A simplified, high-yield synthesis, and crystal structure of >

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(91)86404-E

The species <iPr3-2,4,6)2>3> has been obtained in a simple, essentially quantitative, synthesis from SnCl2 and ArLi in diethyl ether at low temperature.The crystal structure analysis confirms the trimeric nature of the molecular units but reveals some unusual features.The crystal contains the unusual feature of an asymmetric unit that consists of three units of <3> in P2₁/c; the molecular unit is a scalene triangle, showing high consistency between the three molecules, in contrast to analogous trimeric species of silicon or germanium.The Sn-Sn bonds are lengthened (average value 2.942 Angstroem) owing to steric crowding.