Hg–Hg bonding and its influence on the stability of (HgS)n clusters

Pulsed laser ablation of HgS (s) shows the formation of (HgS) n =2–4 + , HgS n =1–8 ± , and Hg m S n ± cluster ions. Theoretical analysis evidences that Hg–Hg interaction plays a vital role in the stability of (HgS) n and validates experimental observation.