The title compound has two PbBr2•2[(CH3)2SO] units, Z = 2, in a cell with a = 11.093(2), b = 12.382(3), c = 4.540(1) Å, belonging to space group Pmmn. The structure was solved by Patterson functions and was refined by full-matrix least-squares calculations to a final R of 0.054 for 348 observed diffractometer intensities. Passing through the unit cell are two antiparallel, infinite polar chains, each with symmetry mm2, extending along z and interacting with each other by weak van der Waals forces. Lead(II) is six-coordinate with a close, covalent hemisphere consisting of two bromine atoms [Pb—BrIBrII 2.93(1) Å], and two oxygen atoms [Pb—O,O′ 2.50(3) Å] which subtend an angle of 157.9(9)° at lead, located at the intersection of the O—Pb—O′ and BrI—Pb—BrII perpendicular mirror planes. The other hemisphere consists of bridging bromine atoms from the neighboring PbBr2•2dmso unit [Pb—BrIII,BrIV 3.24(1) Å], resulting in a rectangle of bromine atoms around lead [BrI—Pb—BrII 90.5(1)°, BrIII—Pb—BrIV 80.2(1)°]. The distortion of the octahedral coordination sphere around lead is discussed in terms of (a) a repulsive effect of the Pb(II) valence lone electron-pair, (b) weak Br—S bonding, and (c) crystal packing forces.
