Directed formation of an organotin sulfide cavitand and its transformation into a rugby-ball-like capsule

Strain-Induced Structural Rearrangement Towards a White-Light-Emitting Adamantane-Type Cluster Dimer

Group 14/16 adamantane-type hybrid clusters of the type [(RT)4E6] (T=group 14 element, E=group 16 element, R=organic group) have been reported to emit white-light when irradiated in an amorphous state with a continuous-wave (CW) infrared laser diode. This effect is enhanced if the cluster core is varied from a binary to a more complex composition. To further explore this phenomenon, we synthesized clusters with a multinary R/R'-T/T'-E/E' composition, including isolobal replacement of E with CH2, in [(2-NpSi){CH2Sn(S)Ph}3] (1, Np=naphthyl). When expanding one of the CH2 moieties to a C2H4 group, thus generating a R/R'-T/T'-E/E'/E'' cluster composition, we unexpectedly observed a dimerization of the initially formed, yet non-isolable adamantane-like cluster [(2-NpSi){CH2Sn(S)Ph}2{C2H4Sn(S)Ph}] (2) to [(2-NpSi){CH2Sn(S)Ph}2{C2H4Sn(S)Ph}]2 (3), exhibiting a heretofore unprecedented cluster architecture. Both monomeric 1 and dimeric 3, show white-light emission as thin films. The nonlinear optical response of the compounds was also modelled with DFT methods.

Molecular Cage Assembly by Sn-O-Sn Bridging of Di-, Tri- and Tetranuclear Organotin Tectons: Extending the Spacing in Double Ladder Structures

Hydrolysis reactions of di- and trinuclear organotin halides yielded large novel cage compounds containing Sn-O-Sn bridges. The molecular structures of two octanuclear tetraorganodistannoxanes showing double-ladder motifs, viz., [{Me3 SiCH2 (Cl)SnCH2 YCH2 Sn(OH)CH2 SiMe3 }2 (μ-O)2 ]2 [1, Y=p-(Me)2 SiC6 H4 -C6 H4 Si(Me)2 ] and [{Me3 SiCH2 (I)SnCH2 YCH2 Sn(OH)CH2 SiMe3 }2 (μ-O)2 ]2 ⋅0.48 I2 [2⋅0.48 I2 , Y=p-(Me)2 SiC6 H4 -C6 H4 Si(Me)2 ], and the hexanuclear cage-compound 1,3,6-C6 H3 (p-C6 H4 Si(Me)2 CH2 Sn(R)2 OSn(R)2 CH2 Si(Me)2 C6 H4 -p)3 C6 H3 -1,3,6 (3, R=CH2 SiMe3 ) are reported. Of these, the co-crystal 2⋅0.48 I2 exhibits the largest spacing of 16.7 Å reported to date for distannoxane-based double ladders. DFT calculations for the hexanuclear cage and a related octanuclear congener accompany the experimental work.

Pyrene-Terminated Tin Sulfide Clusters: Optical Properties and Deposition on a Metal Surface

Herein, we present the synthesis of two pyrene-functionalized clusters, [(Rpyr Sn)4 S6 ]⋅2 CH2 Cl2 (4) and [(Rpyr Sn)4 Sn2 S10 ]⋅n CH2 Cl2 (n=4, 5 a; n=2, 5 b; Rpyr =CMe2 CH2 C(Me)N-NC(H)C16 H9 ), both of which form in reactions of the organotin sulfide cluster [(RN Sn)4 S6 ] (C; RN =CMe2 CH2 C(Me)N-NH2 ) with the well-known fluorescent dye 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde (B). In contrast, reactions using an organotin sulfide cluster with another core structure, [(RN Sn)3 S4 Cl] (A), leads to formation of small molecular fragments, [(Rpyr Cl2 Sn)2 S] (1), (pyren-1-ylmethylene)hydrazine (2), and 1,2-bis(pyren-1-ylmethylene)hydrazine (3). Besides synthesis and structures of the new compounds, we report the influence of the inorganic core on the optical properties of the dye, which was analyzed exemplarily for compound 5 a via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. This cluster was also used for exploring the potential of such non-volatile clusters for deposition on a metal surface under vacuum conditions.

