Neutron diffraction analysis of the first stable hydride derivative of a divalent group-14 metal

A single-crystal neutron diffraction study at 20 K has revealed accurate hydride ligand positions in the first stable hydride derivative of a divalent group-14 metal, [2,6-Trip2C6H3Sn(μ-H)]2·4C6H6, Trip = 2,4,6-tri-isopropylphenyl [B.E. Eichler, P.P. Power, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122 (2000) 8785]. In the solid state this dimeric complex assumes a trans C2h geometry with two bridging hydrides (Sn–H 1.943(7) Å, angle C–Sn–H 92.4(2)°, angleSn–H–Sn′ 106.9(3)°, angle H–Sn–H′ 73.1(3)°). The bulky Trip ligand serves to stabilize the Sn–H bonds. The tin atoms carry lone pairs, and, as determined previously by X-ray diffraction and reported by Eichler and Power, the tin coordination accordingly is pyramidal as evidenced by the sum of the three bond angles around tin of 257°. To our knowledge this is the first neutron diffraction study of a tin hydride complex to be reported. The neutron diffraction measurements were carried out using the time-of-flight Laue SCD instrument at the Argonne Intense Pulsed Neutron Source.