Preparation and spectral investigation of bis[ N- (substituted-phenyl)thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) complexes

Several preparative routes to bis[ N- (substituted-phenyl)thiobenzamidato]mercury(II) complexes are presented, including the reaction of mercury(II) oxide, fluoride, chloride, bromide, cyanide, acetal and nitrate with N- (substituted-phenyl)thiobenzamide derivatives. 1 H NMR, Raman and IR measurements confirm the complexation of mercury to sulfur. The mercury(II) complexes with N -substituted phenylthiobenzamide ligands did not show antimicrobial activity against test organisms, unlike the starting mercury(II) compounds of high toxicity. This may allow some therapeutic uses when considered as an antidote to mercury poisoning.