Trapping of ZnCl2 by bipyridyl-functionalized organotin sulfide clusters, and its effect on optical properties

We report the syntheses of two new organotin sulfide clusters with heteroaromatic substituents. A phenanthroline-functionalized tin sulfide cluster [(RPhenSn)4S6] (1; RPhen = CMe2CH2C(Me)N-NC(H)C12H7N2) and a bipyridyl-terminated cluster [(R4-bipySn)4S6] (2; R4-bipy = CMe2CH2C(Me)N-NC(H)-4-C10H7N2) were obtained from reactions of the hydrazone-functionalized organotin sulfide cluster [(RNSn)4S6] (RN = CMe2CH2C(Me)N-NH2) with 1,10-phenanthroline-5-carboxaldehyde or 2,2'-bipyridine-4-carbaldehyde. 1 and 2 were tested towards their capability of trapping metal ions by means of the terminal chelating ligands. The reaction of 2 with ZnCl2 afforded the cluster compound [(R4-bipyZnCl2Sn)4S6] (5), in which four ZnCl2 units are coordinated by the heteroaromatic organic groups. We discuss the structures and demonstrate the effect of ZnCl2 trapping on optical absorption and luminescence properties.

Current advances in tin cluster chemistry

This perspective summarizes highlights and most recent advances in tin cluster chemistry, thereby addressing the whole diversity of (mostly) discrete units containing tin atoms. Although being a (semi-)metallic element, tin is in the position to occur both in formally positive or negative oxidation states in these molecules, which causes a broad range of fundamentally different properties of the corresponding compounds. Tin(iv) compounds are not as oxophilic and not as prone to hydrolysis as related Si or Ge compounds, hence allowing for easier handling and potential application. Nevertheless, their reactivity is high due to an overall reduction of bond energies, which makes tin clusters interesting candidates for functional compounds. Beside aspects that point towards bioactivity or even medical applications, materials composed of naked or ligand-protected tin clusters, with or without bridging ligands, show interesting optical, and ion/molecule-trapping properties.

Controlling the White-Light Generation of [(RSn)4 E6 ]: Effects of Substituent and Chalcogenide Variation

Adamantane-type organotin chalcogenide clusters of the general composition [(RT)4 S6 ] (R=aromatic substituent, T=Si, Ge, Sn) have extreme non-linear optical properties that lead to highly directional white-light generation (WLG) upon irradiation with an IR laser diode. However, the mechanism is not yet understood. Now, a series of compounds [(RSn)4 E6 ] (R=phenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, CH2 CH2 (C6 H4 )CO2 Et; E=S, Se), were prepared, characterized, and investigated for their nonlinear optical properties. With the exception of crystalline [(BnSn)4 S6 ], all these compounds exhibit WLG with similar emission spectra; slight blue-shifts are observed by introduction of cyclopentadienyl substituents, while the introduction of Se in the inorganic core can provoke a red-shift. These investigations disprove the initial assumption of an aromatic substituent being a necessary precondition; the precondition seems to be the presence of (cyclic) substituents providing enough electron density.

[{(PhSn)3SnS6}{(MCp)3S4}] (M = W, Mo): Minimal Molecular Models of the Covalent Attachment of Metal Chalcogenide Clusters on Doped Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Layers

With the aim to mimic the yet unknown covalent deposition of metal chalcogenide clusters on transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) MoS₂ or WS₂ layers, and thereby explore the interaction between the two systems and potential consequences on physical properties of the TMDC material, we synthesized heterobimetallic model systems. The heterocubane-type cluster [(SnCl₃)(WCp)₃S₄] (1), the organotin-sulfidomolybdate cluster [{(PhSn)₃SnS₆}{(MoCp)₃S₄}] (2), and the corresponding tungstate [(PhSn)₃SnS₆{(WCp)₃S₄}] (3) were obtained in ligand exchange reactions from [(PhSn)₄S₆] and [M(CO)₃CpCl]. Indeed, the {M₃S₄} cages in 1-3 resemble a section of the respective TMDC monolayers, altogether representing minimal molecular model systems for the adsorption of organotin sulfide clusters on MoS₂ or WS₂. The interaction between the {(MCp)₃S₄} and {(PhSn)₃SnS₆} subunits is characterized by multicenter bonding, rendering the respective Sn atom as Sn(II), hence driving the clusters into a mixed-valence Sn(IV)/Sn(II) situation, and the M atoms as M(IV) upon an in situ redox process. The attachment is thus weaker than via regular covalent M-S bonds, but definitely stronger than via van der Waals interactions that have been characteristic for all known interactions of clusters on TMDC surfaces so far. Computational analyses of an extended model mimicking the electronic situation in the cluster prove the analogy to a covalent attachment on TMDCs.

