[Fe(en)(3)](2)(Hg2Te9): A novel tellurometalate containing one-dimensional chains of weakly bound zintl anions (Hg2Te9)(4-)

[Fe(en)3]2Hg2Te9, a novel tellurometalate containing a new type of Zintl ion (Hg2Te9)4-, has been synthesized from solvothermal reactions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that this compounds contains one-dimensional chains of weakly bound (Hg2Te9)4- ions separated by iron tris(ethylenediamine). Not only is [Fe(en)3]2Hg2Te9 the first tellurometalate produced from solvothermal reactions, it is also the first example of an interesting structure containing a Zintl ion and transition metal complex (as counterion) in the same phase.