New insights into the oxidation of phenoxatellurine with sulfuric acid
Abstract The oxidation of phenoxatellurine (PT) with conc. H2SO4 was reinvestigated. Two crystalline products, namely [PT2][H3O](SO4H)3 (1) and [PT](SO4) (2) were isolated and fully characterized by X-ray crystallography. The structure of 1 features [PT2]2+ dications giving rise to double-decker structures with two parallel PT layers that arise from dimerisation of two radical cations [PT]˙+. The [PT2]2+ dications and the hydrogensulfate ions are associated via secondary Te···O interations. The oxonium ion and the hydrogensulfate ions are involved in hydrogen bonding. The structure of 2 comprises ion pairs consisting of [PT]2+ dications and sulfate ions, which form a 2D coordination polymer. In addition, adjacent sulfate ions in the crystal lattice bind to tellurium atoms via secondary secondary Te···O interations.