Crystal structure of and metallic bonding in an organotin–ruthenium carbonyl cluster complex, di-µ-dimethylstannylene-bis[tricarbonyl(trimethylstannyl)ruthenium]

Abstract

The solid-state molecular structure of [Me₃Sn(CO)₃RuSnMe₂]₂ has been determined by three-dimensional single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are monoclinic, P2₁/c, a= 11·22, b= 9·22, c= 14·39 Å, β= 105·3°. Distortion of the dimeric centrosymmetric molecule results from the formation of a strong Ru–Ru bond of length 3·12 Å. Close approach of methyl groups bonded to two different Sn atoms in the molecule causes further intramolecular distortions, resulting in the hindered rotation of at least one of the methyl groups. Ru–Sn bonding is also discussed.