Synthesis and characterization of imidocubanes with exocube Ge(IV) and Sn(IV) substituents: [M(mu3-NGeMe3)]4 (M = Sn, Ge, Pb); [Sn(mu3-NSnMe3)]4.
The heteroleptic lithium amide, [(Me3Sn)(Me3Ge)NLi.(Et2O)]2 (2), reacts with MCl(2) (M = Sn, Ge, Pb) to yield the corresponding cubane complexes [M(mu3-NGeMe3)]4 [M = Sn (3), Ge (4), Pb (5)]. In an analogous reaction with SnCl2, the lithium stannylamide, [(Me3Sn)2NLi.(Et2O)]2 (1), produces the mixed-valent Sn congener [Sn(mu3-NSnMe3)]4 (6). All imidocubanes contain both di- and tetravalent group 14 metals that are bridged by N. These structures are comprised of M4N4 (M = Sn, Pb, Ge) cores that possess varying distortion from perfect cube geometry. The Pb derivative (5) exhibits enhanced volatility and vapor-phase integrity.
Eichler
Jack F
JF
Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA 30054, USA. jack.eichler@emory.edu
Just
Oliver
O
Rees
William S
WS