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![The Synthesis of [Sn10SiSiMe334]2- Using a Metastable SnI Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F54498.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
The Synthesis of [Sn10SiSiMe334]2- Using a Metastable SnI Halide Solution Synthesized via a Co-condensation Technique
Published on: November 28, 2016
Tin-Tin π Bonding as a Conduit for Alkali-Metal Reduction
Agustín Morales1, Kyle G Pearce1, Louis J Morris1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
None:
Reactions of the doubly reduced distannynes, [Ar'SnSnAr'M2], (Ar' = C6H3-2,6-Dipp; M = Li, Na, K), with the successively heavier group 1 elements (M') result in reduction of M and the isolation of [Ar'SnSnAr'M'2]. Although the viability of these observations, along with the reversible formation of [Ar'SnSnAr'K2] by treatment of [Ar'SnSnAr'Rb2] with potassium, is successfully predicted by a combined theoretical and thermochemical analysis, assessment of the bonding within [Ar'SnSnAr'M2] suggests that any M+ ns valence orbital contribution should be too high in energy to effect M+ reduction. Based on a consideration of the Sn─Sn π bonding and theoretical assessment of the resultant frontier orbitals, however, we suggest that the electron transfer necessary for M+ reduction, occurs intramolecularly and via a suitably disposed π* SOMO of the putative radical anions, [Ar'SnSnAr'M2]•-.
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