Two Zn and Hg bromide salts based on 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium ionic liquid: Ionothermal synthesis, structures and supramolecular organization

Abstract

Two Zn(II) and Hg(II) bromide salts, [EMI]₂[ZnBr₄] (1) and [EMI][HgBr₃] (2), have been synthesized under ionothermal conditions using 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide ([EMI]Br) as solvents. 1 consists of tetrahedral anion [ZnBr₄]²⁻ and 2 consists of 1D double chain locating in the cavities surrounded by [EMI]⁺ cations. Both compounds exhibit 3D supramolecular architectures organized by the C-H···Br hydrogen bondings and alkyl-alkyl interactions.

KEY WORDS: Crystal structure, 1-Ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide, Ionothermal synthesis, Supramolecular organization

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2012, 26(3), 407-414.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v26i3.9