Bismuth pyrostannate, Bi2Sn2O7, from the first structurally characterized heterobimetallic Bi:Sn alkoxides

The first heterobimetallic Bi:Sn alkoxide complexes Bi(2)SnO(OCH(CF(3))(2))(5)(O(t)Bu)(3)(THF)] (1) and BiSnO(OCH(CF(3))(2))(3)(O(t)Bu)(2)](2) (2) are described. The complexes were obtained through mixing and heating equimolar quantities of the component alkoxides, Bi(OCH(CF(3))(2))(3) and Sn(O(t)Bu)(4), under solvent-free conditions (1) and in THF (2). The solid-state structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction showing ligand redistribution from Bi(III) to Sn(IV) in the two molecular species. Compound 2 behaves as a single-source precursor for the thermolytic formation of bismuth pyrostannate, Bi(2)Sn(2)O(7).