Tetrahedral Sn–silsesquioxane: synthesis, characterization and catalysis

Abstract

A tetrahedral stannasilsesquioxane complex was synthesized as a racemic mixture using Sn(O(i)Pr)4 and silsesquioxanediol, and its structure was confirmed with X-ray crystallography, NMR, and EXAFS. The complex was a Lewis acid, and both anti and syn-binding with Lewis bases were possible with the formation of octahedral Sn complexes. It was also a Lewis acid catalyst active for epoxide ring opening and hydride transfer.