Synthesis and Reactivity of 2,2,4,4–Tetrakis(tri–tert–butoxysilanethiolato)–1,3,2,4–dithiadistannetane – Crystal and Molecular Structures of Two Polymorphic Forms

The title compound, [Sn(μ–S){SSi(O^tBu)₃}₂]₂ ( 1 ), containing four–coordinated tin(IV), crystallizes in two polymorphic modifications. The orthorhombic 1a –form has been obtained in the reaction of (^tBuO)₃SiSH and Et₃N with SnCl₂, whereas the triclinic 1b –form in the reaction with SnCl₄ as substrate. The crystal and molecular structures of both polymorphs ( 1a as a redetermination) have been determined by a single–crystal X–ray diffraction study at room temperature. The title compound was shown to react with ammonia and ammonia complexes of some d–block metal cations giving products of Sn–S bond cleavage.