1H and 199Hg NMR spectra of methylmercury(II) complexes. Effects of basicity and ortho substitution in pyridines(L) in complexes [MeHgL]NO3

Abstract

Linear complexes [MeHgL]NO3 (L = substituted pyridine) have been prepared and their 1H and 199Hg NMR spectra measured and compared with other complexes of this series reported previously. The coupling constant J(1H−199Hg) correlates directly with pKa and with the gas phase enthalpy of ionization [ΔGi(g)] of LH+; with J(1H−199Hg) decreasing with increasing pKa or ΔGi(g). The chemical shift, δ, for 199Hg does not correlate with either pKa or ΔGi(g). Complexes without substituents in the 2 position of pyridine have δ199Hg ca. 80–100 ppm downfield from MeHgNO3, those with one methyl group in the 2 position ca. 125–150 ppm, and those with methyl groups in the 2 and 6 position (or benzyl or 3′-methylpyridyl groups in the 2 position) ca. 160–200 ppm downfield from MeHgNO3. The coupling constant J(1H−199Hg) is found to be more useful than δ199Hg in determination of solution structures of MeHg(II) complexes of this type of ligand.