural units, where the metal ion is in an octahedral environment bound to one NIT2Py through one pyridyl nitrogen atom and one nitroxide oxygen atom. However, compound 3, the chelating zinc ion has two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit: one is six coordinated octahedral structure [Zn(NIT2Py)₂(CH₃OH)₂](ClO₄)₂, and the other one is five coordinated pyramidal structure [Zn(NTB)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂. The magnetic behaviors of these compounds indicate that both the nickel ion and the manganese ion are antiferromagnetically coupled with the NIT2Py ligand with a coupling constant of −19.44 and −0.37 cm⁻¹, respectively, whereas two NIT2Py ligands in compound 3 are ferromagnetically coupled with a coupling constant of 19.1 cm⁻¹.     

Structural and fluorescent study of zinc complexes of dansyl aminoquinoline

We have shown previously that 8-(5′-N,N-dimethylamino-1′-naphthalene)-sulfonamidoquinoline (DANQUIN) demonstrated a remarkable selectivity and sensitivity for the Zn(II) ion. In this work, the crystal structures of DANQUIN, Cu(DANQUIN)₂ and Cu(DANPY)₂ (DANPY, N-2-picolyl-(5′-N,N-dimethylamino-1′-naphthalene)-sulfonamide) are reported and compared with the simulated structure of Zn(DANQUIN)₂, which is important for the understanding of the factors that govern the fluorescence of DANQUIN. Free DANQUIN mainly displays the fluorescence of the dansyl group at 547 nm while the Zn(II)-DANQUIN complex mainly shows the enhanced fluorescence of aminoquinoline at 469 nm, while the emission of the dansyl group shifted to 517 nm with an almost constant intensity. This result demonstrates the advantage of this hybrid fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(II), and also makes it a potential candidate for ratiometric Zn(II) detection.     

Manganese(II) and zinc(II) compounds via amino acid derivatives: Effects of temperature and solvents

To investigate the influence of temperature and the ratios of solvents on the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), we have synthesized and structurally characterized a series of supramolecular assemblies based on different amino acid derivatives and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ligands, namely [Mn(phen)₂(phth)(H₂O)]·4H₂O (1), [Mn(phen)₂(HL1)₂]·3.5H₂O (2), [Zn(bpp)₂(L-Me)₂] (3), and [Zn(bpp)(L-Me)₂] (4) (H₂phth = phthalic acid, H₂L¹ = phthalyl-l-valine, H₂L = (+)-N-tosyl-l-glutamic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, and L-Me = C₁₂H₁₃NO₆S-CH₃). Compounds 1 and 2, which are assembled through noncovalent interactions, were obtained by controlling the temperature. In 1, π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions lead to stacking in a 3D supramolecular network, while in 2, π-π stacking interactions form 1D chains that extend along the c-axis. Depending on the solvents employed, compounds 3 and 4 could be generated, with a 1D bpp-connected Zn-bpp-Zn double chain that is further hydrogen-bonded into a 2D network that extends parallel to the ac plane in 3, and a single chain in 4.     

Dicopper(II) and dinickel(II) complexes of Schiff-base macrocycles derived from 5,5-dimethyl-1,9-diformyldipyrromethane

The synthesis and characterisation of two dicopper(II) and two dinickel(II) macrocyclic complexes, [Cu^II₂L^Pr] (10), [Cu^II₂L^Bu] (11), [Ni^II₂L^Pr] (12) and [Ni^II₂L^Bu] (13), are reported. The two new Schiff-base macrocycles (L^Pr)⁴⁻ and (L^Bu)⁴⁻ are isolated as dimetallic complexes 10-13 by the [2+2] condensation of 5,5-dimethyl-1,9-diformyldipyrromethane (9) and 1,3-diaminopropane or 1,4-diaminobutane, respectively, using Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ template ions. Single crystal X-ray structure determinations carried out on 10-13 show that each metal atom is in a square planar N₄ geometry, being bound to two deprotonated pyrrole nitrogen atoms of one dipyrromethane unit and to the two adjacent imine nitrogen atoms. NMR spectra obtained for the two dinickel(II) complexes 12 and 13 show that in CDCl₃ solution they are highly symmetrical and diamagnetic.     

