Protolyses of (CH3)3SnM(CH3)3 (M = Sn,Ge, Si,C)

Product and kinetic studies on the reactions of hydrogen chloride in methanol solution with the substrates (CH₃)₃SnM(CH₃)₃ (M = Sn; Ge and Si) show that both SnM and SnCH₃ cleavage reactions occur, at similar rates, and are followed by other reactions giving complex but explicable mixtures of products. Similar behaviour is observed for trifluoroacetolysis in carbon tetrachloride solution, and some intermediates are observable. Trifluoroacetolysis of (CH₃)₃SnC(CH₃)₃ results in exclusive SnCH₃ cleavage. The very slow apparent solvolysis in acetic acid solution is thought to involve reaction with dissolved oxygen.