Linear, mixed-valent homocatenated tri-tin complexes featuring Sn–Sn bonds

Abstract

A series of tri-tin complexes (LPhSn)3X with triple-decker structures (LPh = 2,5-di(o-pyridyl)-3,4-diphenylpyrrolate; X = Cl, AlCl4, OTf, and PF6) was synthesized by reducing LPhSnCl with LiBsBu3H and subsequent reactions. Structural characterization of (LPhSn)3Cl revealed a Sn-Sn-Sn core, and DFT calculations suggest that its HOMO is primarily σ-bonding along the tri-tin framework. (LPhSn)3Cl reacts with W(CO)5THF to afford (LPhSn)2(W(CO)5)2 and LPhSnCl, implying that (LPhSn)3Cl may exhibit dynamic behavior in solution.