Synthesis of 1,1′-di-t-butylstannocene and its reaction with trifluoroborane. The crystal and molecular structure of η5-(CH3)3CC5H4Sn+BF4−

The reaction of Li(CH₃)₃CC₅H₄ with SnCl₂ in THF affords 1,1′-di-t-butylstannocene in 78% yield as an air-sensitive oil. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra are consistent with a pentahapto-structure. Mössbauer parameters of the stannocene and its trimethylsilyl counterpart match closely those of known stannocenes and neither compound appears to undergo oligomerization. The reaction of 1,1′-di-t-butylstannocene with BF₃ in CH₂Cl₂ affords η⁵-(CH₃)₃CC₅H₄Sn⁺ BF₄^? and other uncharacterized product(s) thought to involve tetracoordinate tin. The structure of η⁵-(CH₃)₃CC₅H₄Sn⁺ BF₄^? was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (orthorhombic,Pbcn, (T 25°C), a 18.423(3), b 11.723(1), c 11.044(2) Å, Z Å, m.p. 95–96°C, colorless, Mo-K_α, R = 0.043).