Organotin Selenide Clusters and Hybrid Capsules

Several compounds with unique structural motifs that have already been known from organotin sulfide chemistry, but remained unprecedented in organotin selenide chemistry so far, have been synthesized. The reaction of [(R¹ Sn)₄ Se₆ ] (R¹ =CMe₂ CH₂ C(O)Me) with N₂ H₄ ⋅H₂ O/(SiMe₃ )₂ Se and PhN₂ H₃ /(SiMe₃ )₂ Se led to the formation of [{(R² Sn)₂ SnSe₄ }₂ (μ-Se)₂ ] (1; R² =CMe₂ CH₂ C(Me)NNH₂ ) and [{(R³ Sn)₂ SnSe₄ }₂ (μ-Se)₂ ] (2; R³ =CMe₂ CH₂ C(Me)NNPhH)). The addition of ortho-phthalaldehyde to [(R² Sn)₄ Se₆ ] yielded a cluster with intramolecular bridging of the organic groups, namely, [(R⁴ Sn₂ )₂ Se₆ ] (3; R⁴ =(CMe₂ CH₂ C(Me)NNCH)₂ C₆ H₄ ). The introduction of organic ligands with longer chains finally allowed the isolation of inorganic-organic capsules of the type [(μ-R)₃ (Sn₃ Se₄ )₂ ]X₂ , with R=(CMe₂ CH₂ C(Me)NNHC(O))₂ (CH₂ )₄ and X=[SnC₃ ], Cl (4 a, b) or R=CMe₂ CH₂ C(Me)NNH)₂ and X=[SnCl₃ ] (5). The capsules enclose solvent molecules and/or anions as guests. All compounds were characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Formation and Structural Diversity of Organo-Functionalized Tin-Silver Selenide Clusters

When reacting the organic functionalized tin selenide clusters [(SnR¹ )₃ Se₄ Cl] (A, R¹ =CMe₂ CH₂ C(O)Me) or [(SnR¹ )₄ Se₆ ] (B) with (SiMe₃ )₂ Se and [Ag(PPh₃ )₃ Cl] at -78 °C in CH₂ Cl₂ , a microcrystalline intermediate (compound 1) precipitates, which was investigated by magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry calculations, to derive information about its composition and structure. Compound 1 re-dissolves under reorganization into the organo-functionalized Ag/Sn/Se cluster compound [Ag₆ (μ₆ -Se)(Ag₈ Se₁₂ ){(R¹ Sn)₂ Se₂ }₆ ] (2), or the mixed-valence cluster [(AgPPh₃ )₂ (Sn^II Cl)₂ Se₂ {(R¹ Sn^IV )₂ Se₂ }₂ ] (3), depending on the presence or the exclusion of daylight, respectively. The addition of N₂ H₄ ⋅H₂ O to a solution of 1 yields selectively [Ag₇ (μ₇ -Se)(Ag₇ Se₁₂ ){(R² Sn)₂ Se₂ }₆ ] (4, R² =CMe₂ CH₂ C(N₂ H₂ )Me), the Ag/Sn/Se core of which is isomeric to that of 2. 2-4 were characterized by X-ray diffraction. NMR spectroscopic studies on solutions of 1 indicate the co-existence of different species.

The structure-directing amine changes everything: structures and optical properties of two-dimensional thiostannates

Two different two-dimensional thiostannates (SnS) were synthesized using tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) or 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine (1AEP) as structure-directing agents. Both structures consist of negatively charged thiostannate layers with charge stabilizing cations sandwiched in-between. The fundamental building units are Sn₃S₄ broken-cube clusters connected by double sulfur bridges to form polymeric (Sn₃S₇^2-)_n honeycomb hexagonal layers. The compounds are members of the R-SnS-1 family of structures, where R indicates the type of cation. Despite consisting of identical structural units, the band gaps of the two semiconducting compounds were found to differ substantially at 2.96 eV (violet-blue light) and 3.21 eV (UV light) for tren-SnS-1 and 1AEP-SnS-1, respectively. Aiming to explain the observed differences in optical properties, the structures of the two thiostannates were investigated in detail based on combined X-ray diffraction, solid-state ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn MAS NMR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies. The compound tren-SnS-1 has a hexagonal structure consisting of planar SnS layers with regular hexagonal pores and disordered cations, whereas 1AEP-SnS-1 has an orthorhombic unit cell with ordered cations, distorted hexagonal pores and non-planar SnS layers. In the formation of 1AEP-SnS-1, an intramolecular reaction of the structure-directing piperidine takes place to form an N-heterobicyclic cation through in situ C-H activation. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate the interaction between the SnS layers and cations in 1AEP-SnS-1 and revealed that the most nucleophilic part of the SnS sheets is one of the two crystallographically distinct double sulfur bridges.

