N-Heterocyclic Imine-Stabilized Binuclear Tin(II) Cations: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Catalytic Application

The reaction of Cp*Sn[OTf] (Cp*=C₅Me₅; OTf=O₃SCF₃) with one equivalent of IPrNLi (IPrN=bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-iminato) resulted in the binuclear [OTf]-bridged tin complex 1. Similarly, the [BF₄]-bridged bimetallic complex 2 was synthesized by the reaction of Cp*Sn[BF₄] with IPrNLi (1 eq.). It was also possible to prepare 1 from 2 via an anion exchange reaction. The high-yield conversion of 2 into the binuclear iodostannylene [IPrNSnI]₂ 3 was accomplished by treatment with LiI. The catalytic potential of 1 and 2 was demonstrated in the hydroboration of carbonyls.