Crystal and molecular structure of quinolinium trichlorodimethylstannate(IV)

Abstract

The structure of [C₉H₈N][Me₂SnCl₃] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction from photographic data by the heavy-atom method, and refined to R 5.5%. Crystals are triclinic, a= 9.55(3), b= 2.53(2), c= 7.03(2)Å, α= 109.4(1), β 96.7(3), γ= 111.2(2)°, Z= 2, space group P. The anion, of approximate C_2v symmetry, has a structure intermediate between a trigonal bipyramid and square pyramid. When based on the former, carbon atoms occupy equatorial positions [Sn–Cl 2.560(9). 2.585(9)(ax), 2.407(5)(eq), Sn–C 2.08(3)Å, C–Sn–C 152.2(8)°] whilst with the latter description there is a short (2.407 Å) Sn–Cl(ax) bond. There is a weak Sn ⋯ Cl interaction between atoms of adjacent anions, giving rise to dimeric units [Sn ⋯ Cl 3.486(7)Å]. The geometry of the planar cation is as expected.