Abstract Several new complexes [(neo) Zn (SR) 2][neo= neocuproin (2, 9- dimethylphenanthroline)] have been synthesized and structurally characterised. They react in a stepwise fashion with the alkylating agents CH 3 I and (CH 3) 2 SO 4 to afford the thioethers CH 3 SR and first the mixed complexes [(neo) Zn (SR) X](X= I, CH 3 SO 4) and then [(neo) ZnX 2]. Similar alkylations occur with benzyl iodide, but not with trimethyl ...