The nature of the complexes of zinc(II), cadmium(II) and mercury(II) halides with benzoin

Abstract

Zinc(11) halides react with benzoin (bnH) in benzene to form adducts of composition ZnX₂(bnH) at room temperature and [ZnX(bn)]₂ when refluxed. Zinc acetate forms chelates Zn(bn)₂ with benzoin in boiling methanol. Cadmium(11) halides form adducts CdX₂(bnH), [CdX(bn)(bnH)]₂, [Cd(bn)₂(bnH)]₂ and Cd(bn)₂ under similar conditions. Mercury(11) halides form compounds of composition HgX₂(bnH)_z only.