Ladder-like azido-bridged copper(II) complexes: Synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic study

Two mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes [{Cu(L¹)(μ_1,3-N₃)}{Cu(L)(μ_1,3-N₃)(μ_1,1-N₃)}]_n (1) [HL¹ = 1-(N-ortho-hydroxyacetophenimino)-2,2-dimethyl-aminoethane; L = 2-(dimethylamino)-ethylamine] and [{Cu(L²)(μ_1,3-N₃)}{Cu(L)(μ_1,3-N₃)(μ_1,1-N₃)}]_n (2) [HL² = 1-(N-5-methoxy-ortho-hydroxyacetophenimino)-2,2-dimethyl-aminoethane] have been formed upon addition of aqueous solution of sodium azide to a methanolic solution of copper nitrate trihydrate and corresponding Schiff-base ligands. The ligands, HL¹ and HL² undergo partial hydrolysis of their imine bond during the course of reaction. Both the complexes contain single end-to-end (μ_1,3) azido bridged 1D infinite chains (rail) which propagate parallel to the crystallographic b-axis; neighboring chains are interconnected by pairs through double asymmetric end-on (μ_1,1) azido bridges (rung) to yield a ladder-like structure. In both complexes, rungs (end-on azido bridges) do not connect copper centers of the chains like in a regular ladder; instead they connect only the alternating copper sites of the 1D chain. In a chain the coordination environment around copper(II) ions are not the same: while the {Cu(L¹)(μ_1,3-N₃)} and {Cu(L²)(μ_1,3-N₃)} moieties have a penta-coordinated copper(II) center, the copper(II) ion of the neighboring {Cu(L¹)(μ_1,3-N₃)(μ_1,1-N₃)} or {Cu(L²)(μ_1,3-N₃)(μ_1,1-N₃)} moiety has an octahedral coordination environment. The variable temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that the magnetic interaction between the metal centers in complexes 1 and 2 is dominantly antiferromagnetic. The results of magnetic model are in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and properties of novel zinc(II) and cadmium(II) polymeric and cyclic bimetallic complexes with fluconazole and dicarboxylate co-ligands

Four new fluconazole-bridged zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes with dicarboxylate co-ligands, namely [Zn(HFlu)(TPA)]_n (1), {[Cd(HFlu)₂(TPA)]·2CH₃OH}_n (2), [Zn(HFlu)₂(Suc)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (3), and [Cd(HFlu)₂(Suc)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (4), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (HFlu = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol, H₂TPA = terephthalic acid, and H₂Suc = succinic acid). Complex 1 displays a 2-D corrugated network with common (4,4) topology, in which two types of grids constructed by two bridging TPA dianions and two HFlu ligands are found. Complex 2 shows an unusual (3,6) coordination layer consisting of alternative PMPM Cd-HFlu helical chains in which the Cd(II) nodes are also fixed by terephthalate dianions in a cis fashion. The isostructural complexes 3 and 4 have 20-membered dimeric macrocyclic motifs with the Zn···Zn and Cd···Cd distances of 11.258(2) and 11.528(2) Å, respectively. The fluorescence and thermal stability of complexes 1-4 have also been investigated.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic activity of chiral diamine and diimine Pd(II)-complexes

A combined catalytic and crystallographic investigation on the effectiveness of chiral diamino-bithiophene (2) and the corresponding diimino molecules (1) as chiral ligands for Pd(II) catalyzed transformations is presented. In particular, a systematic X-ray characterization of the [Pd]-pre-catalytic species provided valuable rationales for the different behavior of the two classes of ligands, underlining the key role played by sterical as well as electronic factors in controlling the oxidative addition of the starting racemic allylcarbonate to the chiral Pd(0) intermediate. Moreover, the versatility of the synthetic strategy for the preparation of enantiopure oligothienyl systems allowed us to synthesize a new type of mixed thiophene/pyridine ligands (2d) that have been effectively employed in asymmetric allylic alkylations (AAA).     

