The new bis(alkynyl)mercurial Hg{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSeC[triple bond, length as m-dash]W(CO)2(Tp*)}2 (Tp* = tris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) forms adducts with fluoride and phenathroline, the structures of which are interpreted in the context of two-coordinate mercury presenting a σ-torroid for spodium bonding.