Reactions of exo-substituted RSn9(3-) clusters with Pd: endohedral cluster formation and oxidative insertion

Pyridine/ethylenediamine solutions of [Sn(9)SnCy(3)](3-) (1) react with [Pd(PPh(3))(4)] to give new clusters [Pd@Sn(9)SnCy(3)](3-) (2) and [Pd@Sn(9)PdSnCy(3)](3-) (3), depending on stoichiometry. These compounds are formed sequentially and are the first transition metal derivates of exo-substituted Zintl clusters. Oxidative insertion of a Pd atom into the Pd@Sn(9)-SnCy(3) bond of 2 to form 3 represents a new reaction type for Zintl cluster compounds. The conversion Sn(9)(4-)→1→2→3 is a rare case in which charge and mass are conserved in a series of Zintl clusters. Complexes 1, 2, and 3 are all highly fluxional in solution. In all three clusters, the nine Sn vertices are in rapid exchange on the NMR timescale. In 1 and 2, the exo-SnCy(3) substituent also scrambles intramolecularly around the outside of the clusters. In 3, the SnCy(3) group remains attached to the vertex Pd atom. The disparate reactions with the other RSn(9)(3-) ions are discussed.