Synthesis and Structure of [Sn4Se11]6–, [Sn2Se52–], and [Sn3Se72–] – Model Anions for the Solventothermal Reaction Pathway to Lamellar Selenidostannates(IV)

Reaction of A₂CO₃ (A = K, Rb) with Sn and Se in an H₂O/CH₃OH mixture at 115–130°C affords the isotypic selenidostannates(IV) A₆Sn₄Se₁₁ _. xH₂O (A = K, x = 8) 1 and 2 whose discrete [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– anions each contain two corner‐bridged ditetrahedral [Sn₂Se₆]^4– species. Similar reaction conditions with A = Cs afford Cs₂Sn₂Se₅ _. H₂O ( 3a ) and Cs₂Sn₂Se₅ ( 3b ) in which such [Sn₂Se₆]^4– building blocks are connected through common Se atoms into infinite [Sn₂Se₅^2–] chains. The [Sn₃Se₇^2–] ribbons of (Et₄N)₂Sn₃Se₇ ( 4 ), formed by treating (Et₄N)I with Sn and Se in methanol at 130°C, can be regarded as resulting from the condensation of [Sn₂Se₅^2–] chains with molecular [SnSe₄]^4– anions. The anions [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6–, [Sn₂Se₅^2–], and [Sn₃Se₇^2–] represent the products of individual reaction steps on the potential condensation pathway of [Sn₂Se₆]^4– to the lamellar selenidostannates(IV) [Sn₄Se₉^2–] or [Sn₃Se₇^2–].