Synthesis and structures of mono and binuclear nickel(II) thiolate complexes of a dicompartmental pseudo-macrocycle with N(imine)2S2 and N(oxime)2S2 metal-binding sites

The reaction of [Ni(pftp)] [pftp = N,N-propane-1,3-diyl-(6-formyl-4-methyliminatothiophenolato)] with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence potassium acetate in MeOH resulted in the formation of the complex [Ni(LH₂)] [L = N,N-propane-1,3-diyl-(4-methyl-2-methyliminato-6-methyloxime-thiophenolato)] in good yield. A single crystal X-ray diffraction structural determination showed a mononuclear nickel(II) complex with the new acyclic ligand LH₂ that had been functionalised with two oxime groups containing an empty N(oxime)₂S₂ pocket to which another metal ion could be added. A further reaction of [Ni(LH₂)] with NiCl₂·6H₂O, triethylamine and ammonium hexafluorophosphate in MeOH gave a dark red product that yielded red crystals of [Ni₂(LH)]PF₆·DMF via slow recrystallisation from a DMF/PrⁱOH solvent mixture. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of these crystals confirmed the presence of a dinuclear nickel(II) complex linked by a dithiolato-bridge. Both nickel(II) ions exhibited square-planar geometry where the metal centres are coordinated in two distinct cis-S₂N(imine)₂ and cis-S₂N(oxime)₂ binding sites provided by the new dicompartmental oxime/thiolate-containing ligand LH.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, characterization of zinc(II), cadmium(II) complexes with 3-thiophene aldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3TTSCH). Biological activities of 3TTSCH and its complexes

The reaction of zinc(II) chloride, cadmium(II) chloride and bromide with 3-thiophene aldehyde thiosemicarbazone leads to the formation of a series of new complexes. They have been characterized by spectroscopic studies: infrared, ¹H NMR, and electronic spectra. The crystal structures of the compound [ZnCl₂(3TTSCH)₂] and [CdBr₂(3TTSCH)₂] have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. For the complexes [ZnCl₂(3TTSCH)₂] and [CdBr₂(3TTSCH)₂], the central ion is coordinated through the sulfur, and for the complexes [CdCl₂(3TTSCH)], [CdBr₂(3TTSCH)] the ion is coordinated through the sulfur as well as azomethine nitrogen atom of the thiosemicarbazone. In addition, fungistatic and bacteriostatic activities of both ligand and complexes have been evaluated. Cadmium(II) complexes have shown the most significant activities.     

Syntheses, structures and photoluminescence properties of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) complexes with pyridinylcarboxamide-containing ligand

Four new coordination complexes [Cd(DPBA-3)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O (1), [Cd(DPBA-3)(DMF)(NO₃)₂]·DMF (2), [Cd₃(DPBA-3)₂(SCN)₆]·2DMF·4H₂O (3) and [Zn(DPBA-3)(SCN)₂] (4) [DPBA-3 = N,N′-di(pyridin-3-yl)pyridine-3,5-dicarboxamide] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1, 3 and 4 exhibit three different types of one-dimensional (1D) chain structures constructed by the metal ions and DPBA-3 ligands, and the Cd(II)-DPBA-3 1D chains in 3 are further linked by bridging SCN⁻ ligands to afford a three-dimensional (3D) framework. Complex 2 possesses a (6,3) two-dimensional (2D) layer structure. In 1-4, the hydrogen bonds involving the amide groups play important role to stabilize the resultant frameworks. The photoluminescence properties of the DPBA-3 and the complexes were studied in the solid state at room temperature.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and photoelectric property of Mn(II/IV) coordination complexes

