The mass spectra of (trimethylstannyl)x methanes: Occurrence of tin-carbon double bonds

The mass spectra of (Me₃Sn)_nCH_4?n, where n varies from 1 to 4, (Me₃Sn)₂CClX, where X equals H, Cl, Br or I, together with some tetraalkyltin compounds and Me₃SnCCl₃, are presented. Comparisons with mass spectra of the silicon analogs¹ show a large number of similarities, including the appearance of allylic ions which require Group IV metal to carbon π-bonding. Multiple rearrangements are observed with the halogenated tin compounds which bring the α-halogen into direct bonding with the tin atom.