A novel complex of mercury with double η6–π-aryl interactions

(MesTe)2 reacts with HgBr2 to give [(HgBr2TeMes2)2HgBr2], a polymeric one-dimensional assembly of (μ-Br)Hg and alternating mercury···η6-π-aryl interactions. This polymeric structure is based on [{HgBr2(TeMes2)}2HgBr2] centrosymmetric units with three mercury atoms having two different coordination geometries. The central HgII ion is coordinated to four bromine atoms in the same plane and to two mesityl groups from TeMes2 via η6–π-aryl interactions. Each TeMes2 is bonded to one of the surrounding HgII ions through the tellurium atom. The central HgII ion is located in a crystallographic centre of inversion and sandwiched by its coordinating mesityl groups. The [{HgBr2(TeMes2)}2HgBr2] units are linked by weak Hg···Br interactions in chains running along the c-axis.