Synthesis of mono organotin(IV) chloride complexes of cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethylene:: Solution and solid state structures

Organotin(IV) complexes of the type [RSnCl3(cis-Ph2PCH=CHPPh2)] [R = Me (1), Bu-n (2), Ph (3)] were prepared by the reaction of RSnCl3 with the rigid bisphosphine ligand, cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene in dichloromethane. The complexes have been characterized both in solution and the solid state. Low temperature P-31 and Sn-119 NMR studies indicate two different phosphorus environments. The crystal structures indicate a weak but chelating mode of coordination of the two phosphorus atoms to tin, leading to a distorted octahedral geometry. In solution the complexes 1-3 undergo a redistribution reaction to form [SnCl4(cis-Ph2PCH=CHPPh2)] (4) as one of the products. In order to confirm the redistribution, complex 4 has been prepared separately and characterized both structurally and spectrally. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.