Three novel coordination complexes [Mn(tpha)(phen)]_n (1); [Mn(na)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (2); {[Mn(phen)₂(OH)Cl] · Cl · (OH) · (C₉H₁₁NO₂) · 2H₂O} (3) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (H₂tpha = terephthalic acid, Hna = nicotinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The tpha groups in complex 1 bridge the Mn(II) ions to an infinite 3D framework. Complex 2 exhibits a 2D network structure in which the Mn(II) ions are linked by nicotinic groups. Complex 3 is connected to a 2D coordination supramolecule by hydrogen bonds. The results of surface photovoltage spectra (SPS) of complexes 1-3 indicate that they all exhibit positive surface photovoltage (SPV) responses in the range of 300-800 nm. However, the intensity, position and numbers of SPV responses are obviously different. The distinctions can be mainly attributed to their structures, valences and coordination environments of the manganese ions in the three complexes. Moreover the external field induced surface photovoltage spectra (FISPS) of the three complexes have been measured.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes with 2,2′-biimidazole

The reactions of zinc and cadmium salts with 2,2′-biimidazole (H₂biim) yielded a series of compounds in which the ligand is coordinated in the chelating bidentate mode. ZnCl₂ and [Ag(H₂biim)](NO₃) in methanol in a 2:1 proportion produced Zn(H₂biim)Cl₂, in which the metal has a distorted tetrahedral coordination. A 1:2 ratio led to [Zn(H₂biim)₂(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₂, containing an octahedrally coordinated Zn(II) center with the O-bonded methanol ligands occupying trans positions. The corresponding [Cd(H₂biim)₂(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₂ compound was obtained from CdCl₂. By starting with Cd(NO₃)₂ and Cd(ClO₄)₂ in aqueous media, the related octahedral bis-chelate compounds [Cd(H₂biim)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)](NO₃) and Cd(H₂biim)₂(ClO₄)₂, respectively, were isolated, the apical positions being filled by perchlorate oxygens in the latter case. With Cd(BF₄)₂, the glass container participated in the reaction and a tris-chelate complex [Cd(H₂biim)₃]₂(SiF₆)(BF₄)₂ · 6EtOH was isolated. The [Cd(H₂biim)₃]²⁺ and ions define an extended hydrogen-bonded network, in which ions surrounded by disordered ethanol molecules occupy large cavities. The two free N-H groups provide H₂biim with a unique ability to form hydrogen bonds and their interactions with counter anions or other acceptors play a determining role in controlling molecular packing. The IR spectra of all compounds are discussed.     

Synthesis, characterization, and structural studies of mercury(II) complexes of new bidentate phosphorus ylide

The reaction of Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (dppe) with BrCH₂C(O)C₆H₄NO₂ (1:1.05 molar ratio) in acetone produces a mixture of the new monophosphonium salt [Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂CH₂C(O)C₆H₄NO₂]Br (1) and the diphosphonium salt [NO₂C₆H₄C(O)CH₂PPh₂CH₂CH₂PPh₂CH₂C(O)C₆H₄NO₂]Br₂ (2). Compound 2 was insoluble in acetone and thus easily separated from the solution of 1. Further, by reacting both the mono- and diphosphonium salts with the appropriate bases the bidentate phosphorus ylides, [Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂CHC(O)C₆H₄NO₂] (3) and [NO₂C₆H₄C(O)CHPPh₂CH₂CH₂PPh₂CHC(O)C₆H₄NO₂] (4) were obtained. The reaction of ligand 3 with mercury(II) halides in dry methanol leads to the formation of the P,P-coordinated monomeric complexes {HgX₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂CHC(O)C₆H₄NO₂)₂} [X = Cl (5), Br (6), I (7)]. The structure of complex 7 being unequivocally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Characterization of these species was also performed by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and ¹H, ³¹P, and ¹³C NMR techniques. These analyses being consistent with a 2:1 stoichiometry ylide/Hg(II) for compounds 5 through 7. Results obtained from theoretical studies are also consistent with a product in which two ylides are coordinated to the Hg(II) center through their phosphine groups, being this product the most stable among all the possible products.