Preparation and characterization of several group 12 element (Zn, Cd)-bis(thiolate) complexes and evaluation of their potential as precursors for 12–16 semiconducting materials

Compounds of the general formula M(SR)₂(M = Zn, Cd; R =i-Pr,t-Bu, Bz) have been prepared and explored as potential unimolecular starting materials for the preparation of binary group 12 metal sulfides. These new compounds have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Chemical derivatization of these insoluble metal-bis(thiolate) compounds by complexation withN-CH₃-imidazole renders them more soluble. These adducts were investigated by elemental analysis. Thermolytic decompositions of both the parent and derivatized compounds have been carried out both in the solid state and by heating a suspension of the appropriate metal-bis(thiolate) compound in an inert high boiling hydrocarbon medium. The thermolysis products have been studied by GC/MS (liquids) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size determination (solids).