Synthesis and X-ray Crystal Structure of the Novel Organotin Dication [<i>n</i>-Bu₂Sn(H₂O)₄]²⁺: A Lamellar Layered Structure Assisted by Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding

Abstract

The reaction of n-Bu2SnO with 2,5-dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid affords the stable monomeric tin complex [n-Bu2Sn(H2O)4]2+[2,5-Me2-C6H3SO3]-2. The solid-state structure of the molecule reveals that the hydrogen-bonding interaction between the coordinated water and the sulfonate anion moieties leads to an unprecedented two-dimensional layered structure with a planar array of tin atoms. Further, the Lewis acidic dication complex is an extremely good catalyst for acylation of alcohols and phenols.