Abstract A novelorganomercurycomplex, [Hg2(μ-CH3COO)(CH3COO)(L)]n (L = 1,3-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethoxy)benzene) 1, has been synthesized. Complex 1 has a one-dimensional chain structure formed by acetate anions bridging Hg(II) atoms in crystallographical c-axis. The orthomercuration of the ligand takes place at C-4 and C-6 of benzene ring rather than C-2 position. It shows intense fluorescent emission