endo-σ-Bonded group 14 heterodicarboranes: synthesis of [Ph3MC2B9H11]–[M = germanium(IV), tin(IV)] and structure of [10-endo-(SnPh3)-10-µ-H-7,8-nido-C2B9H10][trans-Ir(CO)(PPh3)2(MeCN)]

Abstract

Reaction of equimolar amounts of thallium(I) salts of monoanionic group 14 heterodicarboranes [Ph₃MC₂B₉H₁₁]^–, generated in situ by treating Tl₂C₂B₉H₁₁ with Ph₃MCl in MeCN, and trans-Ir(CO)(PPh₃)₂Cl afforded [10-endo-(MPh₃)-10-µ-H-7,8-nidoC₂B₉H₁₀][trans-Ir(CO)(PPh₃)₂(MeCN)](M = Ge^IV, Sn^IV) in which the Ph₃M moiety interacts with the unique boron atom of the nido-C₂B₉via endo-σ-M–B bond as well as weak M–H–B bridge bond.