Recipe for new diorganostannates, [R2Sn(OS(O)2R1)4]2-, bearing alkanesulfonate groups using dialkyl sulfite as the reagent

A one-pot reaction between di-n-propyl/di-n-butyltin oxide, dialkyl sulfite, and triethylamine or tetra-n-alkylammonium iodide proceeds under ambient conditions (110-120 degrees C, 20 h) via sulfur-centered Arbuzov rearrangement to afford the corresponding dianionic tetraalkanesulfonato diorganostannates R2Sn(OSO2Me)4].2Et3NMe R = n-Pr (1), n-Bu (2)] as well as n-Bu(2)Sn(OSO(2)R(1))(4)].(2)R(2)(4)N R(1) = Me, Et, n-Pr; R(2) = Et (3, 5, and 7), n-Bu (4, 6, and 8)]. X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 3 reveal a monomeric motif of the dianion, with methanesulfonate groups acting as unidentate ligands. The (119)Sn NMR spectral studies suggest the existence of pentacoordinated tin species in solution.