Tin(IV) and organotin(IV) complexes containing mono or bidentate N-donor ligands. II. 4-Phenylimidazole derivatives. Crystal and molecular structure of [bis(4-phenylimidazole)trimetyltin(IV)] chloride.

A series of 2:1 adducts of the type [(L′)2RnSnX4−n]·zH2O (L′ = 4-phenylimidazole, R = Me, Et, nBu, Ph or Cy, X = I, Br or Cl, n = 0, I, 2 or 3, z = 0 or 1) has been characterized in the solid state and in solution by analyses, spectral (IR, far-IR, 1H and 13C) data and conductivity measurements. The derivatives [(L′)2(Me)3Sn]Cl (1) and [(L′)2(Me)2SnCl2] (3) react with NaClO4 in THF giving the ionic complexes [(L′)2(Me)3Sn]ClO4 and (L′)3[(Me)2Sn(ClO4)2]·(H2O)4 respectively. Whereas the triorganotin(IV) derivatives are completely dissociated in acetone solution, the diorganotin(IV) derivatives dissociate only partly and the tri- and tetrahalidetin(IV) complexes probably retain the hexacoordinate configuration. The crystal structure of [(L′)2(Me)3Sn]Cl (1) has been determined by X-ray analysis. The tin atom is coordinated to three methyl groups and two 4-phenylimidazole donors in a substantially regular trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The ionic chloride group and the two N-H moieties are involved in a hydrogen bond network.