LAUSR

Abstract Two new ligands N,N,N′,N′-tetraisopropyl/butyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxamide ( L3-L4) and six of their Hg(II)X 2 complexes (where X = Cl − , Br − and I − ), have been synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. Complexes of L3 ( 1–3 ) with HgCl 2 /Br 2 /I 2 , have dimeric structure, with the ligand behaving as a 2-C linker. Complexes 4–6 are 1D coordination polymers with either 3- or 2-C, L4 linker and bridging halides. A delicate balance of anion, solvent, denticity and conformation of the ligands on the ensuing molecular and crystal structures has been delineated. Various non-covalent interactions, extending the dimensionality of the complexes are calculated, analyzed and discussed. A significant role of semi-localized LP···π non-covalent interactions in stabilizing the basic dimeric unit in the complexes, has been discerned.