Synthesis and supramolecular architectures of tetrakis(triorganostannyltetrazoles), including the crystal structure of hydrated 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(triethylstannyltetrazolyl)benzene

Abstract

Six tetrakis(triorganostannyltetrazolyl)-alkanes and -benzenes have been prepared by a cycloaddition reaction between SnR₃N₃ and either 1,2,4,5-(NC)₄C₆H₂, 1,1,3,3-(NC)₄C₃H₄ or 1,3,3,5-(NC)₄C₅H₈. All compounds contain tin in a trans-XYSnR₃ environment; in anhydrous compounds the axial co-ordination about tin is exclusively from the tetrazoles (X, Y = N), while hydrated materials may also contain less symmetrical arrangements (X = N; Y = O). The structure of 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(triethylstannyltetrazolyl)benzene dihydrate has been determined and displays a complex three-dimensional network in which each tetrazole acts as at least a bidentate unit. One molecule of water co-ordinates one of the metal centres while the other is embedded in the lattice as a guest.