Organotetrel Chalcogenide Clusters: Between Strong Second-Harmonic and White-Light Continuum Generation

Highly directional white-light generation was recently reported for the organotin sulfide cluster [(StySn)₄S₆] (Sty = p-styryl). This effect was tentatively attributed to the amorphous nature of the material in combination with the specific combination of an inversion-symmetry-free T/E cluster core (T = tetrel, E = chalcogen) with the attachment of ligands that allow π delocalization of the electron density. Systematic variation of T and the organic ligand (R) that runs from T = Si through Ge to Sn and from R = methyl through phenyl and p-styryl to 1-naphthyl provides a more comprehensive view. According to powder X-ray data, only [(PhSi)₄S₆] is single-crystalline among the named combinations. Here we demonstrate the fine-tuneability of the nonlinear response, i.e., changing from white-light generation to second-harmonic generation as well as controlling the white-light properties. These are investigated as a function of T, π delocalization of the electron density within R, and the order within the molecular solids.

Tin sulfide and selenide clusters soluble in organic solvents with the core structures of Sn4S6 and Sn4Se6

Reactions of LSnCl (1) (L = N(2,6-iPr2C6H3)(SiMe3)) with sulfur and selenium, respectively under mild conditions yielded two tin chalcogenide clusters. Surprisingly the tin atoms of the L4Sn4S6 (2) and L4Sn4Se6 (3) clusters are oxidized from Sn(II) of the precursor to Sn(IV) of the products under concomitant reduction of elemental sulfur and selenium to sulfide and selenide, respectively. The released chlorine radicals from the precursor LSnCl (1) react under oxidative addition with another LSnCl molecule to yield the side product LSnCl3 (4). The soluble nature of clusters 2 and 3 in organic solvents is a unique property of this class of compounds and makes them suitable for reactions in organic solvents. Compounds 2 and 3 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR investigations. Furthermore in ROP polymerization, the two products show high catalytic activity. For the first time a tin selenide compound functions in ROP catalysis.

Formation and Reactivity of Organo-Functionalized Tin Selenide Clusters

Reactions of R(1) SnCl3 (R(1) =CMe2 CH2 C(O)Me) with (SiMe3 )2 Se yield a series of organo-functionalized tin selenide clusters, [(SnR(1) )2 SeCl4 ] (1), [(SnR(1) )2 Se2 Cl2 ] (2), [(SnR(1) )3 Se4 Cl] (3), and [(SnR(1) )4 Se6 ] (4), depending on the solvent and ratio of the reactants used. NMR experiments clearly suggest a stepwise formation of 1 through 4 by subsequent condensation steps with the concomitant release of Me3 SiCl. Furthermore, addition of hydrazines to the keto-functionalized clusters leads to the formation of hydrazone derivatives, [(Sn2 (μ-R(3) )(μ-Se)Cl4 ] (5, R(3) =[CMe2 CH2 CMe(NH)]2 ), [(SnR(2) )3 Se4 Cl] (6, R(2) =CMe2 CH2 C(NNH2 )Me), [(SnR(4) )3 Se4 ][SnCl3 ] (7, R(4) =CMe2 CH2 C(NNHPh)Me), [(SnR(2) )4 Se6 ] (8), and [(SnR(4) )4 Se6 ] (9). Upon treatment of 4 with [Cu(PPh3 )3 Cl] and excess (SiMe3 )2 Se, the cluster fragments to form [(R(1) Sn)2 Se2 (CuPPh3 )2 Se2 ] (10), the first discrete Sn/Se/Cu cluster compound reported in the literature. The derivatization reactions indicate fundamental differences between organotin sulfide and organotin selenide chemistry.

