Alternating polystannanes: syntheses and properties

Abstract

A new condensation polymerization route leading to alternating polystannanes is presented. The stoichiometric reaction of tin dihydrides and tin diamides in diethyl ether or toluene under mild reaction conditions afforded three new moderate molecular weight alternating polystannanes, –[Ph₂Sn-alt-Sn(n-Bu)₂]_n–, –[Ph₂Sn-alt-SnMe₂]_n–, –[Me₂Sn-alt-Sn(n-Bu)₂]_n–, in addition to a known homopolymer, –[(n-Bu)₂]_n–.