Mercury chalcogenide complexes

Most metallic elements react directly with S, Se, Te, and, so far as is known, Po. Often they react very readily, mercury and sulfur, for example, at room temperature. Binary compounds of great variety and complexity of structure can be obtained. The nature of the products usually also depends on the ratios of reactants, the temperature of reaction, and other conditions. Many elements form several compounds and sometimes long series of compounds with a given chalcogenide. We give here only the briefest account, with emphasis on the more important sulfur compounds. Many selenides and tellurides are similar. More complex chalcogenides will be discussed in the next section. 

---