Polymeric [(R4N){(Me3Sn)2OH}Ni(CN)4]n: from layers (R=nC4H9) to infinite ribbons (R=nC5H11)

In the presence of (nC5H11)4N+ ions, the earlier described almost planar 14-membered ring system [{(Me3Sn)2OH}2{Ni(CN)4}2]2− polymerizes via O–H⋯NC hydrogen bonds to straight, infinite ribbons, while in the presence of the slightly smaller (nC4H9)4N+ ion a faintly puckered 2-D framework had been obtained. The dimorphism of the polymeric anion seems to be controlled by weak C–H⋯NC hydrogen bonds.