{[Ir3(cod)3(μ3-S)2](μ3-S)SnCl}2 – a ternary Ir–Sn–S cluster with the iridium atoms in three different chemical environments

The cluster {[Ir₃(cod)₃(μ₃-S)₂](μ₃-S)SnCl}₂ with an unprecedented topology of Sn, Ir, and S atoms was obtained by reactions of organo-functionalized tinsulfide clusters with [IrCl(cod)]₂.

Synthesis, crystal structures and two-photon absorption properties of triphenylamine cyanoacetic acid derivative and its organooxotin complexes

Three novel organooxotin complexes (Z1, Z2 and Z3) exhibit large 2PA cross-section per molecular weight and can be used as potential anti-tumor agents.

Organotin-oxido cluster-based multiferrocenyl complexes obtained by hydrolysis of ferrocenyl-functionalized organotin chlorides

Three organotin-oxido clusters were formed by hydrolysis of ferrocenyl-functionalized organotin chloride precursors in the presence of NaEPh (E=S, Se). [R(Fc) SnCl3 ⋅HCl] (C; R(Fc) = CMe2 CH2 C(Me)=N-N=C(Me)Fc) and [SnCl6 ](2-) formed {(R(Fc) SnCl2 )3 [Sn(OH)6 ]}[SnCl3 ] (3 a) and {(R(Fc) SnCl2 )3 [Sn(OH)6 ]}[PhSeO3 ] (3 b), bearing an unprecedented [Sn4 O6 ] unit, in a one-pot synthesis or stepwise through [(R(Fc) SnCl2 )2 Se] (1) plus [(R(Fc) SnCl2 )SePh] (2). A one-pot reaction starting out from FcSnCl3 gave [(FcSn)9 (OH)6 O8 Cl5 ] (4), which represents the largest Fc-decorated Sn/O cluster reported to date.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and photoluminescence studies of a ruthenocenyl-decorated Sn/S cluster

Recently, we reported on ferrocenyl-decorated Sn/S clusters; herein, we present the extension of our investigations by attachment of ruthenocenyl units to an according cluster skeleton. The latter was realized upon improvement of the synthesis of acetylruthenocene, its conversion to a hydrazone derivative, and the subsequent reaction with a keto-functionalized Sn/S precursor complex. The report comprises the crystal structures of acetylruthenocene and the ruthenocenyl-terminated Sn/S cluster [(R(Rc)Sn)4Sn2S10] (R(Rc) = CMe2CH2C(Me)═N-N═C(Me)Rc), as well as the discussion of the electrochemical properties of the latter and its behavior during time-resolved photoluminescence investigations.

Towards the installation of transition metal ions on donor ligand decorated tin sulfide clusters

Decoration of tetrelchalcogenide T-E clusters with chelating donor ligands was achieved to capture transition metal ions on their surfaces. We demonstrate that by covalent linking of bispyridyl ligands to an Sn-S complex, [ZnX](+) units can be trapped and incorporated into the cluster framework. Intermediates that were identified using spectroscopy and/or X-ray diffraction gave insight into the formation processes.

Functionalized organotin-chalcogenide complexes that exhibit defect heterocubane scaffolds: formation, synthesis, and characterization

The synthesis of new functionalized organotin-chalcogenide complexes was achieved by systematic optimization of the reaction conditions. The structures of compounds [(R(1, 2) Sn)3 S4 Cl] (1, 2), [((R(2) Sn)2 SnS4 )2 (μ-S)2 ] (3), [(R(1, 2) Sn)3 Se4 ][SnCl3 ] (4, 5), and [Li(thf)n ][(R(3) Sn)(HR(3) Sn)2 Se4 Cl] (6), in which R(1) =CMe2 CH2 C(O)Me, R(2) =CMe2 CH2 C(NNH2 )Me, and R(3) =CH2 CH2 COO, are based on defect heterocubane scaffolds, as shown by X-ray diffraction, (119) Sn NMR spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry analyses. Compounds 4, 5, and 6 constitute the first examples of defect heterocubane-type metal-chalcogenide complexes that are comprised of selenide ligands. Comprehensive DFT calculations prompted us to search for the formal intermediates [(R(1) SnCl2 )2 (μ-S)] (7) and [(R(1) SnCl)2 (μ-S)2 ] (8), which were isolated and helped to understand the stepwise formation of compounds 1-6.