The intermediary RTeI as a source of new TeII and TeIV iodides by addition of (PyH)I and KI: Synthesis and structural features of [{RTeI}{RTeI3}]n, [R2Te−TeIR], (PyH)[RTeI2] and (PyH)n[RTeI(μ-I)TeIR]n (R = 2,6-dimethylphenyl; Py = pyridine)

(DmephTe)2 (dmeph = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) reacts with resublimed iodine or with pyridinium iodide under Ar atmosphere to yield [{RTeI}{RTeI3}]n (1), [R2Te−TeIR] (2), (PyH)[RTeI2] (3) and (PyH)n[RTeI(μ-I)TeIR]n (4) (R = dmeph; Py = pyridine). While mesityl species analogue to 2 and 3 have been already described, the compounds 1 and 4 represent the first organotellurium iodides of their classes reported. In compound 4 a symmetrical, covalent iodine bridge links two RTeI groups, attaining single [RTeI(μ-I)TeIR] anions connected by Te⋯I secondary bonds and stabilized by pyridinium cations.