Biocidal organotin compounds: Part 1. Preparation and characterization of triorganotin(IV) 4-pyridyl- and 2-pyrimidyl- thioacetates and the crystal structure of triphenyltin(2-pyrimidylthioacetate)

The preparation and spectroscopic characterization of [R₃Sn(O₂CCH₂SC₅H₄N-4)], R == Ph, benzyl (Bz), cyclohexyl (c-Hex) and n-Bu, and of [R₃Sn(O₂CCH₂SC₄H₃N₂-2,6)], R == Me, Ph and n-Bu, are reported. The 2-pyrimidyl compounds feature trigonal bipyramidal tin centres with trans-R₃SnO₂ geometries as was confirmed by X-ray crystallography for [Ph₃Sn(O₂CCH₂SC₄H₃N₂-2,6)]. ¶ By contrast the 4-pyridyl compounds have trigonal bipyramidal geometries in the solid state (arising from intermolecular Sn…N interaction) and tetrahedral geometries in solution. The biocidal activity of these compounds against the fungi Helminthosporium maydis (ITCC 2675) and H. oryzae (ITCC 2675), both of which damage crops such as maize and rice, shows promise. Encouraging is the observation that the compounds show no adverse phytotoxicity at concentrations to 10^?3M.