New supramolecular architectures based on polyfunctional organotin tetrazoles: Synthesis and characterisation of phenylene-bridged bis(organotin tetrazoles)

Seven bis(organostannyltetrazoles), R(3)SnN(4)C-X-CN(4)SnR(3) (R = Et, Bu or Pr-i; X = 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-C6H4), have been synthesised by a cycloaddition reaction involving SnR(3)N(3) and NC-X-CN. All of the products formed incorporate a trans-N2SnC3 stereochemistry about tin, though the co-ordination mode of the tetrazole has been found to vary in the combinations of ligating nitrogen atoms used. The crystal structure of 1,3-(2-Bu(3)SnN(4)C)(2)C6H4 . 2MeOH showed that the preferred co-ordination site for tin on the tetrazole is the less-hindered N-2 position. The crystal structures of 1,2-(2-Et(3)SnN(4)C)(2)C6H4 and 1,2-(2-Bu(3)SnN(4)C)(2)C6H4, respectively showed that these compounds are either two- or three-dimensional supramolecular arrays, the arrangements of which are dictated by the organic groups on tin.