A new synthetic route for the preparation of metal tellurides

A new method of synthesis for the formation of metal tellurides of the type MTe (M = Cd, Hg) is reported. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of cadmium carbonate (or mercury oxide, respectively) with tellurium and bis(diphenylphosphino)amine in toluene at 160 °C. The products were characterized by powder XRD and EDX analyses. The whole chemical process is discussed.